Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Hancock, 14 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Hancock, John

Sir,
Passy, May 14. 1781
Permit me to repeat my Congratulations on your Election to the Government of your Country, and my best Wishes for your Health & Happiness.
A Privateer of this Country having taken an English Packet bound to New York, with her Dispatches, some of which it may be of particular Use to your State that your Excellency should see, as they relate to the Enemy’s Posts and proposed Operations in its Neighbourhood; and others which tho’ of a more general Nature, are interesting to Massachusetts-Bay, as a Part of the whole United States, I have had Copies taken of them for you, which I enclose. Other Copies are gone by different Conveyances to Congress.
With great & sincere Esteem & Respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant,
B Franklin
His Excelly. John Hancock, Esqr.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Huntington, 14 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Huntington, Samuel

Sir,
Passy May 14. 1781.
I did myself the honour of writing to your Excellency pretty fully on the 12th. March, to which I beg leave to refer. Col. Lawrens arriving soon after, we renew’d the Application for more Money. His indefatigable Endeavours have brought the good Dispositions of this Court to a more speedy Determination of making an Addition, than could well have been expected, so soon after the former Grant. As he will have an Opportunity of acquainting you personally with all the Particulars of Importance, a circumstantial Acct of the Transaction from me is unnecessary. I would only mention, that as it is the Practice here to consider early in the Year the probable Expences of the Campaign, and appropriate the Revenues to the several necessary Services, all subsequent and unexpected Demands are extreamly inconvenient and disagreable, as they cannot be answer’d without Difficulty, occasion much Embarrasment, and are sometimes impracticable. If therefore the Congress have not on this Occasion obtained all they wish’d, they will impute it to the right Cause, and not suppose a Want of Good Will in our Friends, who indeed are such most firmly & sincerely. The whole Supply for the current Year now amounts to twenty Millions: But out of this are to be paid, your usual Drafts for Interest Money, those in favour of M. Beaumarchais, and those heretofore drawn on Mr Jay and Mr Lawrence, which I have already either paid or engag’d for, with the Support of your several Ministers &ca &ca which I mention that the Congress may avoid the embarrassing my Successor with Drafts which perhaps he may not have the means in his Hands of honouring.
Besides paying the second Years Salaries of Messrs. Adams and Dana, Jay and Carmichael, I have furnish’d Mr Dana with 1,500£ stg. Credit on Petersburgh, for which Place I suppose he is now on his Way. You will receive from Holland Advices of the late Declaration of that Court, with regard to the English Refusal of its Mediation; and of the Assistance requested by the States General. I hope Mr Dana will find it well disposed towards us.—I have received no Answer yet to my Letters relating to the proposed Mode of lodging Funds here, by supplying the French Fleet and Army.
Having as yet heard nothing of Col. Palfrey, and it being now more than 4 Months since he sail’d, there is great Reason to fear he may be lost. If that should unhappily be the Case, the Congress cannot too soon appoint another Consul, such an Officer being really necessary here. Your Minister Plenipotentiary has hitherto had all that sort of Business upon his Hands, and as I do not now speak for myself I may speak more freely, I think he should be freed from the Burden of such Affairs, from all Concerns in making Contracts for furnishing Supplies, and from all your Bill of Exchange Business, &c &c that he may be more at Liberty to attend to the Duties of his political Funtions.
The Prisoners in England are increasing by the late Practice of sending our People from New-York, and the Refusal of the English Admiralty to exchange any Americans for Englishmen not taken by American armed Vessels. I would mention it for the Consideration of Congress, whether it may not be well to set apart 5 or 600. English Prisoners and refuse them all Exchange in America, but for our Countrymen now confined in England.
Agreable to the Vote of Congress and your Excellency’s Letter of the 4. Jany. I have requested the Assistance of this Court for obtaining the Release of Mr President Lawrens: It does not yet appear that the Thing is practicable. What the present Situation is of that unfortunate Gentleman, may be gather’d from the enclosed Letters.
I hope the Alliance with the Ship Marquis de la Fayette under her Convoy, are by this Time arrived, as they sail’d the 27 of March. I flatter myself that the Supplies of Clothing &ca which they carry, will be found good of the Kind and well bought.
I have by several late Opportunities sent Copies of the Govt. Letters taken in the New-York Packet. Your Excellency will see that they are written in the perfect Persuasion of our submitting speedily, and that the Commissioners are cautioned not to promise too much with regard to the future Constitutions to be given us, as many Changes of the old may be necessary, &ca.— One cannot read those Letters from the American Secretary of State and his under Secretary, Knox, without a variety of Reflexions on the State we should necessarily be in, if obliged to make the Submission they so fondly hope for, but which I trust in God they will never see.
Their Affairs in the East Indies, by the late Accounts, grow worse and worse. And 22 Ships of the Prey they made in the West, are wrench’d out of their Jaws by the Squadron of M. de la Motte Piquet.

