Title: A Catechism Relative to the English National Debt, [August or September? 1777]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[August or September?, 1777]
A CATECHISM
Relative to the English National Debt.
Question 1. Supposing this debt to be only 195 millions of pounds sterling at present, although it is much more, and that it was all to be counted in shillings, that a man could count at the rate of 100 shillings per minute, for 12 hours each day, till he has counted the whole, how long would he take in doing it?
Answer. One hundred forty-eight years, one hundred nine days, and twenty-two hours.
Q. 2. The whole of this sum being 3,900 millions of shillings, and the coinage standard being sixty-two in the troy pound, what is the whole weight of this sum?
A. Sixty-one millions, seven hundred fifty-two thousand, four hundred and seventy-six troy pounds.
Q. 3. How many ships would carry this weight, suppose 100 tons each?
A. Three hundred and fourteen ships.
Q. 4. How many carts would carry this weight, suppose a ton in each?
A Thirty-one thousand, four hundred and fifty-two carts.
Q. 5. The breadth of a shilling being one inch, if all these shillings were laid in a straight line, close to one another’s edges, how long would the line be that would contain them?
A. Sixty-one thousand, five hundred fifty-two miles, which is 9,572 miles more than twice round the whole circumference of the earth.
Q. 6. Suppose the interest of this debt to be three and a half per cent. per annum, what does the whole annual interest amount to?
A. Six millions, seven hundred and seventy thousand pounds.
Q. 7. How doth government raise this interest annually?
A. By taxing those who lent the principal, and others.
Q. 8. When will government be able to pay the principal?
A. When there is more money in England’s treasury than there is in all Europe.
Q. 9. And when that be?
A. Never.


Title: The American Commissioners to George Washington, [August or September 1777]
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Washington, George

Sir
[August or September, 1777]
The Marquis de la Fayette, a young Nobleman of great Expectations and exceedingly belov’d here, is by this time probably with you. By some Misapprehension in his Contract with the Merchants of Bordeaux he was prevented from using the Produce of the Cargo he carried over, and so was left without a Supply of Money. His Friends here have sent him over about £500 Sterling; and have propos’d sending him more: But on Reflection, knowing the extream Generosity of his Disposition, and fearing that some of his necessitous and artful Countrymen may impose on his Goodness, they wish to put his Money into the Hands of some discreet Friend, who may supply him from time to time, and by that means knowing his Expences may take Occasion to advise him if necessary, with a friendly Affection, and secure him from too much Imposition. They accordingly have desired us to name such a Person to them. We have not been able to think of one so capable, and so suitable from the Influence of Situation to perform that kind Office, as General Washington, under whose Eye the Gentleman will probably be. We beg therefore in his Behalf, what his Friends out of Respect would not take the Liberty of asking, that your Excellency would be pleased to furnish him with what Money he may want in Moderation, and take his Drafts payable to us for the Sums paid him, which we shall receive here and apply to the publick Service. We also join with his Family in their earnest Request that you would favour him with your Counsels, which you may be assured will be an Act of Benevolence gratefully remembered and acknowledged, by a Number of very worthy Persons here who interest themselves extreamly in the Welfare of that amiable young Nobleman. With the greatest Respect we have the honour to be Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Notation: Rough Draft of the Letter to Genl Washington respecting M. de la Fayette


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse Conway: Two Notes, [August? 1777]
From: Conway, Françoise-Antoinette-Jeanne Langlois du Bouchet, comtesse de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

These two undated notes, we believe, were written in the order in which we print them, and between hers of April 14 from Ville-d’Avray, near Sèvres, where she was no doubt visiting a friend, and that below of September 1 from her home in Auxerre. These two can be assigned with some confidence to a single month, August. The first note refers to a battle after the Amphitrite arrived in America in late April; the engagement must have been one of the skirmishes in June in New Jersey that were reported throughout August in, for example, the Gazette de Leyde. The second note indicates that she has heard from her husband in America. This also suggests August, but later in the month, for her whole tone has changed: Franklin is no longer “Dear Sir” but “mon cher papa,” a prelude to “my father d’amerique” in the September note. Ville-d’Avray is not far from Passy. We conjecture that her visit extended through most of the summer, and that she visited Franklin often enough in August to cement their friendship.

I.
Dear Sir
Chez mde. méliand a ville d’avré par Seve [early August?, 1777]
I am imformed that our friends have had battle against the foes, and they lost Six hundred men. And that General Washington is a litle wounded. Is it true Sir? Let me Know and what is datte of the battle; for that I Should Calculation, if my husband and brother, arrived at time for to aid our friends. I pray you. Remember you my dear Sir, promised to give my all Knew [news] good, or ill. If you chuse to Speak Sooner that to write, let me Know. I will go See you with pleasure, if I could Speak english I will go veri often, but I Cannot, and I will not exempt your time, wich is more valuable than mine.
My best compliment to mr. Deane, and believe both one of our best Country woomn.
D B wif Conway

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / a passy / maison de mr de chaumont
Endorsed: Countess Conway

II.
[Late August?, 1777]
Je fais mille Complimens a mon cher papa monsieur franklin en Le priant d’envoÿer cette lettre cy à mon mari. Il est bien surprenant qu’il n’en n’aÿe pas encore reçue une de celle que monsieur franklin à eu La Bonté de faire partir; je Le supplie d’enfermer celle cy dans son paquet au congrés, et de me faire savoir des nouvelles de mon mari s’il en a reçu, je lui seray bien obligée.
La CTESSE. DE Conway

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / A passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Lebègue de Presle, [August 1777]
From: Lebègue de Presle, Achille-Guillaume
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
[August, 1777]
Je me suis engagé la derniere fois que J’ai eu l’honneur de vous voir, a vous communiquer quelques details sur le coup de foudre dont a ete frappée la salle d’assemblée de Purfleet; mais je n’ai pu le faire plutot parceque le dessein necessaire pour entendre le rapport etoit chez le graveur. Je vous envoye Monsieur la premiere epreuve avec les circonstances dont M. Magellan a fait part.

Le toit de la maison d’assemblée de Purfleet est couvert de plomb. Il regne autour et au bas de ce toit une balustrade + + + + couverte de pierres qui sont liées l’une a l’autre par des crampons de fer scellés a chaque pierre avec du plomb fondu. En dedans de la balustrade c’est a dire entre le bord du toit et la balustrade regne une goutiere de plomb qui se decharge par des tuyaux R dans des puits F a chaque coté en face du batiment.
Il faut observer qu’on n’avoit point etabli de communication metallique entre les crampons de fer qui retiennent les pierres de la balustrade et les goutieres.
L’orage venoit du Nord-est auquel est exposé le coin W de la maison. Avant que le nuage put atteindre la pointe B il trouva le coté w et sur ce coté le crampon de la balustrade le plus voisin de w. Ce morceau de fer determina la decharge de la foudre; mais comme il n’avoit point de communication metallique avec les goutieres ou conducteurs, il occasionna l’explosion, et la foudre sauta a 17 pouces sur le coin le plus voisin de la goutiere, suivit cette goutiere jusqu’au tuyau perpendiculaire R, le long duquel elle descendit jusqu’au puit F.
Le plomb du crampon frappé de la foudre s’est trouvé fondu, et le coin de la goutiere sur lequel la foudre avoit sauté etoit un peu endommagé et les briques et la partie de la muraille qui touchoient au crampon ont aussi ete deplacés et ecartées ou jettees en bas.
Quoiqu’il eut ete dit, lors de l’établissement d’un conducteur sur le Board-house of Purfleet, qu’il seroit pointu, on a trouve que l’extremité ou pointe etoit couverte d’une espece de bonnet de cuivre obtus ou arrondi.
On vient d’ordonner que les conducteurs seroient terminés en pointe et de forme triangulaire, afin que ces trois especes de lames perpendiculaires puissent decharger les nuages lateralement, dans une plus grande etendue et a differente hauteur, comme de plusieurs côtés.
Peut etre seroit il encore mieux de faire les conducteurs de la forme de ce qu’on appelle des herissons en serrurerie ou des lustres, ce sont des pivots garnis de pointes en tous sens.

