Title: Suppositions and Conjectures on the Aurora Borealis, [before 7 December 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

On December 3, 1778, at six o’clock in the evening, the sky lit up with what physicist Pierre Bertholon described as the most spectacular auroral display in recent memory. Huge patches of vivid red flashed in all corners of the heavens; columns of color and bursts of light emanated from a large whitish arc visible on the northern horizon. The effect, he reported, was so dazzling and varied that one hardly knew where to look next. After about fifteen minutes of luminous explosions the intensity of the aurora began to diminish; but it continued in various forms for more than three hours, and then subsided into a tranquil glow which lasted past midnight.
This display, coming at a relatively quiet moment in Franklin’s official life, inspired the scientist-turned-diplomat to try his hand once again at scientific theory. He had long been interested in the aurora borealis, and recent occurrences had produced an ever-increasing body of literature on the subject in French scientific journals. Franklin may well have been reading it; he was certainly discussing it. The previous December the young comte de Lacepède, a friend of Le Roy, had asked Franklin to review a manuscript on physics which was in its final stages; this was most probably “Mémoires sur les aurores boréales” which Lacepède read to the Académie des sciences on January 17, 1778. The evidence that Le Roy and Franklin were discussing the phenomenon comes in the form of a letter, published below at the end of December, in which the Frenchman alludes to their conversations.
Franklin first drafted these “Suppositions” in English. He then produced a literal, and flawed, French translation, which he submitted to the abbé de La Roche for corrections. This, as far as we know, was Franklin’s first attempt at writing a major philosophical piece in French, and we therefore reproduce both the English and the French drafts.
Initially, La Roche corrected mistakes of grammar and word selection, and indicated one confusing passage. Franklin acknowledged these corrections in his letter of December 7. At some point, La Roche produced a fair copy of the manuscript, reproducing Franklin’s drawings. Franklin, perhaps after he was satisfied with its language, presented the manuscript to Le Roy, who further refined the wording. On April 14, 1779, Le Roy read the paper, entitled “Des Suppositions et des conjectures sur la cause des Aurores Boréales,” to the Académie des sciences at its séance publique. Although it was never published by the Academy, it did appear in the June issue of the Journal de Physique with an editorial comment that, considering all the important business with which the Minister Plenipotentiary was occupied, his paper proved that “le génie des sciences n’exclut pas celui des affaires.”

  [before December 7, 1778]
I.
Air heated by any Means becomes rarefied & specifically lighter than other Air in the same Situation not heated.
Air being thus made lighter rises, and the neighbouring cooler, heavier Air takes its place.
If in the middle of a Room you heat the Air by a Stove, or Pot of burning Coals near the Floor, the heated Air will rise to the Ceiling, spread there over the cooler Air till it comes to the cold Walls; there being condens’d & made heavier, it descends to supply the Place of that cool Air which had moved towards the Stove or Fire in order to supply the Place of the heated Air which had ascended from the Space around the Stove or Fire.
Thus there will be a continual Circulation of Air in the Room, which may be render’d visible by making a little Smoke; for that Smoke will rise & circulate with the Air.
A Similar Operation is perform’d by Nature on the Air of this Globe. Our Atmosphere is of a certain height, perhaps at a Medium  Miles. Above that height it is so rare as to be almost a Vacuum. The Air heated between the Tropics is continually rising, its Place is supply’d by northerly & southerly Winds which come from the cooler Regions.

The light heated Air floating above the cooler and denser must spread northward & southward, and descend near the two Poles to supply the Place of the cooler Air which had moved towards the Equator.
Thus a Circulation of Air is kept up in our Atmosphere as in the Room above mentioned.
That heavier & lighter Air may move in Currents of different & even opposite Direction, appears sometimes by the Clouds that happen to be in those Currents, as plainly as by the Smoke in the Expr above mentioned. Also in opening a Door between two Chambers, one of which has been warmed, by holding a Candle near the top, near the Bottom, & near the Middle, you will find a strong Current of warm Air passing out of the warmed Room above, and another of cool Air entering it below, while in the Middle there is little or no Motion.
The great Quantity of Vapour rising between the Tropics forms Clouds which contain much Electricity.
Some of them fall in Rain before they come to the polar Regions.
If the Rain be received in an isolated Vessel, the Vessel will be electrified; for every Drop brings down some Electricity with it.
The same is done by Snow, and Hail.
The Electricity so descending in temperate Climates, is receiv’d & imbib’d by the Earth.
If the Clouds are not sufficiently discharg’d by this means, they sometimes discharge themselves by striking into the Earth, where the Earth is fit to receive their Electricity.
The Earth in temperate & warm Climates is generally fit to receive it, being a good Conductor.
A certain Quantity of Heat will make some Bodies good Conductors, that will not otherwise conduct.
Thus Wax render’d fluid, & Glass softened by Heat, will both of them conduct.
And Water tho’ naturally a good Conductor, will not conduct well when frozen into Ice by a common Degree of Cold, not at all where the Cold is extream.
Snow falling upon frozen Ground, has been found to retain its Electricity, and to communicate it to an isolated Body when after falling it has been driven about by the Wind.
The Humidity contain’d in all the equatorial Clouds that reach the Polar Regions, must there be condens’d & fall in Snow.
The great Cake of Ice that eternally covers those Regions may be too hard frozen to permit the Electricity descending with that Snow to enter the Earth.
It will therefore be accumulated upon that Ice.
The Atmosphere being heavier in the Polar Regions than in the equatorial, will there be lower; as well from that Cause as from the smaller Effect of the centrifugal Force; consequently the Distance to the Vacuum above the Atmosphere will be less at the Poles than else where; and much less than the Distance upon the Surface of the Globe extending from the Pole to the Latitudes in which the Earth is so thaw’d as to receive & imbibe Electricity; the Frost continuing to Lat. 80, which is 10 Degrees or 600 Miles from the Pole, while the Height of the Atmosphere there can scarce be esteemed above  Miles.
The Vacuum above is a good Conductor.
May not then the great Quantity of Electricity brought into the Polar Regions by the Clouds which are condens’d there & fall in Snow, which Electricity would enter the Earth but cannot penetrate the Ice; May it not, I say, as a bottle overcharg’d, break thro’ that low Atmosphere and run along in the Vacuum over the Air towards the Equator, diverging as the degrees of Longitude enlarge, strongly visible where densest, and becoming less visible as it more diverges, till it finds a Passage to the Earth in more temperate Climates; or is mingled with their upper Air?
If such an Operation of Nature were really performed, would it not give all the Appearances of an Aurora Borealis?
And would not the Auroras become more frequent after the Approach of Winter: not only because more visible in longer Nights; but also because in Summer the long Presence of the Sun may soften the Surface of the great Ice Cake and render it a Conductor, by which the Accumulation of Electricity in the polar Regions will be prevented.

27. The Atmosphere of the polar Regions being made more dense by the extreme Cold, & all the Moisture contain’d in that Air being frozen, may not any great Light arising therein & passing thro’ it, render its Density in some degree visible during the night-time to those who live in the rarer Air of more southern Latitudes; and would it not, in that Case, altho’ in itself a compleat and full Circle, extending perhaps 10 degrees from the Pole, appear to Spectators so placed, who could see only a Part of it, in the form of a Segment, its Chord resting on the Horizon, & its Arch elevated more or less above it, as seen from Latitudes less or more distant, darkish in Colour, but yet sufficiently transparent to permit the Stars to be seen thro’ it?
28. The Rays of electric Matter issuing out of a Body, diverge, unless there be some Conducting Body near to receive them. And if that Body be at a greater Distance, they will first diverge, & then converge in order to enter it. May not this account for some of the Varieties of Figure seen at times in the Motions of the luminous Matter of the Auroras? Since it is possible that in passing over the Atmosphere from the North towards the Equator, the Rays of that Matter may find in many Places Portions of Cloudy Region or moist Atmosphere under them, fit to receive them, and towards which they may therefore converge; and when that receiving Body is more than saturated, they may again diverge from it towards other surrounding Masses of such humid Atmosphere; and thus form the Crowns as they are called, & other Figures mentioned in the Histories of this Meteor?

II.
Suppositions & Conjectures, sur la Cause des Aurores Boreales

1. L’Air qui est echauffé par des Moyens quelconques, devient specifiquement plus legere que tout autre Air dans la même Situation qui n’est pas echauffée.—