I mentioned in a former Letter my Purpose of remaining here for sometime after I should be superseded. I mean it with the Permission of Congress, and on the Supposition of no Orders being sent me to the Contrary: And I hope it will be so understood.—With the greatest Respect, I have the Honour to be, Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
 To His Exy. Saml. Huntington Esqr. President of Congress.

Notation: Letter. Honble B Franklin May 14. 1781 Read Sept 3.—


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis de Lafayette, 14 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

Dear Sir,
Passy, May 14. 1781
You are a very good Correspondent, which I do not deserve, as I am a bad one. The Truth is, I have too much Business upon my hands, a great deal of it foreign to my Function as a Minister, which interferes with my writing regularly to my Friends. But I am nevertheless extreamly sensible of your Kindness in sending me such frequent and full Intelligence of the State of Affairs on your side the Water, and in letting me see by your Letters, that your Health continues, as well as your Zeal for our Cause & Country.
I hope that by this time the Ship which has the honour of bearing your Name is safely arrived. She carries Clothing for near 20,000 Men, with Arms, Ammunition &c. which will supply some of your Wants, & Col. Laurens, will bring a considerable Addition, if Providence favours his Passage. You will receive from him the Particulars, which makes my writing more fully by him unnecessary.
Your Friends have heard of your being gone against the Traitor Arnold, and are anxious to hear of your Success, and that you have brought him to Justice. Enclos’d is a Copy of a Letter from his Agent in England, by which the Price of his Treason may be nearly guess’d at. Judas sold only one Man, Arnold three Millions; Judas got for his one Man 30 Pieces of Silver, Arnold not a halfpenny a Head. A miserable Bargainer: Especially when one considers the Quantity of Infamy he has acquir’d to himself, & entail’d on his Family.
The English are in a fair way of gaining still more Enemies: They play a desperate Game. Fortune may favour them as it sometimes does a drunken Dicer. But By their Tyranny in the East they have at length rous’d the Powers there against them, and I do not know that they have in the West a single Friend. If they lose their India Commerce, which is one of their present great Supports, and one Battle at sea, their Credit is gone and their Power follows.— Thus Empires, by Pride & Folly & Extravagance, ruin themselves like Individuals. M. La Mothe Picquet, has snatch’d from between their Teeth, a good deal of their West India Prey, having taken 22 Sail of their homewardbound Prizes: One of our American Privateers has taken two more, & brought them into Brest; & two wer burnt. There were 34 in company, with two Men of War of the Line & two Fregates, who sav’d themselves by Flight, but we do not hear of their being yet got in.
I think it was a wise Measure to send Col Laurens here, who could speak knowingly of the State of the Army. It has been attended with all the Success that perhaps could reasonably be expected, tho’ not with all that was wished. He has fully justified your Character of him, & returns thoroughly possess’d of my Esteem; but that can not, and ought not to please him so much as a little more Money would have done, for his beloved Army.— This Court continues firm and steady in its Friendship, and does every thing it can for us: Can we not do a little more for ourselves?— My Successor (for I have desired the Congress to send me one) will find it in the best Disposition towards us, & I hope he will take care to cultivate that Disposition. You who know the leading People of both Countries can perhaps judge better than any Member of Congress of a Person suitable for this Station: I wish you may be in the way to give your Advice when the Matter is agitated in that Assembly. I have been long tired of the Trade of Minister, and wished for a little Repose before I went to sleep for good and all. I thought I might have held out till the Peace, but as that seems at a greater Distance than the End of my Days, I grow impatient. I would not however quit the Service of the Public, if I did not sincerely think that it would be easy for the Congress with your Counsel to find a fitter Man. God bless you, & crown all your Labours with Success.— With the highest Regard & most sincere Affection, I am Dear Sir, &ca—
BF
Marquis de la Fayette


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, 14 May 1781
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