Peut etre faudroit il placer les conducteurs au haut de chaque face des maisons, les pointes prolongees en avant et non pas perpendiculaires.
Au moins paroit il absolument necessaire que quand il y a des metaux dans la batisse et a decouvert, il y ait aussi des communications metalliques qui joignent les conducteurs.
Voila Monsieur les details qui m’ont parus les plus interessans dans les divers rapports sur cet evenement. On attend un memoire de m. wilson qui sera contre l’usage des pointes.
Je viens de recevoir a Compleate Treatise of Electricity in Theory and Practice &c. Bi tiberius Cavallo 8° 1777. Ce livre fait avec beaucoup d’ordre et de clarté, me paroit un precis bien fait des Loix fondamentales de l’electricité, des principaux phenomenes: la theorie et la pratique y sont exposées avec precision; ce qui est suivi d’experiences nouvelles interessantes, faites par l’auteur depuis 1775, avec le cerf volant, avec l’electrometre atmospherique et l’Electrometre pour la pluye; avec l’Electrophore pour mesurer l’electricité habituelle; enfin sur les couleurs.
Si vous desirez voir cet ouvrage, il est a votre service. J’ay l’honneur d’etre avec Respect Monsieur votre tres humble tres obeissant serviteur
Lebegue De Presle
Nous n’avons point de nouvelles de Du Portail, ce qui nous inquiete, parce qu’il doit etre arrivè a l’armée a la fin de mai.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Marin Beaugeard, [before 1 September? 1777]
From: Beaugeard, Pierre-Marin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[Before September 1, 1777?]
M. Beaugeard, Tresorier des Etats de Bretagne, prie Messieurs Francklin Pere et fils de lui faire l’honneur de venir diner chez lui lundi prochain premier septembre.
Reponse s’il vous plait.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin Maison de / M. Le Ray de Chaumont / A Passy pres Paris


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to [ ――― Saintmartin], 1 September 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Saintmartin, ——

Sir,
Passy, near Paris, Sept. 1. 1777.
I duly received yours of the 26th past, and am much concern’d at the Disappointment you complain of. But as I am totally unacquainted with Mr. Ceronio or his Connections, and have no Instructions relating to him or his Operations; and as Mr. Morris is not under the Direction of the Commissioners from the Congress residing in France, being only employ’d by a Committee to transact some Commercial Affairs, and will probably soon be recall’d for the Irregularity of his Conduct; it is improper for me to meddle in this Affair, and impossible for me to rectify it. The proper Application is to the said Committee of Congress, by a Letter to the Chairman, Mr. Robert Morris, Mercht. of Philadelphia: and I have no doubt that they will do you ample Justice by repairing any Damages you have or may suffer, either from Accident or the Mismanagement of the Persons by them employed. I have the honor to be
Letter to a Mercht of Bourdeaux


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, [1 September 1777?]
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Ce lundi 3 [i.e., September 1, 1777?]
Madame Brillon fait dire a son aimable papa que le jour est pris pour allér au sallon et déjeunér chés monsieur Vérnet jeudi; mércredi on prendra l’heure et les arrangemens. Madame Brillon prie le bon papa de venir a 6 heures précises prendre le thé mércredi parceque monsieur Wattellét et madame le comte viénnent ce jour la disnér avéc elle. Si le papa n’avoit un engagement sacré pour les mércredis madame Brillon l’eut bien préssé de venir se joindre a ses autres amis.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse Conway, 1 September 1777
From: Conway, Françoise-Antoinette-Jeanne Langlois du Bouchet, comtesse de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Auxerre in bourgogne. 1er. 7bre 1777
I am most trouble and perplex for the news ill, that I See in the gazette of Europe. It is true that our friends have to quit ticonderago? I hope not, and as I Suppose that you are instructed better that me, I pray you Dear Sir, do me the kindness of to get me out anxiety were I am upon our friends and upon my dear husband. You are dear Sir all my Comfort, and my Shift, in my unquietness. Give me also news of you Self. You are my father d’amerique forget not this title that my hart you hath given. I am dear Sir with tender respect your most humble obeissante Servant
d B. Conway
My best Compliments to mr. deane.

Addressed: A MonSieur / Sieur franklin / m de mr de chaumont / passy / par paris
Endorsed: Ctesse Conway


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Sowden], [1 September 1777]
From: Sowden, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
[September 1, 1777]
Last post I had the honour to write and forward you a Letter to the care of that Young Gentleman who was charged about ten weeks since with the delivery of my Large packet for Messrs. Rumsey and Gordon jointly, and who, in a Line that accompanied it to Yourself, I told You had lived many Years with me. As it is of importance You should have that Letter, I thought it would be proper to send You a duplicate, and equaly so, as our publick papers say You are not at present in France, to address in under a Cover to Mr. Chaumont, as it is to be presumed in Case You are yet absent from Passy He knows where and how to send it to You. Thus if by any fatality that should miscarry, You will have a chance of receiving this copy, which is as follows....

Monday Septr 1st
Last Friday a Letter reached me from Mr. Gordon, but as it was dated the 7th of January last, contains nothing new. I suppose that long before this arrives You will have seen the Gazette account of the taking, or rather occupying Ticonderago by Burgoigne after the Americans had evacuated it. To me they now seem to be in more danger than ever, as their retreat to fort Edward will probably have a tendency to dispirit their troops, and render them less able to face an Enemy flushed with success. I am Sir Your very humble Servant

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Docteur Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Larguier des Bancels, 2 September 1777: résumé
From: Larguier des Bancels, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Rochefort, September 2, 1777, in French: The justice of your cause and our long standing animosity against the British bind our nation to yours, and I expect at any moment a treaty of friendship between them. My sojourn here has brought me daily stories of Frenchmen going to America, where I am sure they are welcome; can you tell me whether they go with the King’s permission, and find work suited to their qualifications? Mine are not for war. I am thirty-eight, and from the age of eight have been involved in trade or agriculture in the Cévennes. Many young men there would, at a word from me, emigrate if they were sure of military or agricultural employment, and of not being penalized in France as fugitives. I have not the means to get to America to find out for myself the conditions there. If you can find me and my friends anything to do that will be mutually beneficial, we will pray constantly for you and your cause.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de La Merville, 2 September 1777
From: Merville, ——, comte de la
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A st germain en Laye le 2 7bre 1777
Votre probité et votre Reputation me Repondent de votre honneteté sur un procedé qui ne peut vous appartenir. Le nommé le noir qui est encore a mon service me demande son congé disant que vous l’avés arreté a 200 l.t. de gages et d’autres proffits. Comme il a ma livrée sur le corps il ne peut estre en monsieur frankelin de prendre a son service un valet encore en condition. Ainsy j’espere qu’il voudra bien ne pas prendre ce Domestique. D’ailleurs ce n’est pas un sujet assés actif pour estre si recherché. J’en aurai la plus grande obligation a monsieur frankelin pour l’exemple de ces sortes de procedés dont les Domestiques n’abusent que trop dans nos maisons. J’ai l’honneur d’estre avec une bien parfaitte consideration Monsieur votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur.
Le COMTE DE La Merville colonelet chr. de St Louis.

Notation: Letter from Comt Lamaville, concerning Le Noir a Servant. A St. Germain 2. 7bre 1777


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Trezarrieu, 2 September 1777
From: Trezarrieu, Pierre
To: Franklin, Benjamin

We print this letter, from the Spanish Mediterranean port of Alicante, because it is the first example of a type that soon became common. As the likelihood grew that American independence would be maintained, Trezarrieu’s isolated request for a consulship gave place to a flood of applications. These we shall résumé together in future volumes as we now résumé requests for military commissions.

Monsieur
Alicant Le 2e. 7bre. 1777.
L’on fait courir ici le bruit que le Congres des Provinces unies de L’Amerique doit Etablir des Consulats Respectif dans tous les Ports d’Espagne. Comme je me trouve Penettre des sentiments d’amitié les plus vifs pour ces Coloniens, je me ferois le plus grand honneur du monde d’etre Employé a leur service, s’il me fut possible d’abandonner ma profession de commerce. Cependant pour supleer a ces desirs, le seule Ressource qu’il y auroit, ce seroit que j’ocupasse le Poste de Consul de cette Place, qui est d’un vaste Commerce. Je ne doutte pas M. que vous aurez tout plein pouvoir, de c’est [cet] illustre Congres, pour pourvoir tous ces Emplois, par Concequent si vous me jugés digne et capable de m’etablir dans c’est [cet] Employ, en cette ville, vous perpetuireres en ma memoire une juste Reconnoissance qui n’effacera jamais, d’autant que je me flatte de deffendre les droits de votre Pavillon, avec toute L’Integritté, et vigueur, que feries vous meme, de quoi vous deves etre persuadé, comme du sentiment d’affection le plus Respecteux avec lequel j’ai l’honneur d’etre Monsieur Votre tres humble obeissant serviteur
Pierre Trezarrieur

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin Envoyé Par l’Illre. Congres des Provinces / unies d’amerique. Chez mr. De Chaumon / à Passy-près de Paris. / [In another hand:] hôtel du Controlle
Notation: Tresarieur 2. 7bre. 1777


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Vicomte de Tarride, 3 September 1777: résumé
From: Lomagne-Tarride, Bernard, abbé vicomte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Pau in Béarn, September 3, 1777, in French: The vicomte de Tarride, a young man of twenty-two, was réformé after three years’ service and decided to join the Americans. About a month ago he sailed from Bayonne on a Boston ship. I hope I may ask for him your protection and letters to your countrymen. If you think proper, I will send the duc du Châtelet’s certificate of his services to be forwarded to him. You could learn of his lineage in Paris, where it is well known; he has shown his ancestors’ qualities of intelligence, zeal, and precision.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 4 September 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Passy, near Paris, Sept. 4. 1777.
The Gentleman who will have the Honour of waiting upon you with this Letter is the Baron de Steuben, lately a Lieutenant General in the King of Prussia’s Service, whom he attended in all his Campaigns, being his Aide Camp, Quartermaster General, &c. He goes to America with a true Zeal for our Cause, and a View of engaging in it and rendring it all the Service in his Power. He is recommended to us by two of the best Judges of military Merit in this Country, M. de Vergennes and M. de St. Germain who have long been personally acquainted with him, and interest themselves in promoting his Voyage, from a full Persuasion that the Knowledge and Experience he has acquir’d by 20 Years Study and Practice in the Prussian School may be of great Use in our Armies. I therefore cannot but wish that our Service may be made agreable to him. I have the Honour to be
His Excelly Gen. Washington