2. L’Air ainsi devenu plus legér, monte, & l’Air voisin qui est plus froid & plus pesant, prend sa Place.—
3. Si dans le milieu d’une Chambre, l’Air est échauffé par un Poële, ou par un Rechaut plein des Charbons allumés, placé sur le Plancher, l’Air echauffé monte au Lambris, s’etend audessus de l’Air plus frais, jusqu’il arrive aux Murailles, qui, etant froides, le condensent; & etant devenu plus pesant il descend pour remplir la Place de cet Air froid qui avoit passé envers le Poële ou le Feu, pour remplir la Place de l’Air échauffé, qui avoit monté de la Espace autour le Poële ou Feu.—
4. Ainsi il sera une Circulation continuelle de l’Air de la Chambre, la quelle peut être rendu visible, en faisant une peu de Fumée, qui monterà & circulera avec l’Air.—
5. Une Operation semblable est effectuée par la Nature, sur l’Air de ce Globe. Notre Atmosphere est d’une hauteur peutétre de Lieues. Audessus de cet hauteur, il est si rare, qu’il approche bien prés d’une Vuide.—L’Air echauffé entre les Tropiques monte perpetuellement; sa Place est remplie par les Vents du Nord & du Sud, qui viennent de Regions plus froides.
6. L’Air leger parcequ’il est echauffé, flotant audessus ce qui est plus froid & plus dense, doit s’etendre envers le Nord & le Sud, & descendre prés des deux Poles, pour remplir la Place de L’Air froid, qui avoit procédé envers l’Equator.
7. Ainsi une Circulation d’Air est soutenue dans nôtre Atmosphere, comme dans la Chambre sus-mentionnée.
8. Que l’Air pesant & l’Air leger, peuvent passer en Courants des Directions differentes & même opposeés, paroit aussi visiblement quelques fois par les Nuages qui se trouvent dans ces Courants, que par la Fumée dans l’Experience de la Chambre. Aussi en ouvrant une Porte entre deux Chambres, l’une desquelles avoit été echauffée, si vous tenez une Bougie allumée pres la Partie le plus haute, la plus bas & le Milieu, vous trouveras un Courant fort d’Air échauffé sortant de la Chamber enhaut, un autre d’Air froid qui entre enbas, pendant que dans le Milieu il y a tres peu de Mouvement.—
9. La grande Quantité des Vapeurs qui montent entre les Tropiques, fait des Nuages qui contiennent beaucoup d’Electricité.—Quelques uns d’eux tombent en pluie avant qu’ils arrivent aux Regions polaires.—
10. Si la Pluie est reçüe dans une Vaisseau isolé, le Vaisseau sera electrisé; car chaque Goute apporte un peu d’Electricité.
11. La même chose est faite par la Niege & la Grêle.—
12. L’Electricité ainsi descendant dans les Climats temperées est reçue & imbibée par la Terre.
13. Si les Nuages ne sont pas suffisament déchargés par cette Operation graduelle, ils se déchargent quelquefois soudainement en grands Coups de Tonnere sur la Terre, où ils trouvent la Terre en le Cas de reçevoir leur Electricité.
14. La Terre dans les Climats temperés & chauds, est generalement propre de le recevoir, etant un bon Conducteur.
15. Une certaine Quantité de Chaleur fera bons Conducteurs de quelques Corps, qui sans cela ne peuvent pas conduire l’Electricité.
16. Ainsi la Cire devenue fluide, & la Verre mollifié par la Chaleur, peuvent tous les deux conduire.
17. Et l’Eau, quoique naturellement un bon Conducteur, ne peut pas bien conduire, quand elle est gelée, & devenüe Glace, par un degré ordinaire de Froid, & ne conduit point de tout quand le Froid est extréme.
18. La Niege tombant sur la Terre gelée, a été observé de retenir son Electricité, & de le donner aux Corps isoleés, quand aprés sa Chute, elle a èté chassé par le Vent.
19. La Humidité contenüe dans toutes les Nuages equatorielles qui arrivent aux Regions Polaires, doit être la condensé, & tomber en Niege.
20. La grand Gateau de Glace qui couvre eternellement ces Regions, peut être trop durement gelé, de permettre l’Electricité qui descend avec cette Neige, d’entrer la Terre.
21. Cette Electricité peut être donc accumulée sur cette Glace.
  cecipeutêtreomis— 22. L’Atmosphere etant plus pesante dans les Regions Polaires, que dans ces qui sont entre les Tropiques sera là plus basse, et non seulement pour cette Raison, mais aussi parceque la Force cetrifugale etant moindre prés les Poles, la Quantité d’Air est moindre; consequemment la Distance à la Vide qui est dessus l’Atmosphere sera moindre, aussi; & vraisemblablement il sera beaucoup moins que la Distance sur la Surface de la Globe, s’etendant du Pole aux Latitudes dans lesquelles la Terre est si degelée qu’elle peut recevoir & imbiber l’Electricité. car cette Gelée s’etend du Pole jusqu’à Lat. 80. ce qui fait 10 Degrés, ou 200 lieues. de Distance du Pole; pendant que la Hauteur de l’Atmosphere dans ces Parages, d’une telle Densité d’empecher la Mouvement de le Fluide électrique, ne peut être estimé plus que  lieues.—
23. Le Vide audessus l’Atmosphere est un bon Conducteur.
24. Donc ne peut il pas être possible que la grand quantité d’Electricité apportée dans les Regions polaires par les Nuages qui s’assemblent là, venant en les Directions de tous les Meridiennes, & là etant condensés, & tombant en forme de la Neige; laquelle Electricité veut entrer la Terre, mais elle ne peut pas penetrer la Glace; ne peut elle pas, je dis, comme dans une Bouteille de Leyde surchargée, s’ouvrir le chemin à travers cette basse Atmosphere, & courir dans le Vide dessus l’Air, passer vers l’Equateur, divergante à mesure que les Degrés de Longitude divergent, etant fortement visible ou elle est plus dense, & devenant moins visible à mesure qu’elle diverge plus, jusqu’elle trouve une Passage à la Terre, dans les Climates plus temperes; ou jusqu’elle est melée avec l’Air superieur.
25. Si une telle Operation de la Nature, etoit réellement effectuée, ne donneroit-il pas toutes les Apparences d’un Aurore Boreale?—
26. Car,
Ces Aurores, ne deviendroient-ils pas plus frequentes aprés l’Approche d’Hyver; non seulement parceque plus visibles dans les Nuits longues, mais aussi parceque dans l’Eté la longue presence de Soleil peut ammollir la Surface de la grande Gateau de Glace, & le rendre un Conducteur, par moien de quoi l’Accumulation de l’Electricité dans les Regions polaires sera empeché—.
27. L’Atmosphére des Regions Polaires, devenant plus dense par le Froid extréme, & toute l’Humidité dans cet Air étant gelée, si alors quelque grande lumiere se leve là dedans, ne peut il pas rendre pendant la Nuit cette Atmosphére un peu visible à ceux qui habitent dans l’Air plus rare des Latitudes plus au Sud. Et en ce Cas, quoique cette Atmosphere est dans elle même une Cercle complet & plein, s’etendant peutêtre dix Degrés de Latitude tout autour le Pole, ne doit il pas paroitre aux Spectateurs ainsi placés, qu’il n’en peuvent pas voir plus d’une Partie, dans la Forme d’un Segment, son Chord restant sur le Horizon, & son Arch élévée plus ou moins audessus de le Horizon qu’il est vû de Latitudes moins ou plus distantes. Ne doit il pas paroitre d’une Couleur un peu obscure, mais assez transparente pour permettre la vüe de quelques Etoiles au travers.
28. Les Rayons du Fluide electrique, en sortant d’un Corps, divergent, par une Repulsion mutuelle entre eux, à moins qu’il n’y a quelque autre Corps conduisant assez prés pour les reçevoir. Et si ce Corps est plus distant, ils divergent, & alors ils convergent à fin d’y entrer. Ces Operations de ce Fluide ne peuvent ils pas expliquer quelques unes des Variétés de Figure qu’on voit quelquefois dans les Mouvemens de la Matiere lumineuse des Aurores? Puisqu’il est possible, qu’en passant dessus l’Atmosphere en toutes les Directions, ou en tous les Meridiens du Pole vers l’Equateur, les Rayons de cette Matiere peuvent trouver ou dessous d’eux, en plusieurs lieux, Portions d’une Region nebuleuse, ou d’une Air humide lesquelles étant dans l’etat naturel, ou dans l’Etat negatif, peuvent étre propres de les recevoir, & envers laquelles ils peuvent converger;—& quand un de ces Corps recipients est plus que saturés, ils peuvent encore diverger de celui-la vers d’autres Masses d’une telle Air humide, & ainsi forment ces Couronnes, ainsi nommées, & ces autres Figures mentionnées dans les Histoires de ce Meteore?
29. S’il est vrai que les Nuages qui vont aux Regions polaires, & qui y portent des Vapeurs des Regions temporées, & que ces Vapeurs sont congelées par le Froid extréme des Regions polaires, & y tombent en Neige ou en Gréle; les Vents qui viennent à nous de ces Parages, doivent être generalement secs, à moins qu’ils ne gagnent quelque Humidité en effleurant la Mer dans leur Passage. Et il me semble qu’effectivement les Vents entre le N.E. & le N.O. sont pour la plupart secs, quand ils ont continués quelque tems.—

Notation in Franklin’s hand: Aurora


Title: The American Commissioners to Richard Price, 7 December 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Price, Richard

Sir
Passy near Paris Decr 7 1778
By one of the latest Ships from America, We had the Pleasure of receiving from Congress, an attested Copy of their Resolution of the sixth of October in these Words

  In Congress 6 Octr. 1778
  Resolved

That the Honourable Benjamin Franklin Arthur Lee, and John Adams Esqrs or any one of them, be directed forthwith to apply to Dr Price, and inform him, that it is the Desire of Congress to consider him as a Cityzen of the united States, and to receive his Assistance in regulating their Finances. That if he shall think it expedient to remove with his Family to America and afford such Assistance, a generous Provision shall be made, for requiting his Services
Extract from the MinutesCha. Thompson Secy.

From a great Respect to the Character of Dr Price, We have much Satisfaction in communicating this Resolution. We request your Answer, Sir, as soon as may be convenient. If it should be in the Affirmative, you may depend upon Us to discharge the Expence of your Journey and Voyage and for every Assistance, in our Power to make your Passage agreable, as well as your Reception and Accommodation in our Country. We have the Honour to be, with the highest Esteem and Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servants
B. FranklinArthur LeeJohn Adams
Dr Price


Title: The American Commissioners to Vergennes: Letter and Memoir, 7 December 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

  I.

Sir
Passy Decr 7 1778
We have the Honour to inclose to your Excellency a Memorial of very great Importance to the United States, to which We beg your Excellency’s Attention and a favourable Answer.
We have the Honour to be with very great Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servants
B FranklinArthur LeeJohn Adams
His Excellency the Count de Vergennes

II.
<Passy, December 7, 1778: Because of the scarcity of specie and stoppage of commerce Congress at the beginning of the war issued paper money instead of imposing taxes to support the war effort. The excessive amounts issued have caused this money to depreciate in value, although it has somewhat recovered since the signing of the alliance. Our credit is based on a congressional promise to pay in France with real money the interest on loans. Congress had hoped to make remittances in produce or to borrow money from private persons in Europe for this purpose, but now its only remaining hope is a subsidy or loan from His Most Christian Majesty. Bills of exchange drawn on the commissioners will arrive between this month and next May; we will pay as many as we can, but we will not be able to pay all of them. Should any bills be protested our public credit will be ruined and the beginnings of commerce between the two countries nipped in the bud. We pray His Majesty will give orders to furnish from time to time such sums as we need.>


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 7 December 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric

Dear Sir,
Passy. Dec. 7. 1778.
I thank you for the Information you give me of Mr. Lee’s Proposition. I do not think he has any Powers to borrow Money for the United States distinct from ours but he may have Power to borrow for Virginia. I think you acted very discretely in the Business; and I am sorry that such a Proposition should be made, as, if known it might have bad Consequences. And as we have already opened a Loan in the House of H.F. & Co. it seems quite unnecessary to open another in the same Country, & I hope it will not be necessary to borrow in any other.— Between our selves, I believe Mr. L. who seems not well-pleased with that House, wanted to know if Money would not be had and the Business transacted on cheaper Terms. I am, ever, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin
a Mr Dumas

[In the margin:] Thanks be to God, our Salvation by no means depends on such an Aid from Holland.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Abbé Martin Lefebvre de La Roche, 7 December 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: La Roche, Martin Lefebvre, abbé de

à Passy ce 7 Decembre 78
Voici, mon cher Maitre, deux Exercices de plus:— L’un est la Suite de l’Hypothese; l’autre en forme de Billet à Nôtre Dame d’Auteuil.— Je suis charmé toujours de vos Corrections, mais comme je vois par ceux que vous avez faits vers le fin du 22e Article que je n’ai pas été assez clair pour étre entendu, Je crois qu’il sera mieux d’omettre les dernieres 5 ou 6 Lignes, nommement tous ceux qui suivent le Mot Electricité. Ainsi vous pouvez corriger vôtre Copie Car ces Lignes ne sont pas necessaires— Voilà un autre Exercice!—

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur L’Abbé de la Roche / à Auteuil


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Vernon, Sr., 7 December 1778
From: Vernon, William, Sr.
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Boston 7th. Decr 1778
My son Mr William Vernon Junr. (a Pupil of your Friend the good Doctr. Witherspoons) took passage for France, in the Boston Frigate, with the Honble John Adams Esqr. under who’s immediate care & notice I place’d him; with a veiw to accomplish him for business, either as a Merchant, or in any other way, that he might be most useful, in future, to his Country and our riseing Independant States. As he was young, just out of the University, his genius & talents not form’d, or scarsely known, I left it with Mr. Adams, and other Friends to fix him, for Three or four Years, in a situation, most agreeable, & best adapted, to his disposition & abilities.
I flatter myself sir, I may exult, at least, in Idea, that I may number Doctr. Franklin, as one of his Friends, to whom he had the happiness of an address from the Honable John Hancock Esqr. If upon recollection it should occur to your mind, that this Youth is a Grand-Son of your old acquaintance, Saml. Vernon Esqr. of Newport (altho’ dead Forty Years) it will inhance the Friendship & your notice of this young Gentleman. I may presume this without arrogance, from your universal beneficence, therefore must hope, wish and pray, that he hath, and will, from Time to Time, receive such advice and instructions from his Friends in France, as will stimulate to Virtue, honor, knowledge, and all the useful graces & accomplishments, necessary to form a Mind & fix such principles for social Life & Public usefulness, as will be permanent.
Under cover you have a Letter from our mutual Friend his Excellency Wm. Greene Esqr. wch came to my care to forward; I wish it safe to hand. I have the honor to be with the greatest sincerity. Your Excellencys Most Obedt. Humble Servt.
Wm Vernon
(copy)His Excellency Benja. Franklin Esqr.