De Paris ce 14 may [1781]
Voulez vous bien mon Illustre Docteur, que Je vous rappelle la promesse que vous avez bien voulu me faire, Lorsque je vous demandai de L’employ dans les troupes amèricaines pour M. Boys, que Je vous donne une note Sur Ses Services et Sur le grade qu’il a eu dans ces troupes me dites vous et que vous verriez ce qu’il y auroit à faire. J’ai lhonneur de vous envoyer La note en question et S’il y a moyen que vous puissiez donner de LEmploy à ce brave officier Je vous en Serai fort obligé— Je compte vous aller demander à diner un de ces Jours et qu’avant les fêtes prochaines Je Serai à demeure votre voisin. Vous savez, Je crois, Sans que J’aye besoin de vous le dire que ce que Je trouve de plus beau à Passy c’est de renfermer Le Legislateur de l’Amèrique et Le Promethée Moderne qui nous a appris a dérober le feu du Ciel. Adieu Mon Illustre Docteur vous Savez combien Je vous suis passionnément attaché pour la vie
Le Roy
Mille complimens Je vous prie a Monsieur votre petit fils.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 15 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Cooper, Samuel

Dear Sir,
Passy. May 15. 1781.
I received your kind Letter of Feb. 1 by Col. Johonot. Your Sentiments of the present State of our Affairs appear to me very judicious, and I am much oblig’d by your free Communication of them. They are often of Use here: for you have a Name and Character among us, that give weight to your Opinions. The End of Col. Laurens’s Mission is answered as far as could reasonably be expected, tho’ all is not obtain’d that was ask’d. I had obtained a Grant of ten Millions before his Arrival; and it is since augmented by Ten more. His Representations of the State of the Army, &c. on which he could speak knowingly, have had great Effect. I wish he may get safe with the supplies to America. These with what I sent in the Marquis de la Fayette, viz Clothing for about 20,000 Men, and large Quantities of Arms & Ammunition obtain’d last year, will, if they arrive, put the Army into comfortable & respectable Circumstances. God grant!
It gives me great Pleasure to learn that your new Constitution is at length settled with so great a Degree of Unanimity & general Satisfaction. It seems to me upon the whole an excellent one; and that if there are some particulars that one might have wish’d a little different, they are such as could not in the present State of things have been well obtain’d otherwise than they are, and if by Experience found inconvenient will probably be chang’d hereafter.— I would only mention at present one Article, that of Maintenance for the Clergy. It seems to me that by the Constitution the Quakers may be obliged to pay the Tax for that purpose. But as the great End in imposing it, is professedly the Promotion of Piety, Religion & Morality, and those People have found means of securing that End among themselves, without a regular Clergy, and their Teachers are not allow’d to receive Money; I should think it not right to tax them and give the Money to the Teacher of the Parish; But I imagine that in the Laws to be made for levying Parish Taxes, this Matter may be regulated to their Contentment.
I am very sensible of the honour done me by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in chusing me one of their Members. I wish I could be of some Utility in promoting the noble Design of their Instruction. Perhaps I may by sending them from time to time some of the best Publications that appear here. I shall begin to make a Collection for them.
Col. Johonnot arriv’d in a bad time for establishing Commercial Connections. The great Losses some French Merchants have sustained by the Depreciation of our Money has much discouraged new Adventures. Time & better Acquaintance with us will remove Prejudices, & produce greater Confidence in our mercantile Operations. He may certainly depend on every Assistance I can give him.
Your very good Letter relating to Count d’Estaing’s Campaign, I have had translated and printed; not to be formally published here, but to have some Copies for distribution among Friends. I have however sent it to the Leiden Gazette, from whence it will appear here, and I hope be of Service to him. The Translator, l’Abbé Morellet, advised the suppressing some(?) few Passages, conceiving that Expressions too strong in a Friend’s Praise rather injure than serve him, being apt to excite Envy & produce Ill-will. As the Abbé knows well the People here, & is a very sagacious Man, I submitted to his Advice, and I hope you will not find your Piece the worse for his Alterations. I think too that I have dispos’d of some Copies where their being perus’d, may serve the Interests of that excellent Officer, & great Friend of America.—