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-François Fournier, 4 September 1777
From: Fournier, Jean-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
De paris ce 4. 7bre 1777.
Pour répondre a l’honneur de votre demande des cinquante livres de caracterres d’imprimerie que vous m’avez faites le jours de la st. Louis lorsque j’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler étant avec mon épouse et ma fille, je n’ai pas fait la reflexion de vous repondre que vous ne pouviez pas faire grand choses avec si peut du caracterre dont vous avez gardé l’Epreûve. Attendu que pour faire 6. feuille d’impressions il faudroit 650. pesant de caracterre, il vous faudroit pour le moins vingt cinq mille de lettres, qui vous feroit une feuille d’impression. Alors ce seroit au environ de 160. ou 80. pesant assortie de cadrat et espaces. Pour faire quelque choses, alors cela seroit a trente sols la livre, la somme d’environ plus ou moins de cent ecus. Lorsqu’on en fait faire une fonte complette de 7. à 800. pesant on [ne] la paye que vint quatre sols la livre. Si cela vous convient, vous aurez la bonté de me donner vos ordres precis et me faire toucher un acompte de 150. l.t. Vous pairez le reste en recevant l’ouvrages. En attandant l’honneur de votre reponce, je suis avec le plus profond respec Monsieur Votres trés humble et trés obeissant serviteur
J.F. Fournier filsGraveur et fondeur en caracterred’imprimerie rue du foin St. jacque a paris.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur Franklin. / Maison de Mr. Le Ray de chaumont / intendant honnoraire de l’hotel Royale / des invalides. / A passy
Notation: Fournier fils 4. 7bre. 1777.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Paulze, 4 September 1777
From: Paulze, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Bercy le 4. 7bre. 1777
Je viens, Monsieur, de faire acheter à Londres et à Glascow 6000 Boucauds de Tabacs. Vous sçavés que suivant l’acte du 27. Septembre 1660 toutes les denrées et marchandises d’Angleterre ne peuvent être expédiées que par des Navires Anglois et je tenterois sans succès de faire charger ces Tabacs sur des navires français; Mais on me fait craindre que les navires Anglais qui seront chargés de nos Tabacs ne soient exposés aux Incursions des armateurs du Congrès. Nous ne sommes pas en guerre, Monsieur, avec le Congrès et il seroit bien facheux, que des navires, que nous sommes forcés d’employer pussent exposer des Tabacs qui nous appartiennent et compromettre la sureté de nos approvisionnemens, qui tient essentiellement à l’intérêt de l’Etat. J’espère que vous voudres bien pezer ces considérations et m’indiquer les moyens de faire arriver surement nos Tabacs à leur destination. Je suis avec respect, Monsieur, Votre très humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Paulze
M Franklin

Notation: M. Paulze Sep. 4. 77. Tabac acheté en Angleterre


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Philip Mazzei, 5 September 1777
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Most esteemed Sir,
Colle, in the County of Albemarle in Virginia,September 5th. 1777.
I received the honour of your answer, by Mr. Jefferson, with the pamphlet, for which I return you my sincere thanks, as by enlightening my mind it greatly contributes to the happiness of my life. The seeds, called Ravizzoni by the Lombards, and cavolo rapa in the Tuscan language, may be very usefull to us in America when we shall have more leasure to attend to Agriculture. Not understanding the meaning of the Word Ravizzoni, I could not give a satisfactory answer until I had seen the plant. I was just going to give an account of it, when from a North Carolina Delegate I understood, that the Quakers had missed you about a fortnight sinse, and did not yet know what to think of you. I take the liberty to enclose a letter for my corrispondent at Leghorn, and intend to trouble you with several, as I have no other means of sending them with any degree of safety, and the contents of them being such, as I think conducive to promote the wellfare of our dear Country. Should you receive some without direction, I wish you will foreward them to the Grand-Duke of Tuscany through the Embassador of the Emperor, or Abbée Niccoli, the Grand-Duke’s agent, a learned gentleman, and friend of mine, who I am conscious would be extremely glad of the opportunity of being introduced to you. I have some thing in view, which I have great reason to expect would be very agreable to that Sovereign, and very beneficial to us in our present struggles; but to effect it, it would be necessary for me to go there with a clever fellow, a native of America, and that we should not, before we were sure of success, appear to have been sent on public business. I am with respect and veneration, Most esteemed Sir, your most Obedient and most Humble Servant
Philip Mazzei

Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / Paris / by favour of Mr. Shore
Notations: Mazzei Virginia / Sept. 5. 1777


Title: William Lee to the American Commissioners, 6 September 1777
From: Lee, William
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen,
Nantes Sept. 6th, 1777
The 4th. two little boats arrivd here from Virginia (private property) which they left the 4th. of Augt. They bring the Papers with the Congress account of the evacuation of Ticonderoga, which is inclos’d, with some other Papers which the passenger Mr. King will bring with him as he sets out for Paris on Sunday or Monday next. Mr. K. who seems to be an accurate and inteligent Gentleman says that the Evening before he left Hampton in Virg. a small vessel came there bound to this Port from Baltimore in Maryland with a Baltimore paper of July 29 which he read twice over and is very confident and particular as to its contents, tho’ he could not prevail with the Captain to part with it, as he intended to sail two days after Mr. King. He says that Paper mentiond that an express had just arrived from Philadelphia at Baltimore with the account of a Mr. Davis having come from fort Edward to General Washingtons Head Quarters with the accounts that the British Troops advancing to fort Edward the 17th of July St. Claire got round them, attacked in the rear while the forces from Fort Edward attacked in front which produced a general rout, and the British loss in Killd, Wounded, and Prisoners was about 1000 Men. The fugitives secur’d themselves by retiring to a Mountain, and leaving 600 of their Battoes to be destroy’d by the Americans, this intelligence was confirm’d by other Officers arriv’d at General Washingtons headquarters. This is Mr. K s Acct. but in my mind there is much room for doubting the truth of the fact, however such disomfiture has not been hinted by me here, the World may take it as they please. I believe Mr. K. saw such a Paper, but from an attentive perusal of the other Papers I am inclin’d to think, it will prove some runaway Officers detail of what happend the 7th of July, which Burgoyne displays in such flaming Coulours, as a wonderful Victory of the British Troops. Mr. K. says two days before he got here he parted with a Packet bound to Bourdeaux with Continental Dispatches for you, but that she saild before him consequently has not the above inteligence. One of these Vessels as both are to be arm’d before their departure for Virginia wish to employ their leisure time in making a little cruize, pray inform me whether you think such an enterpriz may be advisable. A Broker here has it seems made a practice of taking the American Letters out of the Post Office and sending them to L. Sormont he has before witnesses confessed the fact with respect to Capn. Thompsons Letters; cannot this Man be punished? Capt. Greens Letters have also been intercepted and I understand Mr. Deanes Letter and Instructions to Capn. Hynson have not come to Hand. Be so good as to answer me with respect to the privateer scheem and the Broker. I am &c.
Mess. Franklin Deane & Lee Paris


Title: Lambert Wickes and Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 6 September 1777
From: Wickes, Lambert,Nicholson, Samuel
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen,
St Malo 6th September 1777.
We your humble petioners beg leave to inform you of the distressed Situation of our Brother Officers now Prisoners in England, particularly John Nicholson Esqr. and his Officers who was taken in the Sloop Hornet in the Service of the United States of America and Thomas Norwood and Nine Men that was put on Board of one of our late prizes, who was taken and Carried into Falmouth and Many other Unfortunate Country Men, who are Now Suffering in prison and Cannot get a farthing to furnish the Necessarys of Life.
We pray your Honours would please to Appoint some mode or Method to furnish them with a trifle of Money in order to releave their present Necessity’s, as such a Conduct on your parts will tend to the Softning and relieving their Sufferings and thereby prevent them from joining our Enemies and fighting against us, which they will be obliged to do if not releived. We our Selves will readily and Willingly assist them as far as our Money or Credit will go. As we don’t know how soon it may be [our] own Case, as we are all liable to Such Misfortunes, We therefore recommend them to your honours Notice and hope you will be graciously pleased to give them the Most Speedy Assistance in your Power. From Gentlemen, Your Most Obedient humble Servants
Lambt. WickesSam. Nicholson
To the Honbles. the Commissioners of the United States of America Paris

Addressed: To / The Honble. Dr Benja. Franklin / at / Paris
Notations: Petition from Capts Wicks & Nicholson / Petition from Cap Weeks & Nicholson St Malo’s Sept 6 77


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Paulze, 7 September 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Paulze, Jacques

Sir,
Passy, Sept. 7. 1777.
No armed Vessels under our direction are at present cruising or intended to cruise on the Coasts of Britain: If there were any such we should certainly at your Request, order them to permit your Tobaccos to pass freely; as being the Property of our Friends. Cruisers coming directly from America to Europe may possibly in their Way take English Ships charg’d with your Tobacco. If they should bring it into France it will be delivered up to you here. If the Ships are sent to America, the Courts of Admiralty before whom the Prizes must be tried will certainly liberate the Tobaccos, on Proof that they belong to you. But as these Cruisers, not being acquainted with your Property in the Tobacco may possibly carry it to some other Market, or destroy it in burning the Ships; and tho’ restored after being carried to America the Inconveniences to you will be considerable; We think, (as you desire our Opinion) you would do well to oblige the English from whom you purchase, to deliver the Tobacco in France at their Risque; or otherwise that you insure it in London. I am, with great Respect, Sir,
I beg leave to take this Occasion of mentioning to you, that a Duty is demanded of our Agents at Nantes, on Soldiers Clothes exported from thence, in which we think there must be some Mistake, as we are inform’d the Cloth had before paid all the Duty belonging to it, and laying an additional one on the same Cloth when made up is a Discouragement to your own Workmen employ’d in that Business; and contrary to the Interest of France, as, if continu’d, it will oblige us to stop that Operation, and will prevent the making of 80,000 Suits per Annum which we are ordered to provide here. I request your Answer to this Particular, and am, with great Respect, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B F
Letter to M Paulze


Title: Comparison of Great Britain and America as to Credit, in 1777, [before 8 September 1777]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[Before September 8, 1777]
In the Affair of Borrowing Money, a Man’s Credit depends on some or all of the following Particulars:
1. His known Conduct with regard to former Loans, in the Punctuality with which he discharg’d them.
2. His Industry in his Business.
3. His Frugality in his Expences.
4. The Solidity of his Funds, his Estate being good, and free of prior Debts, whence his undoubted Ability of Paying.