Endorsed: William Vernon about his Son,
Notations in different hands: Vernon / Various to be answered


Title: Dumas to the American Commissioners, 8 December 1778: résumé
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<The Hague, December 8, 1778, in French: English funds [government bonds] have fallen in value, and letters from England increase the qualms of those holding them. Amsterdam has printed and distributed copies of its protest against the resolution of November 18. This has shocked the English party. This morning the French ambassador gave me a copy of the enclosed memoir which has been sent to all the towns and provinces. The States of the Province of Holland will reconvene on the 16th. I do not doubt that there will be a new resolution in accordance with the memoir.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 8 December 1778
From: Lovell, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Philada., Decr. 8th. 1778
By Mr. Cummins, on the 29th. of last Month, I forwarded several Papers of Importance Triplicates of Which Mr. Bromfield the Bearer of this will deliver: But an Accident then took place obliging me to hold back a Letter which I had written to you. Time was wanting in which to write another, the Vessel having fallen down to Reedy Island and the Express being mounted.
My Letter was chiefly on the Circumstances of an intended plan of Operations which was inclosed but detained for alterations to be made in Congress.
Our only important Struggle is with our Currency. We shall be able, at least, to keep it from growing worse; but we want the Aid of skilfull Financiers & of monied men to bring about any considerable appreciation, as you will more clearly perceive by one of the papers herewith to be delivered. I am Honble Sir Your most obedt. Friend and Servant
James Lovell
TriplicateHonble. Doctr. Franklin

Addressed: Honble. / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / minister Plenipotentiary of / the United States of America / Paris
Notation: James Lowall phyladelphia Xbre 8. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Pomponne Vincent, [after 8 December 1778]
From: Vincent, —— Pomponne
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
[after December 8, 1778]
J’ai pris deux fois la liberté de vous voir, pour savoir ce que vous pensiez des lettres, qui vous ont êté communiquées par le ministre de la marine; deux fois vous m’avez dit que vous n’aviez point achêvé de les lire, et vous avez fini par prendre mon nom et ma demeure. Comme vous ignorez, monsieur, les peines que je me suis donné pour tâcher d’obtenir la permission de publier cet ouvrage, souffrez que je vous en instruise.
Au mois d’aoust de l’année 1776, je m’arrangeai avec madame duchesne pour imprimer mes lettres ecossaisses. J’ai parlé dans ce roman litteraire et historique de la constitution britannique; mon sujet m’avoit conduit a dire quelque chose de l’amerique, a examiner ce qu’elle deviendroit si quelque puissance étrangere s’interressoit à sa querelle et a calculer les avantages, qui devoient résulter de son indépendance pour certains êtats de l’europe. Tout l’ouvrage a êté imprimé, excepté trois lettres qui furent envoiées par le president de la librairie à mr. de vergennes; ce ministre me deffendit de les rendres publiques.
Depuis ce moment, je suis resté tranquille jusqu’au mois d’avril 1778. Je crus alors que le temps étoit venu de dire ce que je pensois; je me mis donc a travailler de nouveau, et j’ajoutai plusieurs lettres à celles qui êtoient déja faites; toutes sont maintenant entre vos mains.
Je ne vous cacherai pas, monsieur, que j’ai êté surpris de voir que cette bagatelle ait mérité l’attention du gouvernement et celle d’un homme aussi éclairé que vous en composant mes lettres, je n’ai point cherché a attirrer les regards; je vous avouerai même bonnement, qu’il ne m’est jamais venu dans l’idée que je pourrois être utille; non pas que je fusse fâché de le devenir, mais parceque je crois ne pas avoir les talens necessairres pour cela. Le motif qui dans l’optimisme engage candide a cultiver son jardin, m’oblige quelquefois a composer un livre. Si je m’efforce de l’ecrire le mieux qu’il m’est possible, je n’y suis déterminé que par le seul plaisir qu’on goute a bien faire.
Avec une pareille façon de penser, devois-je m’attendre a rencontrer des obstacles? Depuis huit mois, je ne fais qu’aller du president de la librairie au censeur. Ce dernier apres m’avoir approuvé a exigé le consentement du ministere, qui à son tour m’a renvoié devant vous. J’ignore quel sera mon sort, daignez, monsieur, me le faire connoître, ma position ne me permet pas d’attendre. Un frerre qui partageoit avec moi sa fortune, vient d’etre pris en revenant de l’amerique avec le navire qu’il commandoit. Il seroit bien dur après avoir perdu cette ressource, de me voir encore frustré du fruit de mon travail.

Je suis avec un profond respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
Pomponne Vincent avocat chez mr papelardau grand bureau des eaux et forestrüe des bons enfans à paris

Notation: De Pomponne Vincent. Paris.


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

<Lorient, December 9, 1778: I forward the enclosed memorial from gentlemen who were taken prisoner under my command. They observe that “I am well acquainted with their situation.” Their present treatment is incompatible with reason, law, and humanity. Of the two hundred prisoners on board the Patience, only one hundred thirty remain. I cannot believe that you have ordered any of them back home, or set them at liberty without parole, when others of their rank are still imprisoned and you are awaiting the exchange with London. Rïou, who is in charge of the prisoners, menaces them if they dare complain; he is the scoundrel who sowed discord on the Ranger.
If the exchange of prisoners does not occur immediately, I recommend transferring the men ashore. They ask that you return an answer through Rev. Father John, professor of English and chaplain to comte d’Orvilliers.>


Title: John Paul Jones to Franklin and John Adams, 9 December 1778: résumé
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John

<Lorient, December 9, 1778: A Virginia pilot boat arrived in twenty-three days from Boston. Her captain reports that comte d’Estaing had sailed on a secret mission a fortnight before, that the Somerset was lost on Cape Cod and her crew made prisoners, that the Providence, Boston, and Ranger arrived with prizes, that the Raleigh was taken east of Boston and her crew made prisoners, that three of Byron’s fleet were ashore off Nantucket, and that Barbados and Grenada were taken.>


Title: William Lee to the American Commissioners, 9 December 1778: résumé
From: Lee, William
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Frankfurt-on-Main, December 9, 1778: Conformable to the enclosed Congressional resolution, I have drawn on you for 24,000 l.t. payable to Mr. Grand. Please accept it when it comes due and place it to the account of Congress.

It is generally believed a congress will be held this winter by the French and Russian ministers to attempt a reconciliation between the emperor and the king of Prussia. I am assured the British have prevailed on the Russian court to take advantage of this opportunity to negotiate an accommodation between Britain and France. It is to be proposed to France that she relinquish her treaties and engagements with America, but I have not learned what inducements Britain will offer her. I have no doubt France will reject such an ignominious attempt on her honor even if her interests were not considered, but I thought it advisable to give you this information.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, with Franklin’s Undated Reply, [10 December and after 10 December 1778?]
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt,Franklin, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Once again Madame Brillon’s failure to date her letters compels us to offer a hypothetical cluster. The following exchange, along with her letters published under December 15 and 20, form a group linked by its common theme: a fantasy of paradise to come. The only solid clue to a date is her allusion here to the lady who wrote a letter to the Journal de Paris, undoubtedly the anonymous letter that was published in its columns on December 8, 1778. Because of this anchor in time, we ascribe Madame Brillon’s letter (I) to the first Thursday following the Journal’s appearance, December 10. Her little story about St. Peter’s broad-mindedness triggered Franklin’s undated reply (II), which was both an elaboration of her fantasy and an exercise in French submitted for her corrections. Several days later, on a Tuesday which is probably December 15, she addressed the substance of Franklin’s fantasies, agreed to marry him in the hereafter, and commended the clarity (if not purity) of his French. On a “dimanche 20” she wrote the letter that we print under December 20 and also returned his French exercise (II), which she had copied and corrected.

I.
ce jeudi matin [December 10, 1778?]
J’ai oublié hiér mon chér papa de vous rappellér, que vous avés bien voulu me prométtre de me prestér un volume de vos ouvrages, qui m’apprendra ce que c’est que les trombes de mer; le capitaine Cook renvoye au celebre docteur Franklin pour s’en instruire; j’aime en général les léctures sérieuses et l’instruction; il me semble que ce que j’apprendrai dans vos ouvrages se gravera encore mieux que toute autre chose, dans ma teste et dans mon coeur; la dame qui a écrit la léttre du petit journal de paris, chercheroit pourquoi cela, feroit de longues phrases pour priér qu’on veuille bien lui éxpliquér cétte sensation; moi mon papa je me contente de sentir vivement, sans m’inquiétter qu’on me definisse ce que je sens; je suis contente de moi quand je sens que je vous aime par éxemple; en réfléchissant un peu, je m’applaudis de vous aimer, parceque la preuve la plus cértaine de la vértu est de s’attachér aux éstres les plus vértueux; mais souvent je ne réfléchis pas et j’aime toujours: lorsque j’irai en paradis si st piérre me demande de qu’elle Relligion je suis, je lui répondrés; de celle ou l’on croist l’Estre étérnél parfaittement bon et indulgent, de célle ou l’on aime ceux qui lui ressemblent, j’aimai avéc idolatrie le docteur Franklin— St piérre dira, j’en suis sure; entrés et allés promtement vous placér auprés de mr Franklin, vous le trouverés assis auprés de l’étérnel: j’irai et je jouirai toute l’étérnité: adieu mon aimable papa, aimés moi toujours, écrivés moi quélquefois a vos moments pérdus; en anglois, en françois comme vous voudrés je consérve tout ce que j’ai de vos léttres:

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy

II.
[after December 10, 1778?]
Depuis que vous m’avez assuré que nous nous rencontrons, & que nous nous réconnoitrons en Paradis, j’ai pensé continuellement sur l’Arrangement de nos Affaires dans ce Paÿslà;—car j’ai grand Confiance en vos Assurances, & je crois implicitement ce que vous croyez.
Vraisemblablement plus que 40 Années couleroient aprés mon Arrivée là, avant que vous me suiverez. Je crains, un peu, que dans la Course d’une si longue temps, vous pouvez m’oublier. C’est pourquoi j’ai eu la Pensée de vous proposer de me donner vôtre Parole d’honneur, de ne pas renouveller là, vôtre Contrat avec M. B.—je vous donnant au même tems le mien, de vous attendre.— Mais ce Monsieur est si bon, si genereux envers nous,—il vous aime—& nous lui,—si bien,—que je ne puis pas penser de cette Proposition, sans quelques scrupules de Conscience:— Cépendant, l’Idée d’une Eternité, dans laquelle je ne serai pas plus favorisé que d’être permis de baiser vos mains, ou vos joues quelquefois, & que de passer deux ou trois heures dans vôtre douce Société les soirées des Mercredis & Sammedis, c’est effroyable. Enfin, je ne puis pas faire cette Proposition. Mais comme (avec tous ceux qui vous connoissent) je souhaite de vous voir heureuse, en toute chose, nous pouvons agréer de n’en parler plus à present; & de la laisser à vous, quand nous tous nous rencontrons là, d’en determiner comme vous jugerez le meilleur pour la vôtre Felicité & pour les nôtres. Determinez comme vous voudrez, je sens que je vous aimera eternellement.— Si vous me rejetterez, peut-être je m’addresserai a Me. d’Hardancourt, & qu’il plairat à elle de faire menage avec moi; alors je passerai mes heures domestiques agreablement avec elle, & je serai plus à portée de vous voir. J’aurai assez de tems dans ces 40 Années-la, de pratiquer sur l’Armonica; & peut-être je jouerai assez bien pour être digne d’accompagner vôtre Fortepiano. Nous aurons de tems en tems des petites Concerts: Le bon Pere Pagin sera de la Partie; vôtre Voisin & sa chere Famille, M. B., M. Jourdain, M. Grammont, Made. du Tartre, la petite Mere, & d’autres Amies choisies seroient notre Auditoire; & les cheres bonnes Filles, accompagnées par quelques autres jeunes Anges de qui vous m’avez deja donné les portraits, chanteroient avec nous les Allelujas. Nous mangerons ensemble des Pommes de Paradis rôties, avec du beurre & de la Moscade; & nous aurons Pitié de ceux qui ne sont pas morts.
Voilà une grande Exercice que j’ai faite en François, pour profiter de vos Corrections. Il y a beaucoup des fautes, & aussi des Folies. Je les confie à vôtre Amitié. Adieu, ma toujours chere Amie.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Greene, 10 December 1778
From: Greene, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond. Sir.
Warwick State Rhode IslandDecember 10th. 1778
I take the liberty of enclosing some bills of exchange of small Value amounting to two Hundred and Sixteen Dollars and beg the favor of you to lay them out for me as I have no other Friend in Paris, you will Pardon me I hope for giving you this trouble—my Son in Law Majr. Samuel Ward owns a part—tho he has never had the Honour of your acquaintance he wishes to challange a small share of your friendship because you was a friend to his Father.
I have a thought which I shall mention without reserve for your approbation— My Son in law wishes to have the assignments of Cargoes from Merchants in France and do business if you could favour him in that way I think I dare Answer for his Honour and Integrity. He has not been much conversant in Business—but would in that case connect himself with a Gentleman whose Skill would be undoubted and prevent the necessity of his leaving the Army—in which he has served with Honour since the Commencment of the War.
I wrote and Inclosd to you the 1st. of this Instant one set of bills of exchange amounting to two Hundred and Sixteen Dollars part of which are Indors’d the others which are made payable to me and Samuel Ward amounting to One Hundred and Seventy four Dollars are omitted must therefore beg the favour of you to Indorse them in our behalf.
This is the second set of Bills of exchange being of the same Tenor and date. In this and the third are inclos’d memorandums of articles that will be agreable to us to receive if it will not be too much Trouble for you to procure them.
Mr. William Vernon Junr. being now in France am glad of this oppertunity to recommend him to your Notice as a young Gentleman whose morals before he left here by the best Information I have been able to collect stood unexceptionable and he being a Promising Youth his Father who is William Vernon Esqr. one of the Members of the Marine Board of this Continent has Bountifully bestow’d upon him the advantages of a liberal education and has now sent him to France to procure the French language &c. that he may have an opportunity to be a useful Member of Society.
Your sister is here very well desires her most Sincere regards may be remembered to you and says that she wrote the Seventh Instant for which reason she omits this Oppertunity, the same reasons are assign’d by Mrs. Greene as she inclos’d her letter to you in my first but she desires very Affectionately to be remembered to you; my son who has been a shearer in your Advice, is now at school at Newbury and I believe is likely to be a good scholar and shou’d he be bless’d with prudence may likely make a useful man in his day now may every blessing attend you who under God have been Instrumental in a very great degree in settling a Treaty of Amity and Commerce and of Alliance eventual and defensive between his Most Christian Majesty and these United States as also in many other Instances that might be very justly added.
I am with every Sentiment of respect Your Sincere and Oblig’d Friend and Humble Servt.
William Greene

Endorsed: Governor Greene a small Commission refer’d to Mr Williams 10 december 78 Rode Island
Notation: William Greene Rhode Island xbre. 10. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 10 December 1778
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Friend
London, Dec 10 1778
I recd two days ago notice at the Admiralty that the last terms wch I transmitted from you were accepted and agreed to, and that his Majesty had consented. I was likewise told that I might expect in a few days to receive special notice of the place and time of the exchange. As soon as I receive any such notice I will not delay a moment in advertising you. I hear as you do that the Subscription for the prisoners is nearly exhausted. I have had several interviews with the Gentlemen who have had the Management of that subscription and I have pressed very strongly upon them the renewal; notwithstanding the present prospect of Exchanges, as more prisoners may come or unexpected delays may happen. Your affecte
D H.—

P.S. Sometimes I write longer letters than this—

Addressed: To Dr Franklin
Notation: D. H. Dec. 10. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Abercromby, 11 December 1778
From: Abercromby, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
de Bordeaux ce 11 dessambre 1778
J’ay eu L’honneur de vous ecrire ilia trois cemaine pour optenier de vous un pasport pour sortire de france pour man retourné che moi a charlestown. Je cere [serais] parti a presant si javais receu un pasport de vous mai aparaman que les grand safair [affaires] dont vous aitre ocupé maura fait obliet, je vous prie pour la ceconde fois Monsieur de ne pas mobliet. J’ay ecrie a Mr. Le Baron Grant au cervice de sa mageste de france de vouloir bien vous refrechire [rafraichir] La memoire a mon sige [sujet] si Monsieur francklin a des hordres a me donair pour lameric je suis tou pres a lui obeir avec toute les selle [le zele] posible.
J’ay l’honeur daitre Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obisant cerviteur
John Abercromby

P.S. Voila une lettre dun capitaine qui a commander pour la carolina qui dois commander le beatimont la ou je dois pacer j’ay vue sa comision qui est signée du congres jespere que vos bonté ce repondron [répandront] sur luis car il le merite. Mon adresce chez Mr. Roger negt. a Bordeaux pres de la Bource.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur francklin / ambassadeur des Etats Unis / Par Paris / A Passy
Notation: Jonh Abercromby Bordeaux 11. Xbre. 1778.


Title: D’Acosta frères to Franklin and John Adams, 12 December 1778
From: D’Acosta Frères
To: Franklin, Benjamin,Adams, John

Messieurs
Nantes le 12 xbre. 1778./.
Nous avons l’honneur de vous adresser copie de la lettre que M. Arthur Lée nous a ecrite en date du 28–9bre. & do. la Reponse que nous y avons faite.
Ce n’est pas pour nous plaindre à vous de votre confrere; que nous prenons la liberté de vous envoyer ces copies mais uniquement pour parer aux impressions défavorables que son injuste prévention pourroit vous donner contre nous.
Nous Sommes avec respect, Messieurs, Vos très-humbles & très-obeissants Serviteurs.
D’acosta FRERES
MM. Franklin & Adams.

Nous addressons La presente a notre frere qui est a Paris logé a l’hotel de henry quatre rue platriere, pour vous la faire paser a Passi.

Endorsed by Franklin: Lettres entre M Lee & Messrs D’acosta


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Philip, 12 December 1778
From: Philip, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
  Bordeaux le 12 Dbre 1778∴
Lhonneur de vous assurer de mon profond respect, & le besoin de vôtre bienfaisante protection, sont les motifs qui m’inspirent la confiance de vous écrire, persuadé que je Trouverai en vous la récompense du zèle & du service que j’ai fait en amerique.
Je suis Monsieur, dans le cas d’avoir besoin d’une dispense du ministre de la marine, pour me faire récévoir Capne de Nre [Navire] marchand en cette ville, mais je n’ai point de protecteur auprès de lui, pour l’engager à me l’accorder promptement, j’ose vous supplier de vouloir me prêter la vôtre auprès de lui, & vû toutes les pieces que je vous adresse à cet effet, lui faire accorder la dispense de mon service sur les vaisseaux du Roy.
Je commande un Nre [Navire] ici pour Charlestown, & je ne pourai partir faute de cette exemption, parce que comme français je ne puis commandr. un Nre français sans être reçû Capne. & que l’amirauté exige, que l’on ait 60 mois de navigation pour le commerce & deux voyages de service du Roy, vous voyés qu’il n’y à que ce dernier article qui me manque par le vû des pieces signées des commissaires de cette ville, & je suis bien certain qu’aidé de vôtre protection, Mr De Sartine ayant égard aux commandemens que j’ai eû pour les etâts unis me dispensera des voyages de service du Roy & octroyera la demande que vous lui fairés pour moy.
J’ai le plus prompt besoin de cette piece, monsieur car je dois partir vers le 15 du mois prochain, & si je suis assés infortuné pour n’être point écouté du ministre, & aidé par vous je ne pourai point partir, & après les malheurs que j’ai essuyés j’ai bien besoin de m’enployer; Mr albert Crounby qui me connait vous écrit à mon sujet, daignés je vous prie me servir de protecteur, ma réconnaissance sera sans bornes, & vous me rendrés un service que je n’oublierai jamais & qui me fera encore cherir davantage les ameriquains.
Daignés monsieur, m’honnorer d’une reponce gracieuse pour rassurer mon ame, sur la crainte que j’ai, vous métres le comble au service important que j’ose attendre de vôtre bonté.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec un Très profond Respect Monsieur de vôtre Excellence Le Très soumis serviteur
Philip ∴Capne de Nre rüe carpentyre.
A son Excellence Monsieur franklin ambassadeur des étâts unis de l’amerique

Endorsed: Answer’d
Notation: Philip Bordeaux 12 Xbre 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Trumbull, 12 December 1778
From: Trumbull, Jonathan
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir.
Lebanon 12th: Decemr: 1778.
I Beg leave to Introduce to your particular Notice, The Gentleman who will present you this.—Colo: Dircks from Holland.—In his favour I need say no more to you, than that He has serv’d with reputation & Honor, in the Defence of our Country;—And has now leave of Absence to settle his Affairs, and return.—

My Letter by him to Mr: Vn: D: Capellan is left open, for your Inspection. I am, Sir. With the sincerest Esteem & Respect. Your most Hble: Servant.
Jonth: Trumbull
His Excelly B: Franklin Esqr:

Addressed: His Excellency / Benja—Franklin Esqr: / American Minister, at the Court of / Versailles.
Notations: Jon Trumbull Lebanon 12 Xbre 1778. / Boston


Title: Extract from Franklin’s Journal, 13 December 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

Passy Sunday Decr. 13th 1778. A.M.—
“A Man came to tell me he has invented a Machine, which would go of itself, without the help of a Spring, Weight, Air, Water, or any of the Elements, or the Labour of Man or Beast; and with force sufficient to work four Machines for cutting Tobacco; that he had experience’d it, would shew it me if I would come to his House, and would sell the Secret of it for Two hundred Louis.— I doubted it, but promis’d to go to him in order to see it.”
“A Monsr: Coder came with a Proposition in Writing, to levy 600 Men, to be employ’d in landing on the Coast of England & Scotland, to burn & ransom Towns and Villages, in order to put a stop to the English Proceeding in that Way in America—. I thanked him, and told him I could not approve it, nor had I any Money at Command for such Purposes.—Moreover that it would not be permitted by the Government here.”
“A Man came with a Request that I would patronize & recommend to Government, an Invention he had, whereby a Hussar might so conceal his arms and Habiliments, with Provision for 24 Hours, as to appear a common Traveller, by which Means a considerable Body might be admitted into a Town, one at a time unsuspected, and afterwards assembling, surprize it.— I told him I was not a Military Man, of course no Judge of such Matters, and advis’d him to apply to the Bureau de la Guerre. He said he had no Friends, and so could procure no Attention.— The number of wild Schemes propos’d to me is so great, and they have heretofore taken so much of my time, that I begin to reject all, tho’ possibly some of them may be worth Notice.”