Your excellent Sermon gave me abundance of Pleasure, and is much admired by several of my Friends who understand English. I purpose to get it translated & printed at Geneva at the End of a Translation of your new Constitution. Nothing could be happier than your Choice of a Text, & your Application of it. It was not necessary in New England where every body reads the Bible, and is acquainted with Scripture Phrases, that you should note the Texts from which you took them; but I have observed in England as well as in France, that Verses and Expressions taken from the sacred Writings, and not known to be such, appear very strange and awkward to some Readers; and I shall therefore in my Edition take the Liberty of marking the quoted Texts in the Margin.
I know not whether a Belly-full has been given to any Body by the Picking of my Bones, but pick’d they now are, and I think it time they should be at rest. I am taking measures to obtain that rest for them; happy if before I die, I can find a few Days absolutely at my own Disposal. I often form pleasing Imaginations of the Pleasure I should enjoy as a private Person among my Friends & Compatriots in my native Boston. God only knows whether this Pleasure is reserv’d for me.
With the greatest & most sincere Esteem, I am, Reverend and dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Revd. Dr. Cooper.


Title: French Loan Certificate, [15 May 1781]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To:

[May 15, 1781]
N° 11 Pour 750,000 livres
Nous Benjamin Franklin Ministre Plenipotentiare des ETATSUNIS de l’Amerique Septentrionale, en vertu du pouvoir dont nous sommes revetus par le CONGRES desdits Etats, promettons en son nom et solidarement pour lesdits Treize ETATS-UNIS, faire payer & rembourser au Tresor royal de sa Majesté très chretienne le premier Janvier mil sept cent quatre-vingt huit, au domicile de M. Grand, Banquier a Paris, la somme de Sept cent cinquante mille livres, argent de France, avec les interets a raison de cinq pour cent, l’an, valeur reçu comptant, a Paris ce 15 Mai— 1781—
BF.

La presente ne devant servir que d’une seule & même piece, avec l’ampliation que nous en avons delivrée aujourd’hui.
B Franklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Lewis, 16 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Lewis, Francis

Sir,
Passy. May. 16. 1781
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 1st. January. The Bill for 4444 Mexican Dollars which you remitted to Mr. Schweighauser, being refus’d Payment by Mr. Jay, for want of a regular Indorsement by Mr. Laurens, in whose favour it was drawn, and which Indorsement could not now be obtain’d, Mr. Schweighauser apply’d to me, informing me that he should not send the things ordered by your Board unless the Bill was paid; and it appearing on the face of the Bill that it was drawn for public Service, I concluded to take it up, on which he has purchas’d the Things and ship’d them; Col: Laurens, has put on board some other Supplies for the Army, and I suppose she will now sail directly.
The Drafts from Congress upon me for various Services, and those on Mr. Jay & Mr. Laurens all coming upon me for Payment, together with the Expences on the Ships, &c. &c. have made it impracticable for me to advance more for loading the Active. But as we have obtain’d lately Promises of a considerable Aid for this Year, I shall now try what I can do, as the Money comes in, towards supplying what is demanded in the Invoice you mention. You will receive, I hope, 28 Cannon, and a large Quantity of Powder & Salt petre by the Ship Marqs. de la Fayette.
I have by several Opportunities written in Answer to your Questions, relative to the Ship Alliance.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant,
B Franklin
Please to present my Respects to the Board.Hon. Fr. Lewis Esqr.

Addressed: On Public Service / The honble. Francis Lewis Esq / of the Admiralty Board / at / Philadelphia / per Favr of Col. Laurens
Notation: Letter May 16. 1781 Dr Franklin to Board of Admiralty Read Septr. 3.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 16 May 1781
From: Deane, Silas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir,
Paris 16h. May 1781
I wrote You a few Days since, inclosing Mr. Montieus Acct., and Duplicates of Mr. Vanderperes Papers, and took the Liberty of desiring that You would inform Me when You sent off Your Dispatches for America. I now take the Liberty of sending You a packet for America and You will oblige Me much by putting it under Your cover, by Mr. Laurens. I should not give You this Trouble were it not that Mr Laurens from Political or other motives, has avoided Me, though I called at his Lodgings.— The Letters are simply on business of a private Nature, except the one to the President of Congress which is to sollicit the appointment of an Auditor to settle my Accts. & those of the Public in which I have had any concern— I propose doing myself the honor of waiting on You at Breakfast on saturday Morning, & in the meantime have the honor to be with sincere respect & Attachment Dear sir Your most Obedt & Very Humle. servt
S Deane

Addressed: To / His Excelly. / B Franklin Esq. / or in his absence to / Mr Franklin junr / at / Passy
Notation: S. Deane 16 May 1781