5. His well-founded Prospects of greater future Ability, by the Improvement of his Estate in Value, and by Aids from others.
6. His known Prudence in Managing his general Affairs, and the Advantage they will probably receive from the present Loan he desires.
7. His known Virtue, and honest Character manifested by his voluntary Discharge of Debts that he could not otherwise have been oblig’d to pay.
The same Circumstances that give a private Man Credit, ought to have and will have their Weight with Lenders of Money to publick Bodies or to Nations.
If then we consider and compare Britain and America in those several Lights, upon the Question to which it is safest to lend Money we shall find
1. With Regard to former Loans; that America which borrowed Ten Millions Sterling during the last War for the Maintenance of her Army of 25,000 Men and other Charges, had faithfully discharg’d and paid that Debt and all her other Debts, in 1772: whereas Britain during those ten years of Peace and profitable Commerce had made little or no Reduction of her Debt, but on the contrary from time to time diminish’d the Hopes of her Creditors by a wanton Diversion and Misapplication of the Sinking Fund which had been destin’d for the Discharge of it.
2. With regard to Industry in Business. Every Man in America is employ’d. The greatest Number in cultivating their own Lands; the rest in Handicrafts, Navigation and Commerce. An idle Man is a Rarity. Idleness and Inutility is a Character of Disgrace. In England the Quantity of that Character is immense. Fashion has spread it far and wide. Hence the Embarassment of private Fortunes and the daily Bankrupcies, arising from the universal fondness for Appearance and expensive Pleasures. And hence in some degree the Mismanagement of their publick Business: For Habits of Business and Ability in it are acquired only by Practice; and where universal Dissipation and the perpetual Pursuit of Amusement are the Mode, the Youth who are educated in it, can rarely afterward acquire that patient Attention and close Application to Affairs, which are so necessary to a Statesman charg’d with the Care of National Welfare. Hence their frequent Errors in Policy. Hence the Weariness at Publick Councils and the Backwardness in going to them; the constant Unwillingness to engage in any Measure that requires Thought and Consideration; and the Readiness for postponing every new Proposition, which postponing is therefore the only Part of Business that they come to be expert in, an Expertness produc’d necessarily by so much daily Practice. Whereas in America, Men bred to close Employment, in their private Affairs, attend with habitual Ease to those of the Publick when engag’d in them, and nothing fails through Negligence.
3. With regard to Frugality in Expences. The Manner of Living in America, is in general more simple, and less Expensive than that in England. Plain Tables, plain Clothing, plain Furniture in Houses, few Carriages of Pleasure. In America an expensive Appearance hurts Credit, and is therefore avoided. In England it is often put on with a View of gaining Credit, and continued to Ruin. In publick Affairs the Difference is still greater. In England Salaries of Officers and Emoluments of Office are enormous. A King has a Million Sterling per Annum, and yet cannot maintain his Family free of Debt, Secretaries of State, Lords of Treasury, Admiralty, &c. have vast Appointments, an Auditor of the Exchequer has, tis Said, 6 pence the Pound or a Fortieth Part of all publick Money expended by the Nation, so that when a War costs 40,000,000 there is a Million for him: an Inspector of the Mint in the last new Coinage received as his Fees £65,000 Sterling a Year, to which Rewards no Service these Gentlemen can render the Public is by any means equivalent. This is all paid by the People, who are oppress’d by the Taxes so occasion’d, and thereby render’d less able to contribute to the Payment of necessary national Debts. In America, Salaries where indispensible are extreamly low, but much of publick Business is done gratis. The Honour of serving the publick ably and faithfully is deemed sufficient. Public Spirit really exists there, and has great Effects. In England it is universally deem’d a Non-Entity, and whoever pretends to it, is laugh’d at as a Fool, or suspected as a Knave. The Committees of Congress which form the Board of War, the Board of Treasury, the Naval Board, the Committee for Accounts, the Board of foreign Transactions for procuring Arms Ammunition, Clothing, &c. all attend the Business of their respective Functions without any Salary or Emolument whatever tho’ they spend in it much more of their Time than any Lord of Treasury or Admiralty in England can afford from his Amusements. A late British Minister computed that the whole Expence of the Americans in their civil Government of 3,000,000 of People amounted to but £70,000 Sterling per Annum, and drew from thence a Conclusion that they ought to be taxed till their Expence equalled in proportion to what it cost Britain to govern Eight Millions: He had no Idea of a contrary Conclusion, that if 3,000,000 may be well governed for £70,000, Eight Millions may be as well governed for 3 times that Sum, and therefore the Expence of his own Government should be diminished. In that corrupted Nation, no Man is ashamed of being concern’d in lucrative Government Jobbs, in which the public Money is egregiously misapplied, and squandered; the Treasury pillaged; and more numerous and heavier Taxes are called for to the great Oppression of the People; while the Prospect of a greater Number of these Jobbs to be occasion’d by a War is an Inducement with many to cry out for War on all Occasions, and to oppose every Proposition of Peace. Hence the constant Increase of the National Debt, and the absolute Improbability of its ever being discharged.
4. With Regard to the Solidity of Funds. The whole 13 States of America are engag’d for the Payment of every Debt contracted by the Congress, and The Debt to be contracted by the present War is the only Debt they will have to pay, all or nearly all the former Debts of particular Colonies being already discharged. Whereas England will have to pay not only the enormous Debt this War must occasion, but all their vast preceding Debt on the Interest of it; and while America is enriching itself by Prizes made upon the British Commerce, more than it ever did by any Commerce of its own, under the Restraints of a British Monopoly, Britain is growing poorer by the Loss of that Monopoly, the Diminution of its Revenues, and of course less able to discharge the present indiscreet Encrease of its Expences.

5. With Regard to Prospects of greater future Ability. Britain has none such. Her islands are circumscrib’d by the Ocean. Excepting a few Parks or Forests she has no new Land to cultivate, and cannot therefore extend her Improvements. Her Numbers of People too, instead of Increasing from increas’d Subsistence, are continually diminishing from growing Luxury and the greater Difficulty of maintaining Families, which of course discourages early Marriage. Thus she will have fewer People to assist in paying her Debt, and that diminish’d Number will be poorer. America, on the contrary has besides her Lands already improved, a vast Territory yet to improve: The Lands cultivated continually increase in Value with the Encrease of People, and the People who double themselves by natural Propagation in 25 Years, will double yet faster by the Accession of Strangers as long as Lands are to be had for new Families; so that every 20 years there will be a double Number of Inhabitants oblig’d to discharge publick Debts, and those Inhabitants being more opulent may pay their Share with greater Ease.
6. With Regard to Prudence in general Affairs and the Advantages they expect from the Loan desired. The Americans are Cultivators of Land, those engag’d in Fishery and Commerce are a small Number compar’d with the Body of the People. They have ever conducted their several Governments with Wisdom, avoiding Wars and vain expensive Projects, delighting only in their peaceable Occupations, which must considering the Extent of their yet uncultivated Territory, find them Employment still for Ages: Whereas England ever unquiet, ambitious, avaritious, imprudent, and quarrelsome, is half her time engag’d in some War or other, always at an Expence infinitely greater than the Advantage proposed if it could be obtained. Thus she made a War against Spain in 1739 for a Claim of Debt of about £95,000 (scarce a Groat a Head for the Nation) spent £40,000,000 Sterling in the War, and 50,000 Men, and made Peace without obtaining the Satisfaction demanded. Indeed there is scarce a Nation in Europe against which she has not made War on some frivolous Pretext or other, and by this means has imprudently accumulated a Debt that has brought her on the Verge of Bankrupcy. But the most indiscrete of all her Wars is the present against America, with which she might for Ages have preserv’d her profitable Connection by only a just and equitable Conduct. She is now acting like a mad Shopkeeper who should attempt by beating those that pass his Door to make them come in and be his Customers. America cannot submit to such Treatment without being first ruined, and being ruined her Custom will be worth nothing. And England to bring this to pass is adding to her Debt, and ruining herself effectually. America on the other Hand aims only at establishing her Liberty, and that Freedom of Commerce, which will be advantageous to all Europe, while the Abolishing of the Monopoly she has hitherto labour’d under will be an Advantage sufficiently ample to repay the Debt she may contract to accomplish it.
7. With regard to Character in the honest Payment of Debts. The Punctuality of America in Discharge of Public Debts is shown under the first head; the general Character of the People in that respect appears from their faithful Payment of private Debts to England since the Commencement of the War. These were not indeed wanting some half Politicians who propos’d stopping that Payment till Peace should be restor’d alledging that in the usual Course of Commerce and of the Credit given there was always a Debt existing equal to the Trade of 18 Months. That the Trade being for 5 Millions Sterling per Annum, the Debt must be Seven Million and an half. That this Sum paid to the British Merchants would operate to prevent the Distress intended to be brought on Britain by our Stoppage of Commerce with her: For the Merchants receiving this Money and no Orders with it for farther Supplies would either lay it out in the Funds, or in employing Manufacturers to accumulate Goods for a future hungry Market in America, upon an expected Accommodation, by which Means the Funds would be kept up and the Manufacturers prevented from Murmuring. But in Answer it was alledged that Injuries from Ministers should not be reveng’d on Merchants who were our Friends; that the Credit was in consequence of private Contracts made in Confidence of good Faith; that these ought to be held sacred and faithfully comply’d with; for that whatever publick Utility might be suppos’d to arise from a Breach of private Faith, it was unjust, and would in the End be found unwise, Honesty being in truth the best Policy. On this Principle the Proposition was universally rejected: And tho’ the English prosecuted the War against us with unexampled Barbarity, burning our defenceless Towns in the midst of Winter and arming Savages against us, the Debt was punctually paid; and the Merchants of London have testify’d to the Parliament and will testify to all the World that from their Experience in dealing with us they had before the War no Apprehensions of our Unfairness, and that since the War they have been convinc’d that their good Opinion of us was wellfounded. England on the Contrary, an old, corrupt, extravagant and profligate Nation, sees herself deep in Debt which she is in no Condition to pay, and yet is madly and dishonestly running deeper; despairing ever to satisfy her Creditors; and having no Prospect of discharging her Debts but by a Publick Bankrupcy.
On the whole it appears, that from the general Industry, Frugality, Ability, Prudence and Virtue of America, she is a much safer Debtor than Britain. To say nothing of the Satisfaction generous Minds must have in reflecting, that by Loans to America they are opposing Tyranny and aiding the Cause of Liberty which is the Cause of all Mankind.
Rough Draft of Affair of borrowing Money