“Received a Parcel from an unknown Philosopher* who submits to my Consideration a Memoir on the Subject of Elementary fire, containing Experiments in a dark Chamber.— It seems to be well written, and is in English, with a little Tincture of French Idiom. I wish to see the Experiments, without which I cannot well judge of it.”


Title: Benjamin Gunnison to the American Commissioners, 14 December 1778: résumé
From: Gunnison, Benjamin
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Brigantine Morris, Roscoff [Brittany], December 14, 1778: I have just arrived after a passage of forty-two days, and await your instructions. I intended to make the ports of either Nantes or Bordeaux but was prevented by violent gales off the coast. My sails and rigging are badly damaged; with a bit of repair I believe they would get me into Morlaix [P.S.] His Majesty’s warship Serin commanded by Duménil is here; he offers to escort me to Nantes or Bordeaux.>


Title: John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 15 December 1778
From: Gilbank, John
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Honourable Gentlemen
Nantz. Tuesday 15th. decr. 1778.—
I am sorry to be under the necessity of troubling you so often on so disagreable a subject and have no Apology but that to offer for again taking up your Attention.
I have had the honor to write you several letters stating my uncomfortable Situation, and flattered myself I had given reasons sufficient to induce a compliance with my requisition in those I have wrote since the receipt of yours dated 10th. Novr.—But to my great Mortification and concern I have not been favoured with any answer which I cannot account for, As, on aperusal of them I can’t find therein any thing disrespectful, or which deserves to be treated with such cruel neglect, I had almost said, Contempt.
If the Ships had sailed as soon as was expected, I should have lost the Opportunity, which yet offers, of going with them for want of money to defray the necessary Expences already incurred here during an unavoidable Stay of more than three Months; Their delay however gives me the Opportunity of applying to you again for such reasonable supplies as I have occasion for & again to assure you that without them I cannot go.
I need not I think mention that your regard for the honour of our Country will not permit you to suffer any Officer in its service to undergo the Consequences of being unable to discharge debts justly & necessarily incurred, while he has pay due to him.

I will not take more of your time by repeating the reasons of this Application, which I made use of in my former letters, but only appeal to your own feelings to conceive what Anguish of Mind I must suffer in a such a humiliating Situation—a Situation I have no right to expect—But which the chance of War has effected.
I humbly hope therefore that you will not deny me an Answer and will be kind enough, by return of Post, as the vessels now are expected to be ready in less than a Fortnight, to favour me with an Order for a Sum not less than one thousand Livres, which I hope can’t be thought extravagant considering the time I have been here, may stay, & the necessaries wanting for Sea; Or that you will give me Leave to draw upon you, by next Tuesday’s post, for that Sum to be placed to the Account of the honourable continental Congress in part of pay due to me; Your Silence on which head will be deemed Your approbation of the latter Proposition. I have the honor to be with respect Honorable Gentlemen Your most obedient and very humble Servant
Jno. Gilbank1st. Lieut: So. Carola. Contl. Regt. Artillery
Chez Madame Boucher a la Fosse Nants

Addressed: Aux Honorables / Les Honbles. B: Franklin, A: Lee, et J. Adams, Ecuyrs. / Plenipotentiaires deputès, des treize Etats Unis / de l’Amerique / Au Soin du Monsr. Le Grand.— Banquier / a Paris
Notations in different hands: J. Gilbank Nantes 15. Xbre. 1778. / 9.13  17.14


Title: William Lee to the American Commissioners, 15 December 1778: résumé
From: Lee, William
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Frankfurt-on-Main, December 15, 1778: It occurs to me it would be serviceable to have an agent at the congress of French and Russian ministers which I mentioned in my letter of the 9th. This agent might counteract the schemes of Britain and if not bring Russia entirely over to our interests at least render her attachment to our enemies less forceful. I conceive a stranger would be more servicable at the present time than an American, and I have sounded out a gentleman now in the service of the king of Prussia. He has replied. I recommend you engage him, paying him a reasonable allowance for expenses and promising that if he is successful you will fully recommend him to Congress for an adequate reward. I will not proceed further without your concurrence, and I ask your answer as soon as convenient. He desires to remain anonymous until you reach a decision, but I assure you he is a gentleman of reputation and an author of approved fame.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, [15 December 1778?]
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce mardi matin [December 15, 1778?]
Si votre françois n’est pas trés pur, il est au moins trés clair! je vous donne ma parolle d’honneur de devenir votre fémme en paradis, a la condition pourtant que vous ne lorgnerés pas trop les viérges en m’attendant; je veux un mari constant, quand je le prendrai pour l’étérnité; entendés vous mon papa:
je ferai part a maman ce soir de vos bonnes intentions pour elle je crains pourtant que cela n’éxite une sorte de jalousie entre nous si elle prétend vous disputér a moi; je suis capable de tout ceder a ma mére, hors vous mon bon papa:
j’accépte le genre de vie que vous me proposés en paradis; de la musique, des amis; je me sens capable de ne me point lassér de tout cela, télle longue que soit l’étérnité; dans le nombre des pérsonnes que vous me proposés pour société, il est une fémme que je rayerai! je vous la nommerés tout bas, la premiére fois que nous nous vérrons assés seuls pour cela; mon papa je suis étonnée que vous ne l’ayés pas encore devinée! étonnée peut estre que vous l’aimiés tant! je n’en dis pas davantage, mon coeur vous est ouvért vous y lirés; le vostre gardera mon secrét, vous éstes mon ami vous me l’avés promis; croyés que votre fille est, sera toujours digne d’estre aimée de vous; ne futce que par la tendrésse vive et sincére qu’elle vous a vouëe pour cétte vie, et vous promest pour l’autre:
je vous écris a la haste, pardonnés a la négligence du style et de l’écriture:

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 15 December 1778
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Lahaie 15 Dec. 1778
J’ai cru devoir vous communiquer l’extrait ci-dessus, comme une suite de ce que je vous ai déjà confié sur cette affaire. Je répondrai une autre fois à Mr. Lee-même: car rien ne presse; & à dire vrai, je suis embarrassé comment lui dire sans offense, qu’il ne connoît pas l’état de cette rep., & que rien de ce qu’il dit ci-dessus n’est à propos ni juste. Si je parlois ainsi à un Hollandois, il me diroit que les avantages du Commerce sont toujours réciproques; sans quoi il ne se feroit jamais, ou il cesseroit bien vite; & que d’exclure la Hollande de celui de l’Amérique, feroit autant de tort à l’une qu’à l’autre.— On ne peut pas dire, que le Corps de la Nation ait fourni un seul Schelling à l’Angleterre. Les fonds Anglois sont, depuis plus d’un siecle, un objet de Commerce & de Jeu pour les particuliers ici comme par-tout ailleurs. Leur prodigieuse baisse prouve le discrédit où ils tombent peu à peu; & leur chûte complete entraîneroit certainement la ruine & la misere d’un prodigieux nombre de familles. Quand il seroit vrai que la Reine Elisabeth a généreusement assisté cette Rép. dans son origine (les Hollandois soutiennent qu’elle n’a jamais consulté que son propre salut & intérêts, & qu’à tous égards elle leur a vendu bien cher des secours, qui n’ont fait que les trahir à la fin) elle étoit maîtresse de le faire. Amsterdam ne l’est point, du moins pour le présent, de faire ce que Mr. L. demande. Nous avons ses voeux pour nous, & ses vigoureux efforts contre un puissant parti, influé & interessé contre nous; efforts progressifs, dont nous avons tout lieu d’attendre les plus heureux succès. Ces voeux & ces efforts ne sont point empty: ôter à notre ennemi des ressources contre nous, c’est bien réellement nous secourir. Tel est le sentiment de G—— F——; & c’est aussi le mien, qui serois bien mortifié s’il étoit mal fondé: car je devrois, en ce cas, me regarder comme placé tout aussi inutilement en ce pays pour le service des E. Unis, que vous l’observez, Monsieur, dans une de vos Lettres, de ceux envoyés avec plus d’éclat, et peut-être à grands fraix, en Allemagne & en Italie.
Demain les Etats se rassemblent. Je verrai peut-être notre Ami ce soir. De la Résolution qu’ils prendront, s’ensuivront bien des choses. Je suis avec un respectueux dévouement Monsieur, Votre très humble & très obéissant serviteur
Dumas
Je vous supplie, Monsieur, que cette Lettre reste entre nous.Passy à S.E. Mr. Franklin M. Plenip. des E.U.

Addressed: à Son Excellence / Monsieur le Dr. Franklin, Esqr. / Min. Plénipe. des Etats-Unis / de l’Amérique, à Passy./.
Notation: M. Dumas to B. Franklin 15 Decr. 78.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Beaulieu, 16 December 1778
From: Beaulieu, Charles Gilloton(?), chevalier de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Excellence
quai d’orleans isle st Louis maison de Mr De braisle 16. xbre 1778.
Quoique la grande question qui a divisé dabord et qui sépare aujourdui la mère et les enfans ne soit pas trop de la compétence d’un monarchiste je ne puis m’empécher de dire tout bas et Salva majestaté regia que s’il ÿ eut une guerre légitime aux yeux de La philosophie cest celle dont vous etes l’apôtre, je dirai qu’il ÿ a une contradiction manifeste entre Les principes fondamentaux du gouvernement anglais et Les raisons qui Lui ont mis les armes a La main et je publierai tout haut que lépoque où nous touchons ne sera pas moins glorieuse aux Etats unis de L’amerique, qu’elle sera favorable a L’avancement des sciences, au progrès du commerce et au bien de la Société, en sorte que dans peu cette nation qui n’avait il y a deux jours, pas plus de place dans L’histoire que sur la carte bientot occupera La premiere Dans L’une et L’autre; quelle gloire ne rejaillira pas sur Les principaux moteurs d’une aussi heureuse revolution, Votre nom, monseigneur, arrivera sur ses ailes a La posterité La plus reculée, et La moitie du globe scait que ce ne sera pas La son seul merite!
Ne possedant dans ce moment d’autres biens que ceux qu’on tient de la nature cestadire, mens sana in corpore sano, pourais je aspirer a L’avantage de servir ce peuple Etonnant dont votre Excellence n’est pas le moindre prodige? L’examen de cet objet exigerait un entretien que je n’ose solliciter, je n’ai Deja que trop de reproches a me faire pour le temps que je dérobe au Sage et a L’homme détat, je me trouverai donc fort heureux si avec ce tort vous daignés agréer mes excuses et L’hommage du respect infini avec lequel je suis—Monseigneur de Votre Eccellence Le très humble et très obeissant serviteur,
CHR De Beaulieu

Notation: De Beaulieu 16 Xbre. 1778.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Philip, 17 December 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Philip, ——