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Laurens, 17 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Laurens, John

Dear Sir,
Passy, May 17. 1781
Inclos’d is the Order you desire for another Hundred Louis.— Take my Blessing with it, and my Prayers that God may send you safe & well home with your Cargoes. I would not attempt persuading you to quit the military Line, because I think you have the Qualities of Mind and Body that promise your doing great Service & acquiring Honour in that Line. Otherwise I should be happy to see you again here as my Successor; having sometime since written to Congress requesting to be reliev’d, and believing as I firmly do, that they could not put their Affairs in better Hands.— I shall ever be Most affectionately yours
B Franklin
Honble Col. Laurence

The Post comes in to-morrow Morning from Holland. If you have any Information of [torn: word or words missing] Expence likely to

Addressed: Honble. Col. John Laurens / Hotel d’Angleterre / à Paris
Notations in different hands: Dr Franklin to J. L Passy May 17th. 1781. / with an order for an hundred Louis / to communicate it [torn: word or words missing]


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 17 May 1781
From: Lovell, James
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Hond. Sir
Philada. May 17. 1781
Doctor Putnam whose Letter is inclosed, by the Uniformity of his Attachment to our public Cause, merits your Patronage; and I inclose also for your Information some former Proceedings of Congress in which this same Gentleman is interested; requesting Sir that you would obtain a Knowledge of the Proceedings consequent upon Efforts which Mr. Gerard has undoubtedly made to obtain Compensation for the Sloop which Count D’Arbaud restored to the Governor of Antigua after it had been taken by Doctor Putnam & others. Your most humb Servt.
James Lovell
Hon. Doctr. Franklin

Addressed: Doctor Franklin / Minister plenipory. / of the U S. of America / A Paris France / not to be destroyed in case of Capture / vid Journals of Congress 6th. & 11th. of Decr. 1779
Notation: James Lovell May 17. 1781.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Le Roy, [on or after 18 May 1781]
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste

[on or after May 18, 1781]
Je vous envoye mon illustre et ancien cher Ami les nouvelles que j’ai reçues, non seulement de la Bataille entre le General Greene & le General Cornwallis, mais aussi celui entre les Amiraux des Touches & Arbuthnot. Les deux Actions paroissent avoir ceci de semblable, que ni l’un ni l’autre Parti avoit beaucoup a se vanter de la Victoire. Quand vous les aurez lû, je vous prie de me les renvoyer au plutôt, parceque je dois les faire partir ce soir pour la Hollande.
Je ne vois pas que je puis faire quelque chose pour M. Bois. Vous sçavez comme mes Mains sont liés. Cela me fache, quand je vois que vous vous interessez pour lui.
C’est une mechante Femme, pour vous avoir engagé de diner ailleurs que chez moi Dimanche prochain. Elle ne peut expier cette faute, qu’en venant avec vous diner chez moi deux autres Dimanches.
Adieu; vous sçavez comme je vous aime. Mon petit fils vous aime aussi beaucoup; mais nous ne sçavons pas encore assez la Langue Francoise, pour donner a cela une tournure élégante. Nous esperons que la Sincerité en tiendra lieu.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [on or after 18 May 1781]
From: Le Roy, Jean-Baptiste
To: Franklin, Benjamin

à 4° 30′ [on or after May 18, 1781]
Mille remercimens mon Illustre Docteur de la Complaisance que vous avez euë de m’envoyer vos deux relations. Je vous les renvoye presque Sur Le champ parcequ’il faut que vous Sachiez que Le chemin est Si Sec et Si altérant que mon domestique forcé Sans doute de boire pour etancher Sa Soif nest revenu qu’a trois heures et demie. Vous avez bien raison de dire que les deux actions Sont a peu près Semblables. Les deux partis paroissent peu avoir a Se vanter de leurs avantages.
En verité vous faites tous les Jours de nouveaux progrès dans notre langue et vous n’avez pas besoin d’en faire davantage pour en connoitre toutes les tournures Si ce n’etoit L’inclination que vous avez pour méler les Sexes ou les genres vous Seriez au pair avec nos meilleurs ecrivains Epistolaires. Adieu Mon Illustre Docteur. Les assurrances de vos Sentimens et de ceux de Monsieur Votre petit fils me Sont precieuses comme vous Savez par tous les sentimens que je vous ai voués a l’un et à lautre pour la vie.
Le Roy