Title: The American Commissioners to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 8 September 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Committee for Foreign Affairs

Gentlemen,
Passy, near Paris, Sept. 8th. 1777.
It is long since we had a Line from you, the last received being of the Date of [blank in MS] per Mr. Reed.

We suppose from the same Causes which have occasioned your hearing so seldom from us, the Difficulty of finding safe Conveyances, and sometimes the Loss of the Dispatches by the Way.
Mr. Lee informs you, we suppose of his Negotiations in Prussia, and of his safe Return hither. There appears in that, as well as in every other Country in Europe, a Disposition to share in our Commerce, and to oblige us as far as may be done without offending England. We have Numbers of Letters from Eminent Houses there, proposing to furnish us with variety of Commodities at reasonable Rates, to be received by us in Europe and paid for here: We advise them to send their Goods in their own Ships, and protect their own Trade to and from our Coasts.
We enclose you a Copy of the Memorial we sent to Portugal, to which we have yet received no Answer. That Court has been lately much employed in adjusting its Differences with Spain which it is said are now nearly all accommodated, and that they will accede to the Family Compact.
This court continues the same Conduct that it has held ever since our Arrival. It professes to England a Resolution to observe all Treaties, and proves it by restoring Prizes too openly brought into their Ports, imprisoning such Persons as are found to be concerned in fitting out armed Vessels against England from France, warning frequently those from America to depart, and repeating Orders against the Exportation of Warlike Stores. To us it privately professes a real Friendship, wishes success to our Cause, winks at the Supplies we obtain here as much as it can without giving open Grounds of Complaint to England, privately affords us very essential Aids; and goes on preparing for War. How long these two Parts will continue to be acted at the same time, and which will finally predominate, may be a Question. As it is the true Interest of France to prevent our being re-annexed to Britain, that so the British Power may be diminished and the French Commerce augmented, we are enclined to believe the Sincerity is towards us; more especially as the universal Bent of the Nation is manifestly in our Favour. There not having yet commenc’d a War, is accounted for by various Reasons: the Treaties subsisting among the Powers of Europe, by which they are obliged to aid those attacked more than those attacking, which it is supposed will make some Difference; the not being fully prepar’d; the Absence of their Seamen in the Fishery and West Indies, and the Treasure expected from New-Spain, with the Sugars from the Islands; have all, it is said, hitherto contributed to restrain the National Desire of a Breach with England, in which her troublesome Power may be reduced, the Wealth and Strength of France increased, and some Satisfaction obtained for the Injuries received in the unfair Commencement of the last War. England too is extreamly exasperated at the Sight of her lost Commerce enjoy’d by France, the Favour our armed Vessels have met with here, and the Distress of their remaining Trade by our Cruizers even on their own Coasts; and yet she seems afraid of beginning a War with this Country and Spain together while she has our War upon her Hands. In such a Situation some Accident may probably bring on a War sooner than desired by either Party. In the mean time, perhaps the Delay may have this good Effect for us, that enjoying the whole Harvest of Plunder upon the British Commerce, which otherwise France and Spain would divide with us, our Infant Naval Power finds such plentiful Nourishment as has increased and must increase its growth and Strength most marvelously.
It gave us great Joy to hear of the Arrival of the Mercury, Amphitrite, and other Vessels carrying Supplies. Another Ship with a similar Cargo which had long been detained at Marseilles we hope will soon arrive with you. We hope also that you will receive between 20 and 30,000 Suits of Cloathes before Winter, and from time to time Quantities of new and good Arms which we are purchasing in different Parts of Europe. But we must desire you to remember that we are hitherto disappointed in your Promises of Remittance, either by the Difficulties you find in Shipping, or by Captures; and that tho’ far short of compleating your Orders, we are in Danger of being greatly embarrass’d by Debts, of failing in performance of our Contracts, and losing our Credit with that of the Congress. For tho’ we have received 3 Quarterly Payments of the two Million of Livres formerly mentioned to you, and expect the last next Month, our Contracts go beyond, and we must reserve the Continuance of that Aid for the purpose it was promised, to answer your Drafts for Interest, if that Proposal of ours has been adopted. Particularly we beg you will attend to the Affair of Tobacco for the Farmers General with whom we have contracted to supply 5000 Hogsheads, for which they have advanced us 1,000,000 of Livres in ready Money and are to pay the rest on Delivery, as we formerly advis’d you. Your vigorous Exertions in these Matters are the more necessary, as during the apparent or supposed Uncertainty of our Affairs the Loan we were directed to obtain of 2,000,000 Sterling has hitherto been judg’d impracticable. But if the present Campaign should end favourably for us, perhaps we may be able to accomplish it another Year, as some Jealousy begins to be entertain’d of the English Funds by the Dutch and other Money’d People of Europe, to the Increase of which Jealousy we hope a Paper we have drawn up (a Copy whereof we enclose) may in some Degree contribute when made publick.
Mr. Deane has written fully to you on the Effect our Cruizers have had on the Coast and Commerce of Britain, which makes our saying much on that Head unnecessary. We cannot however omit this Opportunity of expressing our Satisfaction in the Conduct of the Captains and of recommending them warmly to the Congress. The ostensible Letter and answer from and to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Copies of which we enclose, will show the Conduct which the Court has thought and thinks itself at present obliged to hold with regard to our Cruizers and their Prizes, of which it seems fit some Notice should be given to the several States.
As the English Goods cannot in foreign Markets face those of the French or Dutch, loaded as they are with the high Insurance from which their Competitors are exempted; it is certain the Trade of Britain must diminish while she is at War with us and the rest of Europe in Peace. To evade this Mischief, she now begins to make use of French Bottoms: But as we have yet no Treaty with France or any other Power that gives to Free Ships the Privilege of making free Goods, we may weaken that Project by taking the Goods of our Enemy wherever we find them paying the Freight. And it is imagined that the Captains of the Vessels so freighted may by a little Encouragement be prevail’d on to facilitate the necessary Discovery.
Spain not having yet resolved to receive a Minister from the Congress, Mr. Franklin still remains here. She has however afforded the Aids we formerly Mentioned; and Supplies of various Articles have continued till lately to be sent consigned to Mr. Gerry, much of which we hear have safely arrived. We shall use our best Endeavours to obtain a Continuance and Encrease of those Aids.
You will excuse our mentioning to you, that our Expences here are necessarily very great, tho’ we live with as much Frugality as our public Character will permit. Americans who escape from English Prisons destitute of every thing, and others who need Assistance, are continually calling upon us for it, and our Funds are very uncertain having yet received but about 64,571 Livres of what was allotted for our Support by Congress. We have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, Gentlemen, Your most obedient humble Servants
(Duplicate)


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 8 September 1777
From: Barbeu-Dubourg, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mon cher Maitre
A Paris ce 8e. 7bre. 1777
Je vous serois fort obligé si vous vouliez nous donner une lettre de recommandation pour quel qu’un des Chefs de vos armées en faveur d’un jeune homme plein de courage et de talens même distingués qui est a Bordeaux pret a s’embarquer pour l’Amerique, ou il compte se fixer en Pensylvanie, apres avoir servi en qualité de volontaire ou autrement tant que la guerre durera. Il se nomme Gerard. Il emporte avec lui une paquotille suffisante pour se soutenir quelques années; et s’il s’y accoutume, son Pere lui feroit ensuite passer sa legitime. Je m’y interesse particulierement, parce qu’il est le beaufrere d’un de nos plus honnetes fournisseurs. J’ai l’honneur de vous souhaiter le bonjour, et de vous reïterer les assurances de mon inviolable attachement
Dubourg

Endorsed: Receiv’d from M. Dubourg Sept. 8. 77. B Franklin
Notation: Dr. B. Franklin, Passy near Paris Sepbre. 12. 1777 recommending Monsr. Girard


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Philip Mazzei, 8 September 1777
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Septr. 8th. [1777]
I sent the original of this by one Mr. Shore, a Virginia Gentleman and merchant, who has letters of recommendation to you and Mr. Deane from Mr. Jefferson; and some from me to my friends in Italy. In delivering the first letter without direction I wish you would take notice of my parcel of papers, which you sent me word by Mr. Jefferson went to Bristol. I have good reasons to desire, that the Grand-Duke may know from you the event of that parcel, and the time it was sent from America. Your most Obedient and most Humble Servant
Philip Mazzei

P.S. I have a pamphlet on the culture of the Cavolo Rapa, written by order of the present Emperor, and dedicated to the Granduke. If the advantages to be derived from that plant are such, as mentioned by the Author, it will be a very great acquisition to us indeed; much greater than to any other Nation. I intend to translate it, and publish it as soon as paper may be had on reasonable terms; unless I was sent to Italy, in which case I could translate it during my passage, and print it there.

Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / Paris
Notation: Philip Mazzei.


Title: The American Commissioners to Lambert Wickes, 9 September 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Wickes, Lambert

Sir
Paris Septr. 9th. 1777
We recd. yours informing of your being ready for sea and that orders had been recd. for your leaving the Port. We hope this by Capt. Bell who goes express will find you still at St. Maloes. We send by him Dispatches for America which you will take the Charge of and have them ready for being sunk in case of accident. We advise your settling the Bills for your repairs &c. and that you draw for the amount on us forwarding at the same time the Bills to us per Capt. Bell. We have purchased of Messrs. Desegray Beaugeard fils & Co. a quantity of Salt Petre designed for your Ballast, but as you have fitted your ship for sea without it and as there may not be time for any new arrangement it must be omitted unless you can take it without occasioning delay. Of this you will be the best judge and if you can take it or any part apply to the house of Messrs. Desegray Beaugeard Fils & Co. who will deliver it. We advise your going for Portsmouth in New Hampshire or Boston as we think you will by that Rout be the least exposed to meet with Vessels of the Enemy of Superior Force. Our Letters to the Congress will do justice to your Conduct since under our Observation and Direction, and the obstructions you have met with have given us pain, it is with pleasure we inform the Congress that nothing has been wanting on your Part to render your Cruizes in these Seas as succesful as we could have wished for. Wishing you a prosperous Voyage we are with much Esteem sir yours &c.
B F. S.D. & A.L.

P.S. The officer who comes with Capt. Bell to take a Passage with you for America will act if occasion requires as a marine on board. He is recommended as a brave man and we have agreed to give him a Passage. Hope it will not be inconvenient to you and that he may be of Service as well on his Passage as after his arrival.
Capt. Wickes


Title: William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 9 September 1777
From: Bingham, William
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
September 9th 1777
Above is Copy of what I had the honor of writing you the 11th Ulto. Want of Opportunities has been the Cause of my not forwarding to you some important News which I received some Time ago from St. Eustatia. You will please to find inclosed Copy of a Letter from a French Gentleman in that Place, with the Translation of some Extracts from American Gazettes, by which you will observe that Gen. Howe has embarked his Troops at New York, and taken his Departure from thence, leaving a sufficient Garrison to defend that Place, as well as the surrounding Posts that the British Army are in possession of. His Destination is not known, but it is generally imagined to be for one of the New England States, which will in all probability have to support the whole weight of this Summer’s Campaign. By making a Descent in that Quarter he may march on and form a Junction with the Troops of Genl. Burgoyne, who you will observe has got possession of the important Pass and strong Fortress of Ticonderoga, which was evacuated by Genl. Sinclair, being destitute of every thing necessary to maintain a Siege. Burgoyne will now push forward into the New England States, whose Frontiers are so ill provided for Defence, that Nothing can stop him in his Career, unless the Militia and Troops of those States turn out with Spirit to meet him, and make some vigorous Efforts, by putting forth the greatest Exertions of their Strength.
Messrs. Delaps under whose Cover I send this, will forward you the latest Newspapers that I have received from the Continent, which I have sent to them for that Purpose. I have the honor to be with due Respect Gentlemen Your obedient humble Servant
Wm Bingham

P.S. I am sorry to inform you that Capt Manly & his Prize are both taken & carried into Halifax the former by the Rainbow & the latter by the Flora.

Notation: August 11th 1777. Mertinico


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Fortin de Melleville, 9 September 1777: résumé
From: Fortin de Melleville, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<Quai des Gesvres, Paris, September 9, 1777, in French: He lauds Franklin at enormous length, for laying the foundations of freedom in the ruins of tyranny, for sustaining his countrymen by his courage and wisdom, for showing, at an age when most men are declining, the fire of youth and the prudence of maturity, for being a Nestor, a law-giver, turning a people of slaves into a people of kings. He offers him his person and his life; he will fly into his arms, pour out his soul, and be content. Tell him when he may pay his respects.>


Title: The American Commissioners to Veuve Cornic & fils, 10 September 1777
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To: Cornic, Veuve Mathurin, & fils

Sirs
Paris Sept. 10th: 1777
We have directed Capt. Johnson to draw on Us for the Amount of the Sums furnished by you for his Disbursements, which Bills will be duly honored. In Answer to Yours, to Doct. Franklin, We have to assure You that We have ever had the fullest Confidence in Your House, not ever had any Thought of changing for another whilst we supposed, as we ever have, that Our Correspondence was mutually agreeable. With respect to Mr. Deane’s Letter to Mr. David, it was in Consequance, of several from him solliciting generally a Correspondence, but Mr. Deane had not any design of putting Our Affairs at Morlaix under other than your Direction, but as it seems the Gentleman has understood it differently Mr. Deane writes by this Conveyance, to undeceive him. We are with much respect Sir your most Obedient and Very humble Servants
Silas DeaneB Franklin
Mr. Cornic &c a Morlaix

Addressed: A Messieurs. / Messrs Vve Min Cornic et Min fils / Negociants / a / Morlaix
Notation: Répondûe le 17. 7bre. 1777.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 10 September 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Passy near Paris, Sept. 10. 1777.
The Bearer, M. de Cambray proposes to go to America with a View of entring into our Service. He is strongly recommended to me by the Duke de Rochefoucauld, who is not only a warm Friend to our Cause, but an excellent Judge of military Merit. I enclose his Letter, with a State of M. de Cambray’s Services which I receiv’d from another Hand, whereby it appears that he is skill’d in Engineering; and as you cannot have too much of that Science in your Army, I have the greater Confidence that you will find this Gentleman useful. I therefore take the Liberty of recommending him to your Excellency’s Protection, and of expressing my hopes that our Service will be made agreable to him. With the greatest Respect I have the Honour to be Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Gen Washington

Notation: Recommendation M. de Cambray


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Estourneau Delatouche, 10 September 1777: résumé
From: Estourneau Delatouche, Jacques
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<La Touche, September 10, 1777, in French: I decided to join your army, and last December asked my nephew to get me the command of a regiment. I thought that I deserved one after having served under Marshal Saxe (who taught officers their trade) in seventeen sieges and three battles. I learned that for the present this is impossible, but see that you are offering land for sale to any one. Please tell me the price, extent, location, and conditions of tenure, and where payment should be made.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Ranconnet, 11 September 1777: résumé
From: Ranconnet, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<September 11, 1777, in French and the third person: In conjunction with Dubuisson (who is known to M. Brillon) he offers shoes and boots in Liège leather; Congress will be satisfied with the quality and price.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Peters, 12 September 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Peters, Richard

Sir,
Passy, near Paris, 12th. Septr. 1777.
The Bearer Monsieur Gerard, is recommended to me by M. Dubourg, a Gentleman of Distinction here, and a hearty Friend to our Cause. I enclose his Letter that you may see the favorable Manner in which he speaks of Mr. Gerard. I thereupon take the Liberty of recommending the young Gentleman to your Civilities and Advice, as he will be quite a Stranger there, and to request that you would put him in the Way of serving as a Volunteer in our Armies. I am, Sir, &c.
(signed) B. Franklin.
To Richard Peters Esqr.