Sir,
Passy Dec. 17. 1778
It being extreamly improper for me who am a Stranger here, to trouble the Ministers with Solicitations for Persons unknown to me & in Affairs the Nature of which I am ignorant of, I must beg you to excuse my not doing what you desire of me. I return your Papers, as they may be of use to you, & am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Achille-Guillaume Lebègue de Presle, 17 December 1778
From: Lebègue de Presle, Achille-Guillaume
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
a Paris ce 17 Xbre 78
Jai recu de m Magellan, au commencement de septembre, une lettre par laquelle il me chargeoit de vous demander le Tableau Economique publié par Mr Dupont, en une grande feuille de papier, que vous avez promis a Mr B. Vaughan. Mais comme jai passé le mois de septembre entier a Ermenonville et les deux autres mois suivans egalement hors de Paris, et que je ne pouvois pas faire d’envoi a Londres durant ce tems, jai remis a vous faire cette demande a mon retour ici. On vient de m’annoncer l’occasion d’un envoi en Angleterre pour samedi; et je vais en profiter pour faire tenir a Mr Magellan plusieures autres demandes. Si vous pouviez Monsieur m’envoyer ce tableau par la petite poste, je vous serois tres obligé. J’aurois ete vous rendre mes devoirs et vous le demander, si des affaires relatives a cet envoy ne m’en empechoient ces jours cy.
Permettez moi Monsieur de vous prevenir sur une autre affaire plus importante. Vous savez que mon frere du Portail lieutenant colonel dans le corps royal du genie de france, est parti il y a deux ans avec votre agrement pour servir dans l’armée des Etats unis de L’Amerique. Le ministre lui a donné un congé de deux ans. Ce congé expirant incessament, il est necessaire, selon les loix du service, qu’il soit renouvellé. Les trois ingenieurs qu’il a emmenés avec lui sont dans le meme cas d’expiration de congé et de necessite de le renouveller. Voudriez vous bien, Monsieur, vous charger de demander ces renouvellemens? Ils seront beaucoup plus promptement expedies sur votre demande que sur la mienne, quoique cela ne souffre aucune difficulté entre puissances alliées. Des que vous m’aurez fait la grace de m’informer que vous voudrez bien faire la demande de nouveaux congés au Ministre de la guerre, j’aurai l’honneur de vous porter les modeles des congés de ces officiers afin quils soient faits de meme. Je suis avec un profond respect Monsieur votre tres humble tres obeissant serviteur
Lebegue De Presle.Rue st jacques la 2e porte cochereau dessus de la rue des mathurins

Notation: Le Begue de Presle Paris 17 Xbre 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Mounier & Denis, 17 December 1778
From: Mounier & Denis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur!
Middelbourg Ce 17 Decembre 1778.
Nous avons pris la liberté de vous ecrire une Lettre au 19 novb. pour vous prier de vouloir bien avoir la bonté, de vous Interesser en faveur de notre navire Neerlants Welvaart Me. [Maitre] C: T: Wessling, afin quil fut donné libre, (sont fret paÿe, si les americains devoient confisquer sa cargaison) et que l’on nous dedomagoit en quelque facon, du retard occasionné par cette prise.
Le Beau Pere (Monsr: S de Monchy, de Rott.) du premier Sousigné, vous a ecrit a ce Sujet aussi, quélque jours passé, pour solliçiter votre protection. Nous vennons de recevoir dans le moment; la nouvelle que ce navire a été donné libre, et son fret payé, comme le capne. nous ecrit de l’Ile de Rée, ou il a relaché; de Sorte que nous vous Sommes obligé pour les peines que vous pourriez vous avoir donne au Sujet de ce navire, uniquement nous vous Soliçitons de vouloir vous Interesser pour les marchandises qui ont été chargé dans son navire, on vous aura ecrit surrement de la Hollande a ce Sujet, Si vous pouviez faire [torn: en sorte qu’on?] nous paÿa quélque choses pour le retard, que le dit [torn: several letters missing]s vous aurions bien des obligations.
Nous avons Cru etre de notre devoir, de vous Informer, du Sort de notre navire. Excuses la liberté que nous avons pris, nous vous offrons nos Services, et ce qui depend de nous, et avons l’honneur d’etre avec la Consideration la plus destinguée Monsieur! Vos très humbles Serviteurs
Mounier & Denis
A Monsieur Benjamin francklin a Paris.

Addressed: Monsieur / Monsr. Benjamin Francklin / Deputé des Etats unis de / Nordamerique / actuellemt. / a / Paris.
Endorsed: answer’d
Notation: Mouniere et Denis Middelbourg 17. Xbre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Rush, 17 December 1778
From: Rush, Benjamin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir/
Philada, Decemr 17th: 1778.
The inclosed letter to Mr Coxe is from one of his family.— I have taken the liberty of addressing it to your care. Your conveying it safely to Mr Coxe will Oblige a worthy family, and Sir Your most Hble Servant
B: Rush

Addressed: The Honble: / Benjamin Franklin Esqr: / Minister Plenipotentiary / from the / United States at / the Court of Versailles.
Endorsed: Dr Rush Dec. 17. 1778.


Title: The American Commissioners to All Whom It May Concern, 18 December 1778
From: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John
To:

To all whom it may concern.
Passy Decr 18 1778.
These are to certify that the Bearer of this, Mr Gillam Tailor, is a Native and an Inhabitant of Boston in the State of Massachusetts Bay, that he is of a respectable Family, and unexceptionable Character. That he has acted for Some Years, in the public Service of the united States of America, in the Capacity of Secretary to Mr Hancock, while he was President of Congress and in that Character, and in all others, as far as We know, he behaved well and to general approbation.
We are &c


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Christopher Baldwin, 18 December 1778
From: Baldwin, Christopher
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Clapham Common 18 Decr. 18 1778
I am sure my dear Sir you will be much surprised at receiving a letter with my name at the bottom; but when you cast your eye on the Place from whence its dated, I think it will bring to your mind a Place at which, and friends with whom, you have passed some pleasant hours. We often think & talk of em and long for their return. Mrs. Baldwin, from the pleasure she takes in being posessed of it, shews your bust in wax, the present of our friend Moore, to every body worthy of seeing it—she is not a little proud of that & your Liturgy, which is her constant Sundays entertainment.
A worthy friend who I am sure will safely convey this to you, is to have the perusal of it for a few days, as his reward.
Mrs Baldwin has frequently shewn your bust to our amiable neighbour Lady Rivers, who promised to call upon you in her way to the So. of France, and remember us to you.
At the time her Ladyship left, we little thought of an accident that has since happened—the loss of Dominica, where I have property to the amount of £12000. My Son, the only child we have, as you will remember, is now at Portsmouth, going out to Dominica to take care of our Estate there. He is a most worthy young man, beloved by all who Know him; and as a recommendation to the Marquis de Bouillé will certainly be of great service to him, so his fond, fond Mother repeatedly urges me to write to you, to beg you procure him such recommendation from some Gentn. of Rank among your friends in France—no body she insists upon it, can do this service to her Son, so effectually as you, and being quite of her opinion, We therefore now earnestly beg it of you, without a doubt of your kind complyance.
Mrs Baldwin has repeatedly offerd herself to her ministerial friends as an Ambassadress to you. I tell her that in company with our worthy friend Small, I think somthing may be done among you—mentioning him it leads me to tell you, that Dr. Saunders (Huck) who lives near us at Clapham, told me lately, that he had hopes of procuring him a comfortable appointment here. I was lately shewn an excellent little profile, but it did not please me so well as that with your wig—tho I knew it instantly, and its so excellently well done, that I wished much to be possessed of it,—but your friend withstood all my importunitys.
For this month past we have been drowned with rain; I hope the Weather is more comfortable with you. I have told my Son of your Cabin lamp with water and oil to read by at Sea. Mrs. Baldwin and Miss Watkins join with me in kind remembrance & good wishes to you, with the pleasing hope of again seeing you here. I am My dear Sir Your Sincere friend & humble Servant
Chr. Baldwin

Notation: Baldwin Clapham Common 18. Xbre. 1778.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 18 December 1778
From: Hartley, David
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My Dear Friend
London Dec 18 1778
I hope the Exchange will now meet with no longer delay. I have been referred to a personal Conference and Consultation with the board of Commissioners of Sick and Hurt, wch is the Executive board for the Exchange. I there saw all the instructions from the admiralty to them, together with the Kings consent to the Exchange signified by the Secretary of State, &c. and by the whole of the conduct of the gentlemen of that board, I am convinced that they will forward the business to the utmost of their power, without rubs or delay. They entered with me very heartily into the Matter, upon the ground of proceeding practicably, and to avoid every punctilio wch might embarrass. They are instructed by the admiralty to proceed in the Exchange by an hundred at each time, to be taken alternately from Plymouth and Forton by Seniority. Plymouth is the Senior prison, the committments there being the oldest. It now remains with you to name whether L’Orient or Nantes shall receive the first cargo of one hundred; I was desired to apply to you, to send me the name of the person with whom the Exchange is to be made, at either of these Ports. In short; name the Port and the agent, and you will immediately receive one hundred to begin, and so on by hundreds. The transport for the first cargo is already appointed & victualled, therefore I think there can be no farther delay. I was desired to ask you whether Morlaix would be as convenient to you for future exchanges. I made a request on your part, wch was most readily complied with, that this question shd not delay the first exchange. If Morlaix wd be equally convenient to you the Exchanges might be made more expeditiously than in the Bay. I have nothing more to say at present. Your affecte
D H.
To Dr Franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 18 December 1778
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à Vlles. le 18. Xbre. 1778
Il s’est presenté à Tarbes, Mr. un jeune homme se disant de Boston et de votre Connoissance sous le nom de James Barnest [Barnett] et qui, à ce double titre a reçu beaucoup de prévenances et de politesses de la part de M. le Cte. de Gontaut et des principaux habitants de la ville.— Mais ce même jeune homme s’est évadé en laissant des dettes, et plusieurs circonstances ont donne lieu de le regarder comme un escroc. Il a fait entendre, entr’autres que vous lui aviez fourni quelqu’argent, et qu’il avoit tiré sur vous une lettre de change de 1300 l.t. Je vous prie, M, de vouloir bien me marquer non seulement si ces deux faits sont veritables, mais aussi si le soidisant James Barnest est connu de vous, ainsi qu’il l’a avancé.
M. franklin