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 19 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, May. 19. 1781.
I received the Honour of yours, with an Account of the Bills you have to pay. I have accepted your Drafts for 77,000 Crowns, at 15 Days Date. The Shortness of the Term is inconvenient; and as our Money comes to hand by Degrees, and these unexpected Demands from Holland and Spain oblige me to anticipate our Funds, for which Anticipation I pay an Interest of five per Cent, I wish you would for the future draw at two or three Usances; because this would ease me in providing for the Payment; and tho’ the Discount is consider’d in the Rate of Exchange, yet as that is but 4 per Cent in Holland, and is here 5. the Publick would save by it One pr Cent: which in such large Transactions, amounts to a Sum worth saving. I write on this Head to Messrs. Fizeaux & Grand.—
I was much surprized to find by your Letter that the Congress continue drawing so largely on you, without knowing whether you have any Funds in hand. You mention Numbers from 37 to 76 inclusively. Perhaps all the preceding Numbers, and many succeeding Ones may soon appear also. I am never informed what to expect and therefore know not what to provide for. To demand greater Sums of the Ministry than I can shew that I shall want, would have an ill appearance, when I must be sensible of the vast Expence the War occasions, & their Difficulties in supplying it; & to be coming continually with After-claps succeeding each other without End, is extreamly disagreable to them as well as to me. They usually form their Plans at the Beginning of the Year, and appropriate their Funds; this Arrangement once made, new and unforseen Demands disturb it, and call for new Consultations and Determinations, and means of procuring new Funds; all which give Trouble, and put Friends out of Humour. The Aid granted for this Year, is, as you observe, noble: We are purchasing with it a variety of necessary Articles demanded by Congress. But the Uncertainty of what Demands they may think fit to make by way of Bills, must oblige us to hold our Hands, and retain something to face those unimaginable Drafts; for absolutely I cannot go to the Minister for more this Year. Last Year Mr Lovel wrote to me, that the Congress were very sensible of the Difficulties this wild Drawing subjected me to; and that if I could obtain wherewith to answer the Drafts then made, I might rely upon it no more would be issued, ’till the Congress were informed that I had Funds to answer them: I communicated this Letter to the Minister with my fresh Demand; I inclose a Copy of his Answer. You will by it, feel something better my Situation, when the Congress not only continue drawing on me, but all their Drafts on you and Mr Jay come upon me for Payment. I am really afraid that by these Proceedings, we shall, as the saying is, ride a free Horse to Death. But to the Point, the Bills you mention must be paid; and if you accept them I will answer your Drafts for that Purpose as they become due. But to enable me to do this, I must as I observed before, diminish the intended Supplies; there is no other Method to be taken.
I have, with you, no Doubt that America will be easily able to pay off not only the Interest but the Principal of all the Debts she may contract this War. But whether Duties upon her Exports will be the best Method of doing it, is a Question I am not so clear in. England raised indeed a great Revenue by Duties on Tobacco. But it was by Virtue of a Prohibition of Foreign Tobaccoes, and thereby obliging the internal Consumer to pay those Duties. If America were to lay a like Duty of 5 Pence Sterling per lb on the Exportation of her Tobacco, would any European Nation buy it? Would not the Colonies of Spain and Portugal and the Ukraine of Russia furnish it much cheaper? Was not England herself obliged for such Reasons to drop the Duty on Tobacco she furnish’d to France? Would it not cost an immense Sum in Officers &ca to guard our long Coast against the smuggling of Tobacco, & running it out to avoid the Duty? And would not many even of those Officers be corrupted and connive at it? It is possibly an erroneous Opinion, but I find myself rather inclined to adopt that modern one, which supposes it best for every Country to leave its Trade entirely free from all Incumbrances. Perhaps no Country does this at present: Holland comes the nearest to it; and her Commercial Wealth seems to have increased in Proportion.
Your Excellency has done me the Honour of announcing to me your Appointment: I hope soon to return the Compliment by informing you of my Dismission. I find the various Employments of Merchant, Banker, Judge of Admiralty, Consul &ca &c: beside my Ministerial Function, too multifarious and too heavy for my old Shoulders; and have therefore requested Congress that I may be relieved: for in this Point I agree even with my Enemies, that another may easily be found who can better execute them.
In my last I mentioned to you, that M. De la Motte Piquet’s Squadron took 22 Sail of the 34 coming to England from St Eustatia. It is now said that a St Malo’s Privateer, having taken two more, was encouraged by the Admiral to leave the Prizes under his Care, and pursue the rest; which he did, and falling in with two American Privateers and another French Privateer, they took between them all the rest, so that not one of the 34 will arrive in England. If this be true, the Ships that convoyed them will be able to render but a poor Acct of their Conduct.
I send you the late Accounts we have from America of the Action between Des Touches & Arbuthnot, Greene & Cornwallis. Your causing them to be inserted in the Dutch Papers, may prevent the Effect of false and exagerated Reports from England.
I shall wish to know from you, when you think it proper, the Proceedings of the States in your Affair; and have the Honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy. Jn. Adams, Esqr.