Title: Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 12 September 1777
From: Wickes, Lambert
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Gentlemen
St. Malo Sepr. 12th 1777.
I received your favour of the 28th. Augt. Since which I have wrote you two letters and have received no Answer. As the Admiralty begins to be very pressing in Insisting on My Imediate departure, I am afraid they will hardly permit me to Wait the Arrival of your dispatches unless they Come Very Soon, As I expect to be Sent out of Port the first fair Wind. I Mentioned in my last, that it would not be in my power to Carry any goods out, as my Ship is quite full and as deep as I would Wish to have her. We are not permitted to Send the Dolphin round to Nantes as french property and are apprehensive she will not be Admited as American property, as there is orders given us here not to Offer to enter into any other French port unless in distress and then not to remain longer than 24 Hours in port. I should be Much Obliged for your instructions on this head. I remain, Gentlemen, with the greatest respect Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
Lambt. Wickes
To the Honbles. Benja. Franklin & S: Dean and A Lee Paris

Addressed: To / The Honble. Dr. Benja. Franklin / at / Paris
Notations in different hands: Capt Wickes / Capt Weeks St Malo’s Sepr 12 77


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Gardoqui & Sons], 13 September 1777
From: Gardoqui & fils
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Honoured Sir
Bilbao the 13th Sepr, 1777
We per this post have had the pleasing satisfaction to be honoured with your very Esteemed and agreable favour of the 1st Instant, for contents of which are exceedingly obliged to your good self, as are thereby informed that our letters have duelly kissed your hands.
We returne you our [most] cordiall and sincere thanks for your Kindness in reccommending this your house to your Freinds on the other side the watter to consigne to us what Tobacco they may occassion to send to Spain: rest assured Good Sir that whenever we have the happyness to be honoured with their Commands, our utmost attention and Care will be made use of, to serve their Interest with the highest reggard.
By yesterdays post from Ferrol we received a letter from Messrs. Michael Lagoanere & Co. under the 27th. August advicing us that Capt. Cuningham had putt in there to provide his Vessell with Provitions to proceed home, and as he would for the purpose be in need of 3 to 4000 livers desired to Know if we would answer the Captains bills on us for said Sum; to which we yesterday gave them an Inmediatte answer to furnish him with every thing that he should be in need of and that the Masters bills on us would be discharg’d with the required punctuality, therefore doubt not that on sight of this advice, he will be well provided and wish him a speedy and prosperous Navigation: We most cordially salutte you and are Honoured Sir Your most obedient Humble Servants
Benjamin Frankling Esqr.


Title: The American Commissioners: Certificate for a Ship, [14 September 1777]
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur
To:

[September 14, 1777]
To the Commanders of Ships of War or other armed Vessels belonging to the United States of North America, or to any of the Subjects of said States,

This Certifies, That the Ship Elizabeth [altered from: Richard Penn, Isaac All] at present Commander or whoever may command her for the time being is owned by [deleted: Matthew Mease Esq. of Philadelphia] (and having been detained in England since the Commencement of the War) has obtain’d Clearance from England to Lisbon [altered from: from hence], as if English Property but in reality, with the sole purpose of carrying a Cargo of Salt and Jesuits Bark and other Goods, not the Manufactory of Great Britian, or Ireland to some of the United States, which by means of said Papers may be effected with little Risque,
It is therefore requested of the said Commanders, that they permit the said Ship, to pass for the purpose, and on the Voyage aforesaid without detention, and that they would afford her any assistance or Protection she may be in want of, in the same Way and manner as is usual to other Vessels of their Countrymen.
Given under our hands at Paris this 14th of September 1777.
B. FranklinSilas DeaneArthur Lee


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Bulet, 14 September 1777: résumé
From: Bulet, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

<La Charité-sur-Loire, September 14, 1777, in French: Now that all rejoice over the success of your compatriots, allow an unknown voice to congratulate you on their defending the rights of humanity, that often reviled humanity that you honor. Let me tell you of a plan that you may find useful. America needs many things from friendly powers; I have some to offer. My town is in the Nivernais, close to Berry, the hemp and wool of which are well known. Nivernais iron products, now that the manufacture has improved, are as good as any in France―steel, sheet-metal, nails; these I offer you, some or all. If you accept, please notify your agents in the ports, especially Nantes; I will deal with you or them. No advance; you pay on delivery or on agreed terms. I can supply you, faster and more advantageously than any one else, with the manufactures of two great provinces. Let me know what you think of the idea. I am glad I had it, because it has allowed me to assure you of my respect.>


Title: Henry Johnson to the American Commissioners, 16 September 1777
From: Johnson, Henry
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Deane, Silas,Lee, Arthur

Honorable Gentlemen:
Morlaix Sepr: 16th, 1777
Your agreeable favours of the 9th Inst. was handed me by Capt. Bell with the different packets and letters to morrow morning shall sail God willing. I forward by Capt. Bell my accounts I find a Ballance. I find in favour of the Congress which I shall give Credit if I find no Errors. If any shall settle the same with the Agent in America. As everything has gone thro’ my hands perhaps I may have made some mistake. I am much Obliged to your honours for well wishes likewise for your Interesting yourselves in behalf of me to the Congress. Be assured it shall ever be my greatest ambition to do every thing in my power to give Satisfaction to your honours as well as the Hon’ble body the Congress. I am extremely glad to find your honours are pleased With the house of Messrs: Comics. I can assure your honours he is a worthy man and is much Interested in favour of America. We sold the sloop Jason here and have passed her Ballance to the Brigs Account. I likewise forward you an Account from Messrs. Cornics they have Charged me 3 per Cent Commissions as they did not do all my Bussiness. If its too much or more than is Charged you in general, You will please to acquaint them of it, as I am ignorant of the Customs.

Notation: No 11


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Barthélémy-Louis-Joseph Schérer de Jouchery, 16 September 1777
From: Schérer de Jouchery, Barthélemy-Louis-Joseph
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris ce 16 7bre 1777de l’hotel de Provence rue St. Severin
J’eus l’honneur il y a quelque temps de vous etre Recommandé de la part de Monsieur Le Comte de Maillebois, et de vous presenter un ouvrage Militaire intitulé Nouveau traité de La Colonne. Oserois-je vous supplier Monsieur, de vouloir bien m’indiquer un jour ou je pourrai avoir l’honneur de vous presenter mes respects. J’espere aussi que vous voudrez bien me communiquer vos réflexions sur mon ouvrage; votre suffrage ne pouvant qu’y ajouter une grande Consideration. Je suis, en attendant l’honneur de vous voir, avec le plus profond respect Monsieur votre trés humble et trés obeissant serviteur
Scherer DE Joucheryofficier au service de S.M. Imperiale

Notation: de Jouchery, Paris 16. 7b. 1777


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, [17 or 18 September 1777]
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear, dear sir,
Hotel des bains de Bourbon, Rue Richlieu [September 17 or 18, 1777.]
I am arrived once more in this town, and wish to be blessed with one hour’s conversation concerning myself and a brother. You know from my friend Williams that I am obliged to leave my name at Lord Stormonts in consequence of the note I before wrote to him; and if you could give me an interview at a neutral place till I have gone through the ceremony of seeing him (if so he should be disposed) it would be more convenient to me. But do not put yourself in the least out of your way; for I hope I have manliness to take any tone with him or others who may question me on your account. I am my dear sir, most gratefully, most reverently, and most devotedly your
Benjm: Vaughan
The sooner I can see you, the happier for me. In haste.

Addressed: Dr. Franklin / Passy
Notations: Vaughan Bn. / M. Vaugn to Dr Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 18 September 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vaughan, Benjamin

Thursday, Sept. 18. 1777.
I shall be very happy to see my dear Friend if it may be without Inconvenience to him; and the sooner the happier. The Duke de Chaulnes, who was with me last Night, has ask’d me to dine with him on Sunday, when he expected you: But that is a long time for me to wait; And I cannot think of another Place where a Meeting with me would not occasion Speculation. Yes: There is les Bains de Poitevin a large white wooden Building upon a Boat in the River opposite to the Tuilleries. You may go there in a Hackney Coach; and you will find me there at Six in the Evening precisely. The People know me only by Sight as I go there often to bathe. Ask for an old Englishman with grey Hair. It is the Evening of this Thursday that I mean: But if you are otherwise engag’d, name your Hour of Tomorrow, and I will make it suit me. Yours most affectionately You may come there an Hour sooner as to take the Bath your self if agreable: I shall be there at 5.

Addressed: A Monsr / Monsieur Vaughan / Hotel des Bains de Bourbon / Ruë Richelieu / à Paris
Notations: Dr. Franklin. 1777 / Franklin 1777


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-François Le Brun: Two Letters, 18 September 1777
From: Le Brun, Charles-François
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
  Sir
Paris rüe pierre sarrazin La 1ere. porte cochère a droite en entrant par La rüe haute feuille Sept. 18 77
A friend of mine, an eminent marchant at Coruña in Spain and wellwisher to the cause of american Liberty has transmitted to me the Letter herein inclosed with prayer to have it delivered immediately in to the hands of Mr. Dean. But as I am totally unacquainted with the place where that gentleman is to be met with and afraid to have it trusted to any body else, I take the Liberty of transmitting it to you, Sir, who as I understand act here in the same capacity and must be of course connected with him. If that Letter should need an answer you may depend on my zeal and exactness in forwarding it to my friend. I should have been very proud If that occasion had favoured me with an opportunity of paying a visit to a philosopher, to a friend of mankind, to a man who in this degenerate age has proved that Learning is consistent with political abilities and Science of nature, with the genius of a legislator. I am with all due respect, Sir, your most humble obedient Servant
Le Brun

P. S. That Leter as I understand from my friend relates to Mr. cunningham capt. of the revenge who after taking six english vessels is now at ferrol in Spain where he has applyed to my friend to get a sum he is in need of to repair his ship. I beg you’ll be so Kind as not to mention having received any Letter from me. My name is here in a sort of unhappy celebrity which I endeavour as much as I can to have buryed in deep solitude and oblivion.
Do but Let me know by a word to my Laquais that the Letter is Safe in your hands.