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 19 December 1778
From: Digges, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr. Sir
B——l [Bristol] 19th. Decr. 1778
Encouragd by an offer of getting this Letter deliverd safely by a private hand, I sit down to acknowlege the receipt of Your obliging favor of the 23d. Octor. relative to Mr. C: D——ks bill remitted by me; and to thank you Sir for your kind offers of attention therein made.
I should think my time very well taken up in writing to you whenever I had any thing material or useful to communicate; and I certainly should at times have done it, had I a proper name & direction to write under; for situated and busey as I am at present, and distant too from the Capital, I do not often hear of private conveyances before it is too late for me to embrace them, and the uncertainty of safety in the common post renders it very discouraging. I have not the honor to be known to you Sir, but those about you are well acquainted who & what I am, and can testify, that altho my personal assistance to the cause You are so deeply engagd in, has been hitherto unavoidably denyd Me, yet my mite has been chearfully given, & I trust with some little success & advantages to my Country.
The Bearer (a Gentn. connected with a freind lately settled at Nantes) will deliver you this, & has my direction & also knows how letters may be forwarded under cover to others—A Monsr Monsr Pierre. J: Bertrand, Post Office Londo., or Pierre. J. DuVall post office Bristol, will do for the common post; and I will attend to the signature of Louis Frances or any other name written in the same hand as the letter of the 23d Octor.—.
The parliamentary news of the day I need not attempt to give you, as I know the public papers go regularly abroad. The general opinion is that no more troops will be sent to America, save new recruits sufficient to fill up the vacancies: I am credibly informed that if more men are wanted, ministry are confidant they can get them in Ama., and have on more occasions than one, given pretty plain hints that men enough for their purpose, & who have become tired of the measures of the Congress, may be had for bounties of twenty or thirty Guineas a head, which is a more cheap and eligable mode than sending out Regiments from Europe.— Some people are gone over with secret instructions to get among the Americans by art, & publish to them the bounties offerd by Govert for such as will go over or inlist. The mode of war has certainly been orderd from home to be alterd into a more vigorous, I may say infamous one; Fire devastation and plunder is now to be expected, and I but too often hear it urged, that it is now the interest & intentions of all England to render the American accession of as little avail as possible to France, you must destroy America or She will destroy you &ca. &ca. &ca. The ministry go on in deceiving the Country Gentlemen & in fact themselves, & parliament is as plyant as usual; what may be their plan of future opperations it is impossible to say; I believe they have none but what the event of the day suggests, & the occurrence of the following recals; I cannot think at present more is meant by them than to retain actual possessions, to annoy at Sea, destroy unguarded towns & property, and to take the chance of the chapter of accidents. The reenforcements voted, or expected from abroad, are not equal to more active services. My favourite wish, American Independency, seems to make no proselites but in the minority, and even there, where union is so necessary for the immidiate salvation of this Country, I am sorry to say the opinion is not general in favour of it. Tho they disagree in the end I think they will nevertheless join in the means: As to numbers they stand better than heretofore, and except in the instance of my acquaintance Govr. J——e, I see no signs of desertion in the little Corps of Patriots.— Tho the word is so low in credit, I trust the principle exists, & I hope will one day or other revive.
It is surprising that the people swallow with as much avidity as ever the tales & promises of Administration & their runners,—every thing they give out is in some measure beleived, & consequently finds the effect: The quarrels at Boston with DeEstaignes people—the total destruction of His fleet by Adm Byron—the sunken consequence of Congress—the defection & desertion of almost all Washingtons army—the Revolt of the So Carolineans & New England men—the almost certainty that the party under Campbell (wch saild the 15 octor. from N York) would take quiet possession of Chas Town, with a number of other similar storeys, was to have alterd intirely the face of the drooping cause of England in America: As time & information contradict these reports, there are always others ready cut & dry, & as constantly beleivd—so are they deceivd and so they will be to the end of the Chapter.
The Culloden a 74 & one of Byrons Squadron arrivd a few days ago at Milford-haven— After Byron left N York on the 19th Octor His fleet put into R. Island, & soon after leaving that place on a cruise (supposd to be to look after DeEstaigne) a violent storm seperated the fleet; The Somerset a 64 was lost in it near Cape Cod, & the Culloden (formerly hurt in her masts) was obligd to fly before it to England. On her way, tho not altogether out of the tract for the Wt Indies, she took an armd brig belonging to DeEstaignes Squadn, the crew of wh. gave information they were bound for Europe, & this is generally now believd. A packet is since arrivd at Falmo wch. left N York the 19th. Novr, which confirms the dispersion of Byron,—that most of his fleet had got back to R Island—that DeEstaigne had saild on the 4th from Boston but not known for where—that Ld Carlyle, Eden, Cornwals, Gen. Grey, & other officers of the guards were soon to come home—& that the expedition under Campbell to So Carolina had also been seperated & dispersd. As Coll Stewart who bore the dispatches has been now some days in London & not a word of these disagreeable intelligences in the Gazette, it is to be feard they are too true.

I am much with our mutual friend D—— H——y, and we are in dayly hopes of something being done for our captive people—their situation is getting worse & worse, & I am but too often put to my utmost tryals to render them assistance & releif.
The fleet for the Wt. Indies said to be 7 of the line and some hundred merchantmen, are waiting for a wind; This business of the two admirals has causd a shift of Captains, and will it is feard very much retard the sailing of our fleets. I am on all occasions Dr. Sir most respectfully Yrs
J W

Notations in different hands: Dec 19 1778 / Digges—15 Decr. 78


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from François-Louis Allamand, 20 December 1778
From: Allamand, François-Louis
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
A Lausanne en Suisse, le 20. de X. 1778.
Le caractère de franchise & de probité dont Vous faites profession, & que votre Nom méme semble promettre, me fait esperer que vous voudrés bien repondre nettement & precisement aux Questions suivantes
1° Un Peuple est il autorisé devant   à secouer le joug de son Souverain pour un interet fort leger en comparaison de ce qu’il Lui en coute, & du peril où il se met pour soutenir son entreprise?
2° Si ce Peuple est en droit de defendre, ou de revendiquer un interet temporel les armes à la main, ne le sera t’il pas, Lui & tout autre, à en faire autant pour L’interet de sa Religion?
3° En supposant que la Chartre du Peuple soulevé a été violée, & que cette violation rompt le Lien qui l’attachait à Son Prince, La Revocation d’un Edit solemnel par laquelle ce Peuple, ou tout autre, serait depouillé de son Etat religieux & Civil, ne l’autoriserait elle pas à la méme resistance, aux mémes mesures, & à des mesures plus violentes encore, s’il peut y en avoir?
Je conçois qu’on peut essaïer de mettre quelque difference entre les deux cas; mais je vous crois trop homme d’honneur pour chicaner. Je vous demande une Reponse nette, précise, raisonnée, s’il le faut, & que votre conscience approuve.
Au reste, vous voyés, Monsieur, par ma souscription, que je ne suis ni Anglais, ni Français; et Vous me rendrés justice si vous ne voyés dans l’invitation que je prens la Liberté de vous adresser, que les motifs les plus purs, & les plus Chrétiens.
Entre autres, Monsieur, je voudrais pouvoir concilier la part que Vous prenés à ce qui se passe, & la securité où vous paraissés étre sur les horreurs presentes, & sur celles que l’exemple du CONGRÉS peut amener, je voudrais, disje, pouvoir concilier la part si decidée que vous y prenés, avec les sentimens que je serais charmé de nourrir pour les qualités morales d’une personne si distinguée par tant d’autres.
AllamandProfesseur en Grec & en Morale,et ancien Recteur de L’Academie.

Endorsed: Impt. Demands


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Eastern Navy Board, 21 December 1778
From: Eastern Navy Board
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Navy Board Eastn Dept. Boston 21st. Decr. 1778
In Obedience to a Resolution of Congress Communicated to us the 27th. Octbre by the Honl Richd Henry Lee Esqr. Chairman of the Marine Committee at Philadelphia, to Prepare a Frigate to Carry Dispatches to France that they would preferr the Alliance to any other, as the Marquis De La Fayatte & his Suit, are to take their Passuage in her for whome the best Accomodations are to be Prepared, that the Ship will Admit of as the Marquis is a Nobleman of France, highly Esteemd by Congress as a Zealous & able Friend to the American Cause, to give Capt Landais who Commands the Alliance Instructions to Treat the Marquis with all Possible Attention & Respect & not to leave his Course to Cruize on the Passage.
We are also Instructed to send forward the Dispatches to Paris from Congress to your Excellency soon as the Ship arrives at any Port in France at which Place, the Capt is Directed to Apply to the American Agent for Supplies & Necessaries, & get his Ship in Readiness for Sea, with the utmost Expedition, to follow such orders as he may receive from your Excellency, which he is Strictly to Obey, We are further directed on the 19th. Novr. by the Marine Committe that the Alliance shall afford Convoy to the Ship in which the french Prissoners, Exchangd by Count De Estaing with Admiral Gambier are Embarked as farr as Requird by the Minister of the Court of France—vizt only while he is going out of Boston Harbour untill she Arrives in the high Seas, because her Speed may be Slower than that of the Alliance, therefore it would not be just, that she should Retard them.
We are also directed to Provide accomodations in this Ship for the Chevalier De Raymondis Captain of the Cæsar, & directed that he may be Treated with Tenderness & Respect, Capn Peter Landais is under the Strongest Injunctions, Punctualy to observe our Orders respecting every part of this Letter that he is to Execute.
We have sent to your Excellency all the late News Papers that we Wish may with the Ship Arrive safe in France.
We have the Honour to be with the Greatest Respect Yr. Excellencys Most Obedt. Most Huml. Servants.
Wm Vernon Prest. [President]J. Deshon
His Excellency Benjamn. Franklin Minister Plenipotentiary of The United States of America Paris

Endorsed: Navy Board Boston Dec. 21. 78 Orders to Capt. Landais


Title: “Conseils aux Ministres Anglois”: A Satire Possibly by Franklin, [c. 22 December 1778]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

While no direct evidence links Franklin to this satire and his contributions to the Affaires were infrequent, we believe he may have written this piece. Its subject matter is the October 3 manifesto of the Carlisle commission, in which Britain threatened to use every means in her power to destroy the American alliance with France or render it useless to the French. Franklin was outraged by the manifesto; in a letter to Hartley he described it as an “exterminating Proclamation.” Moreover, this satire, with its discussion of bounties to be paid for atrocities, is reminiscent of a later satiric effort known to be Franklin’s: the celebrated April, 1782, “Supplement to the Boston Independent Chronicle.” As is our custom with a literary piece which might have been his, we print it and leave open the question of authorship.

Conseils aux Ministres Anglois pour donner à la proclamation ou manifeste du 3 Octobre encore plus d’efficacité.
[c. December 22, 1778]
Comme il paroît que la désolation de l’Amérique est le systeme favori de notre Ministere, & que suivant les termes du Docteur Ferguson dans la proclamation du 3 Octobre, on cherche sur-tout à détruire tout ce qui peut rendre ce pays de quelque utilité aux François nos ennemis, les moyens suivans m’ont paru les plus propres à remplir un objet si désirable.
Il faut d’abord que les troupes qu’on embarquera au Printems prochain pour les Colonies, ne soient composées que d’Ecossois, d’Allemands & de Russes. Mais quelque penchant naturel qu’une pareille armée puisse avoir pour la dévastion, il convient de le provoquer encore par un stimulant plus actif, qui consiste à ne lui point donner de subsistance reglée; on y suppléera par des gratifications attachées aux différens services qu’on attend de ces troupes. Ces encouragemens pourroient être reglés de la maniere suivante.