[On separate sheet in Franklin’s hand:] Col. Laurens set out yesterday for Brest on his Return. The most perfect Harmony subsisted between us during his Residence here.— I shall want as soon as possible Information of the Arrival of the Purchases you make at his Request to send in the Indienne.

Endorsed: Mr Franklin. May 19 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 19 May 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam 19 May 1781
I have the Honour to inform you, that I yesterday drew Bills of Exchange upon your Excellency, in favour of the House of Fizeaux & Grand to the amount of Twenty Seven Thousand Crowns of three Livres Each, to enable them to discharge the Bills of Congress which I have accepted and which are now or will be in a few days payable. The following is the List

1000
1100
1200
1500
1600
1650
1750
1800
1900
2000
2100
2200
2300
2400
2500

I have the Honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant.
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Vaughan, 19 May 1781
From: Vaughan, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear & respected Sir,
Aranjuez 19 May. 1781.
Fearing the miscarriage of a letter I wrote by post to your Grandson upon a Subject of the utmost importance to me, I have seized an occasion kindly procured me by Mr. Carmichael of sending you the present; & this I have done with the greater readiness as it has given me an opportunity of repeating those grateful Sentiments which naturally arise from a Sense of numerous favors recieved and more particularly for the last conferred on me in giving me a letter of Introduction to your friend here. I have experienced every attention & kindness from him that could be expected from your recommendation & his politness; his acquaintance has given me great pleasure & I shall be doubly happy if I can improve it into friendship.
You may easily imagine the Satisfaction I felt at finding that my conduct upon a late occasion has met with your Sanction; my utmost ambition has been gratified thereby & I find in it my consolation in the difficulties which Mr Jays delicacy has given rise to. Immediately on my arrival I applied to him to recieve my Submission, which he declined; from an Idea that his powers did not extend so far, an Idea which the exemples yourself & Mr Adams have given have not been able to remove. He even advised me to draw up a state of my case to present to the minister with a request of liberty of following my plan of staying in Spain & visiting the Seaports. The dread of awakening the Jealousy of a Cautious ministry made me urge Mr Jay to excuse me from this Step & I at last obtained his permission to delay it till he could learn your opinion upon the propriety of administring the oath in question. I am in consequence going to Toledo where shall wait till your answer can be recieved, hoping it may be before any questions are made Mr Jay on my account, foreseeing the uneasiness, an undecisive answer from him might occasion me.
In hopes this will find you in Good health, I am with the greatest respect, Your most obliged & most affecte. servt.
Jno Vaughan

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Dr Franklin / Passy / près de Paris.
Notation: J Vaughn / May 19. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Watson & Cossoul, 20 May 1781
From: Watson & Cossoul
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Nantes. 20th. May 1781
We duly rec’d your favr. of the 16th. inst. directed to our E. Watson, and have to acknowledge your Kind attention, & inform your Excellency that our friends Messrs. J. Cottin & fils & Jauge advise us, that they have found the bill in question.
We have the honour to be respectfully Your Excellency’s Very Obedient Servants.
Watson & Cossoul
The Honbl. Benja. Franklin Esqr. Passy

Addressed: The Honbl. Benja. Franklin / Esqr. / American Ambassador / at / Passy
Notation: E Watson & Cossoul May 20 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Jacques de Barrett, [before 21 May 1781]
From: Barrett, Jean-Jacques de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

VERITE∴ UNION∴ FORCE∴T∴ C∴ F∴
[before May 21, 1781]
L∴ R∴ L∴ des Neuf Soeurs, Est convoquée pour le Lundi 21 du 3e. mois D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ L∴ 5781. à 10 heures précises du matin.
Il y aura Election des officiers et banquet. &c.
Vous êtes priés d’y venir augmenter les douceurs de l’union fraternelle.
Je suis par les N∴ C∴ D∴ V∴ M∴ V∴ T∴ H∴ & affectionné Frere
DE BARRETT 3e.S.
Secrétaire D∴ L∴ R∴ L∴ Des Neuf-Soeurs.