II.
Sir
Parie 18 7bre 1777.
I ought to be more explicit about my friend both for your instruction and the benefit of the continental privateers and ships of every denomination.
Mr. Lagoanere is a man of forty, has the clearest head, the soundest judgment combined with the nicest accuracy and greatest activity. He is born at Louisbourg a town under the influence of your happy clime and continued there down to the taking of that place by your countrymen.
From thence he went to bordeaux and for near six or seven years had the principal direction of all the affairs of a most capital house in that place.
In 1768 he settled for his own account with a very Large sum at Coruña and there raised the most reputable and creditable house of any in the country.
He lives in the most intimate friendship with all the officers of the Kingdom of galicia both civil and military. He is particularly connected by every tyes of friendship with our consul M. tournelle a man of parts and execution and Supplyes his functions whenever he happens to absent himself.
That consulship extends from gigon [Gijón] down to the frontiers of portugal.

In such an extensive tract of coasts there are many ports, creeks, and bays and almost everywhere a french vice consul to whom your people shall be properly recommended.
At Coruña, ferrol, and neighbouring places they will have mr. La goanere at vigo, a capital port, the father of the french consul who is a vice consul there, his brother in Law one don Lorenzo Novente [?] romero a civil officer a man of resolution, one mr. Lapeyre a french merchant who depends entirely upon our consul and mr. Lagoanere.
At ferrol, coruña and vigo your trading ships will have a proper emporium for rice flour and such necessities.
All along the coast your privateers will have a safe retreat not far from the cape of finisterre, where I conceive must be their chief station.
I hope they will be furnished with french sailors of the best kind viz. those of bayonne and Land of Labour.
For the truth of this account I pledge to you my honour and veracity which, destracted as my name may have been in our parliamentary factions, remains still, I flatter myself, unquestioned even by my own enemies.
You must be quite easy about Mr. Cunningham; he will suffer no delay from the tarrying of your answer. He has already been furnished with the most urgent necessaries. I am, Sir, your most humble and obedient Servant
Le B.

Notation: Le Brun Letters


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Vaughan], [18 September 1777]
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Thursday. [September 18, 1777]
I am ashamed my dear sir at the littleness of my heart or rather that of my friends: as soon as I have passed the opportunity for conversing with this man it will be over, and I shall see you as publicly as at Xmas. Yes my dear sir I will meet you at 5, in the middle of the Seine; any where, so that I do but meet you, and tell you how much I revere you. In haste.

Addressed: A Monsr. / Monsr. Franklin
Endorsed: M. Vaughan to BF.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Petrie, [after 18 September 1777]
From: Petrie, Samuel
To: Franklin, Benjamin

  [After Sept. 18, 1777]Paris. Hotel de la Grande Bretagne. Monday After Noon
Mr. Petrie with respectfull Compliments to Dr. Franklin, Sends by the Bearer a small Paper Parcell, which he received this Morning from Mr. Wilkes, with that Gentleman’s Request to hand it to the Doctor, with his best Compliments.

Addressed: Dr. Franklin. / Passy.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, [19 September 1777?]
From: Vaughan, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

We have debated at length whether this letter, which lacks an opening, continues Vaughan’s note to Franklin in December, 1776, or was written immediately after their meeting at the Bains de Poitevin the following September. There is some evidence for guessing each way, but nothing conclusive. As for the first way, the opening sentence here seems to follow naturally from the final sentence in December; and the mention in closing of Franklin’s situation sounds much less like September than like the uncertainties of nine months before. In December, on the other hand, Vaughan wrote in the third person; here he writes in the first, and in a tone that is perhaps more personal. But the central question that bears on the date is what he means by “the compliment in that letter to Lord Chatham.” This could be a compliment in one of the enclosures, now lost, that he sent Franklin in December; in that case the whole sentence remains inscrutable. The meaning, however, could equally well be a compliment in Vaughan’s letter to Chatham; in that case the sentence is clear―and was written in September.
The open letter to the Earl, which John Temple had sent Franklin in pamphlet form in July, was a response to Chatham’s speech in the Lords on May 30. Vaughan argued for immediate reconciliation with America, based on certain necessary preconditions: recognizing its independence, withdrawing British troops, and indemnifying sufferers from the war. These were presumably the points on which Chatham was uninformed; at least he did not mention them in his speech. The compliment was not to him but to Franklin. “The British ministry,” Vaughan had written, “ought to lose no time in making overtures to a certain considerable personage, now in France, whom the American Congress have intrusted with authority to treat with the powers in Europe.... This celebrated philosopher is indeed a faithful servant of America; and, I trust, he is no enemy to Britain. He is a friend to mankind; and I verily believe, as he has the most power, so he has the strongest inclination to unite Great Britain and America in everlasting bonds of peace and friendship.”
The compliment, then, is comprehensible at the later date and obscure at the earlier one. For this reason we have, contrary to our usual practice, arbitrarily chosen September; but the choice is no indication that the letter was written then. The question of date, we believe, must remain open. So must a number of other questions about what Vaughan means. In the interview of which he speaks he suggested an appendix, which could only be to his edition of Franklin’s works; on what ground might the suggestion have alarmed the author? The young man protests his unimpaired attachment; what had threatened to impair it? His first sentence in the postscript, even if it refers to the Chatham pamphlet, is beyond our understanding. So is the final sentence if written in September: he is disappointed to learn that he cannot call on Franklin, but why should he not? The letter, in short, is replete with mysteries.

[September 19, 1777?]
The compliment in that letter to Lord Chatham I thought necessary; and it certainly excuses him somewhat, to suppose that he was not informed upon those points upon which almost every man of his nation is so ignorant.
Begging you not to be alarmed about the mention of an appendix (which I will hereafter explain to you) and entreating your forgiveness for all my liberties, believe me, my dearest sir, with attachments towards you not in the least impaired by this interview, your devoted, your most affectionate, and grateful pupil,
Benjn: Vaughan

  Verte.
P.S. I forgot to mention that I endeavored to mark my candor by blaming, or rather not approving, wherever I could; and you will see too that I have done it once too often.
To answer likewise the false impressions of the day, I was greedy to pick up every testimony to the integrity of your character. Not that I did not feel the caprices of living fame, and saw that the greatest characters had been for a part of their lives and with particular people oppressed in their fame, nay that even that oppression had made a part of their lasting fame and was usually a consequence of the best founded title to it; but really my affection for your person made me sensible to all the insults (though temporary only) cast upon you, and I saw also that some of the influence of your writings depended upon the estimation in which you were held for your motives.

Excuse this scrawl. I should have said all this in person, but your situation prevents it, which [I] did not fully see till last night, and I [have] not now the opportunity to transcribe.

Addressed: Dr: Franklin.
Notation: Vaughn


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 21 September 1777
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Passy near Paris Sept. 21. 1777.
Three Spanish Gentlemen, Natives of Peru, and Officers in the Army of that Country, [in the margin: here insert their Names] propose to pass into North America with a View of entring our Army, being ambitious of serving as Voluntiers under your Excellency, whose Reputation as a General stands high all over Europe. They are represented to me by Persons of Distinction, as Gentlemen of Character and Merit; as such I beg leave to recommend them to your Excellency’s Countenance and Protection; and I am persuaded that as Natives of the different Ends of our long extended Continent so rarely meet, the Hospitality of our Country will exert it self to make the Residence of these Strangers among us agreable to them. I have the Honour to be
Recommendation of 3 Spanish Gent


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ――― de La Faye, 21 September 1777
From: La Faye, Julien-Pierre de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Au Château de Roquencourt ce dimanche soir,21. 7bre. 1777.
Mr. de la faye qui fait mille sincéres complimens à Monsieur de Francklin, et à Monsieur de heyn [Deane], à l’honneur de leur annoncer avec le plus grand plaisir, que la Personne qui leur remettra le present, est Mr. Ponteney, d’Auxonne en Bourgogne; qui se propose de leur faire des fournitures de différens Genres, soit pour armement, soit pour équipement de Troupes, soit enfin pour habillements et munitions de Guerre.
Mr. de la faye se persuade que monsieur de francklin n’aura qu’à se louer et à s’applaudir des opérations qu’il pourra commettre à Mr. Ponteney, ainsi que de son entretien avec luy, et que Monsieur de francklin peut, en toutte sureté, porter aussi loin qu’il le trouvera convenable, surtout ce qui peut interresser le Bien et l’avantage de ses Braves Patriottes et de sa chére Patrie.
Mr. de la faye profitte avec empressement de cette occasion, pour renouveller à Monsieur de Francklin, tout le desir qu’il a de le posséder encore et de luy offrir, de bon coeur, son diner, à sa campagne de Roquencourt; il en seroit d’autant plus flatté qu’il auroit la douce satisfaction de luy répéter, de vive voix, l’assurance de son plus parfait dévouement.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Castrioto, 22 September 1777
From: Castrioto, Félix António
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Paris 22 September 1777.
The pamphlets I was to send you, as we agreed, were broght from Holland, and detained here, in the chambre Syndicale: I had great difficulty to obtain them before my departure, and having no time to deliver them to you I was oblig’d to leve them in a friends hands, who will bring them to you: there is one more of the second letters, because I had none, when I gave an exemplar of the first to Mr. Deane.
I desire my Compliments to that gentleman and that he should not forget writing to Mr. Dumas as he promis’d me, to oblige him to haste the publication of the 3th. letter.
I hope Sir that I will merit your estime in my country by my endevours to Serve your cause and by the Sincer afection and respect with wich I always will be Sir your most humble Servant
F. A. Castrioto

Notation: T. A Castrioto 22 Sept 77.