Pour l’incendie d’une Ville qui auroit au moins 1000 mai-sons, pourvû qu’il n’en reste point qui ne soient entierement consommées, il sera donné à la division qui aura eu la gloire de cette expé-dition, la somme de cinq mille livres, pour être parta-gés entre les Officiers & les Soldats, ci
5,000

  Pour la destruction d’un Village ou d’un Hameau de 200 maisons au moins, pour-vû que les Habitans de tout âge & de tout sexe soient mis à mort, si non par le feu, au moins par le fer, mille livres, ci
1,000

Pour chaque acre de grain sur pied détruit, ci
3

Pour chaque millier de pieces de bétail, dito
5

Pour chaque Ferme avec ses appartenances, ditto
10

Pour chaque millier de pieds d’arbres coupés
4

Pour chaque moulin en-tierement démoli
2

Pour le crâne d’un homme
1

Pour celui d’une femme
2
2

Pour celui d’un enfant à la mamelle
2
12
6

Pour celui d’une femme enceinte
3
3

Pour celui d’un Membre du Congrès
30

Pour celui du Général Gates
500

Pour celui du Général Washington
5,000

Pour empoisonner un puits
60

Pour submerger un District qui auroit au moins 25 milles de circonférence
30

Pour chaque ballot de marchandises pestiferées envoyé à Boston où à Philadelphie
300

Pour chaque centaine de chiens enragés lâchés dans le pays
20

Pour chaque Lion, Tigre ou Léopard, ditto
50

Pour chaque paire d’Inquisiteurs qu’on pourra y jetter
1,000

Pour chaque fille du Palais Royal ou de Drurylane qui y sera transportée
300

Pour la démolition d’un port
100

Pour obstruer la navigation d’une riviere
200

A ces encouragemens l’Archevêque d’York ajoutera de sa cassette les douceurs écclésiastiques suivantes.

Pour chaque Ecclésiastique non conformiste brûlé vif au poteau
500

Pour chaque Temple (Meeting house) de Quaker
1,000

Pour chaque Quaker noyé immédiatement après son Baptême
10

Les Ministres n’éprouveront sûrement aucun remords de conscience à faire la guerre de cette maniere honnête. En effet, quoiqu’elle pût mériter la censure de quelques ames timorées, tels que les Grotius & les Burlamaqui, il leur suffit d’avoir été assurés par le Lord Suffolk, en plein Parlement, que ce sont des moyens tout simples que Dieu & la nature ont mis entre leurs mains pour l’extirpation des rebelles.
Signé, Le Fer & le Feu.


Title: Laborde Lissalde to the American Commissioners, 22 December 1778
From: Laborde Lissalde, ——
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

Messieurs,
A Bayonne le 22 Decembre 1778
Pour nous conformer à l’article 11 du Réglement du 27 Septembre dernier nous avons l’honneur de vous addresser la déclaration que vient de rendre pardevant nous le Sr. Néhémie Story cidevant chef de prise du Senaut anglois l’Esperance de Bristol chargé de morue, qui, ayant été pris par le Sr. Jean Leach commandant le corsaire le francklin de Salem et n’ayant pu gagner ce port du continent de l’Amérique, forcé de chercher quelques ports de l’Europe, fesoit route pour celui de Bilbao en Espagne, lorsque, assailli par une nouvelle tempête, il a fait naufrage dans nôtre département sur la côte de Messanges à huit lieues du présent port. Vous y verrés, Messieurs, le sort des Anglois qui étoient restés dans cette prise et du restant de son équipage dont il ne s’est sauvé que quatre hommes y compris le dit Story. Sur la nouvelle que Courthiau garde côte du siège audit lieu nous a donnée de ce naufrage en nous informant que ce sénaut étoit brisé et presque toute la cargaison perdue, nous avons voulu éviter les frais indispensables qu’auroit entrainés nôtre transport sur les lieux où d’ailleurs nôtre présence n’auroit plus eû l’objet de conserver, et nous avons ordonné à Courthiau de faire ce que nous aurions fait nous mêmes, de recueillir et vendre les tristes restes de ce naufrage à la chaleur d’enchères publiques. Cela a été effectué, on a sauvé environ-200 quintaux de morue extrêmement avariée qui ont été vendus sur la côte à 6 l.t. le quintal, une partie de cordages, et on a tiré des débris du casque du navire 30 l.t. 10 s. Les frais de sauvetage et autres relatifs à ces objets réduiront le total de leur produit: quoiqu’il en soit nous vous prions de nous indiquer l’emploi que nous en devrons faire.
Nous sommes avec le respect le plus sincère, Messieurs, Vos très humbles et très obéissants serviteurs
Laborde LissaldeLt. Général pour les Officers de l’Amirauté.

Addressed: M M. les Députés des Etats-Unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale
Endorsed: Laborde Lissalle Lieut. Gen. pour les Officiers de l’Amirauté Bayonne 22. Decr. 1778


Title: Sartine to the American Commissioners, 22 December 1778: résumé
From: Sartine, Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Versailles, December 22, 1778, in French: You are undoubtedly aware that American seamen escaping from English prisons often arrive in French ports without the basic necessities. I can instruct the commissioners in ports where you have no agents to treat these men as they would French escapees. Regarding British prisoners taken by Americans, I propose they be removed to designated prisons and guarded and fed at the expense of the United States in accordance with his Majesty’s regulation of September 27. Please let me know if these arrangements meet with your approval and inform your agents accordingly.>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pickerin, 22 December 1778
From: Pickerin, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
On Board Ship Hampden Brest Decemr 22. 1778
This wil inform you of my Arrival here again, after a short Cruize of 18 days, during which time I have taken two Prizes—the one a Brigantine from Newfoundland Loaden with dry Codd Fish—The other a Dutch Dogger from Barcalona Loaden with Nutts—bound for London. Notwithstanding the Dutch Captain first Possitive Declaration when I took him on Board the Ship Hampden that the Cargoe belong’d & was Consign’d To some Merchants in London, he now has made a nother Declaration, since he came in here, which says he is not Certain whether the Cargoe is a Spanish Property or English upon the whole (by the request of Monsieur Peter Riou a Gentleman who is Kings Lingester here and has heretofore Transacted my Bussiness for the Captors &c: with the greatest Integrity & faithfulness) the Court of Admiralty, has taken the Vessel & Cargoe under their Immediate Care & Inspection and have Seal’d the Vessels Hatches down, until such Times as they can inform themselves better of the Property &ca—
I am with great Esteem very Respectfully Yr. Most. hmbl. Servt.
Thos. Pickerin
Benjn. Franklin Esqr.

Addressed: To / The Honble. Benjn. Franklin / Ambassador for the / United States of / America
Endorsed: Capt Pickerin


Title: Pierre Rïou and Thomas Pickerin to the American Commissioners, 23 December 1778: résumé
From: Rïou, Pierre,Pickerin, Thomas
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Brest, December 23, 1778, in French and in the third person: Thomas Pickerin, captain of the Hampden, recaptured La Constance, took it into Brest, and, in accordance with the marine ordinance of 1681, addressed himself to Rïou within twenty-four hours. Captain Moodey of the prize ship was in attendance, and two Frenchmen from on board the ship were also questioned by admiralty judges. The legitimacy of the capture was established by these formalities, and Pickerin and Rïou considered their legal obligations fulfilled. They believed they were following the precedent set by Captain Jones, who had been allowed to sell his prize. Pickerin therefore gave Rïou power of attorney to sell the ship and all its goods. The buyers, Lestume and Coquillon, took possession on October 16 and proceeded to unload and sell the cargo right under the eyes of the admiralty. Pickerin, receiving payment in cash and negotiable effects on October 18, shared the proceeds with his crew and set out on another cruise. All was peaceful until Rïou was notified on October 22 that the admiralty’s September 27 ruling on the procedures for selling ships and cargo applied to Pickerin. After calming down the angry buyers by assuring them that all parties had been acting in good faith and that they could continue to sell off the goods, Rïou had written to the commissioners for aid, but received no answer. The admiralty officials on December 5 sequestered the prize ship and its contents, and even forced the buyers to show them where the resold goods had been taken. The buyers turned to the Council of Prizes for help, but so did Arnaud de Lavau of Bordeaux, a representative of the original owners who sought to recover La Constance for themselves. Since the ship had been taken by the English, how could it any longer be the property of the original owners, and how could they hope to recover it? If the Hampden had been French, the retaking of it would certainly have been valid. Pickerin, who is back with two new prizes, fears Lestume and Coquillon may take them away from him. Will the commissioners please sustain the interests of their countrymen and use their power for those people depending on them?>


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pickerin, 23 December 1778
From: Pickerin, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sr.
Brest December 23. 1778
Sence my Arival here I have ben infornd. that the Marchants of the La Constance has laid a claime to the Ship and Corgo before I atempted the saile of the Ship and Cargo I made my Self acquainted with the laws and Customs of France which was if any Prises or Prisses that was taken by the Enemy being in there hands more then Twenty four Hours then Retaken was a total prise to the Ratakers. Sr. you frindship in seaking into this matter I shall take as a Great Favour; the laws France I Expect to be Governed by without Your Asistance I am afraid of haveing the Ship Hampden detaind. when she is ready for Sea. Your. most Hum Servt
Thos. Pickerin

Notation: Thoms. Pickerin 23. Dec. 1778—


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte de Flavigny, 23 December 1778
From: Flavigny, Gratien-Jean-Baptiste-Louis, vicomte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Paris Rue de Touraîne St. cosme fauxbourg st. ger-main le 23. xbr. 1778.
L’amitié dont vous honorés Madame de Flavigny et moi; m’engage à me confier en vos bontés, j’espere que cette lettre ne sera que pour vous seul et que vous la déchirerés ou bruleré aussitot sa lecture.
Ma position et vos vertus m’engage dans la plus parfaite confiance: Malade depuis quatre ans, ayant plus que jamais besoin de secours, Je manque dans ce moment du plus étroit necessaire et si vous pouvés m’obliger vous me rendés le plus grand service que je puisse espérer.
J’ai besoin, Monsieur, de douze cent livres ou de cinquante Louis: et vous achettés du vin pour la consommation de votre Maison. Si vous vouliés me préter aujourd’huy Je suppose ces cinquante Louis Je vous fournirois sous quinze jours 1200. Bouteilles en cinq tonneaux d’excellent vin pour M’acquiter, propre à Boire au Mois de Septembre prochain de Mon crû et qu’un Marchand de vin ne vous fourniroit pas pour 1800 l.t.
Je vous donnerois donc, Monsieur, a vingt sols la Bouteille du vin que vous Payeriés trente chés le Marchand: si le vin arrivé à Passy ne vous convenoit point Je le Reprenderois en m’acquitant avec vous auparavant.
Ainsi Mon Bon Papa, notre Respectable ami Vous pouvés dans le moment présent Rendre à votre Euridice et à moi le plus grand service, dans ma maladie et dans mes besoins; et vous procurer à vous du vin bien franc, Bien naturel, Bon et a Meilleur Marché que tous les Marchands. J’espere que quand une fois Je vous en aurai vendû, vous n’en Prendrés Jamais ailleurs—
Faites nous la grace de venir nous voir et d’agréer nos hommages.

Je suis avec un Respect infini Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
FLAVIGNY

Notation: flavigny 23. Xbre. 1778.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Genet, 24 December 1778
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Genet, Edme-Jacques

Dear Sir,
Passy, Dec. 24. 1778
If any News Papers should come to your Hands from London directed to Mr Benson, they are for me & I shall be oblig’d to you for sending them to me. I am, with much Esteem, Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin

Addressed: A Monsr / Monsieur Genet / Bureau des Interprétes / à Versailles


Title: Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 24 December 1778: résumé
From: Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie.
To: American Commissioners,Franklin, Benjamin,Lee, Arthur,Adams, John

<Amsterdam, December 24, 1778, in French: We did not receive your letter of December 6 until the 15th. We have already told Sir Georges Grand, currently in Paris, that we have as yet placed only fifty-one promissory notes, but we have no doubt of eventual success if we are patient. By forcing things we will only undermine our credit; please trust us. We await your further orders.>