L’adresse ordinaire de la Loge est à M. DE LA DIXMERIE, Maison de M. Valleyre, Imprimeur-Libraire, rue de la vieille Bouclerie.

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur / franklin / ./. A Passy / N∴ S∴


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Gourlade & Moylan, 21 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Gourlade & Moylan

Gentlemen,
Passy, May 21. 1781
I receiv’d the Letter you honour’d me with of the 2d Instant. Mr Williams having seen & approved of the Acct. for the Ballance of which, (6942.13.3) you drew on me in favour of Messrs Pothonnier & Co. I have this Day accepted that Bill, and it will be duly paid.—
I have also just received Mr Gourlade’s Letter of the 16th. relating to the Expences on the Alliance. Mr Laurens being gone to Brest who made some Objections to the Acct of those Expences, and as I had no Concern in ordering them, I must request you would obtain his Draft upon me for the Sum he allows, which Draft I shall accept and pay without Hesitation.
I have the honour to be, with great Esteem, Gentlemen
Messrs Gourlade & Moylan


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Laurens, 21 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Laurens, John

Dear Sir,
Passy May 21. 1781.
I sent you Yesterday some Letters whi[ch] came here for you since your Departure.
Mr. Necker is no longer in Place. M. Joly de Fleury succeeds him.
I am again applied to for the Expences on the Alliance. Be so good as to draw an Order on me for what you think proper to pay of Gourlade and Moylands Acct.
I repeat my Wishes for your prosperous Voyage, and am with great Esteem Dear Sir, Your most obedient [and] most humble Ser[vant]
B Franklin
Honble Col. Lawrens

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Col. Lawrens / chez M. Bersolle / Negt. / à Brest
Notation: Dr. Franklin Passy 21st May 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 22 May 1781
From: Deane, Silas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
Paris 22d. May 1781
I am at last determined on sending my Son to an Academy near Brussels, for a short Time, & having an Opportunity for his going in a few Days pray You to give him a Passport, for which he has the honor to wait on You, & to take his leave.

I am with The highest respect Dear sir Your most Obedt & Very humle servt
S Deane

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministere Plenipote. / des Etats Unis de / L’Amerique Septe. / Passy.
Notation: S. Deane. 22 May 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Laurens, 22 May 1781
From: Laurens, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Brest 22d. May 1781.
Upon my arrival here yesterday morning I was informed by the Count d’Hector that the Frigate and Store Ship appointed to transport supplies for the service of the United States were fitted and ready as to themselves—that the latter had begun to take on board part of her Cargo—but that some of the articles which I had designated to be embarked in preference had not arrived from Nantes and paris—and that the arrival of these from the former would be subject to much uncertainty—in these circumstances considering that farther delays would diminish the value of the small sum of specie ordered from hence—I determined to make up a Cargo by substituting to the objects at first demanded such as are most important and can be immediately drawn from the Magazine at this place—by this arrangement the Commandt. of the Marine Count d’Hector thinks we may be enabled to sail on monday, wind and weather permitting, but not before. I have represented to him in the strongest terms the necessity of instant dispatch, and both he and Count Langeron Commandt of the province have promised me that every possible exertion shall be made for that purpose—
I have now to renew my earnest entreaty to Your Excellency as the Guardian of our interests in this Country, not to suffer the epochs for the farther transmission of specie to America, to be procrastinated—what is now sent from hence and from Holland will produce its effect if properly and immediately seconded— but unsupported it will degenerate into the merest palliative, and we shall find ourselves reduced to a more desperate situation than when Congress first applied for succour— The ten millions with which His most Christian Majesty is to supply the failure of the loan in Holland—are already passed to the debit of his finances by the Director General— I refered him to Your Excellency for the engagements to be entered into by the United states relatively to this object— The Marquis de Castries is to concert with him the epochs for future transmissions—and the Count de Vergennes has promised to urge them on the subject— Your Excellencys influence will be indispensable to accelerate the movements of them all—
Messieurs de Veimerange & de Corny will deliver Your Excellency a general state of all the supplies furnished on account of Congress by direction of the Marquis de segur— I will transmit previous to my departure the account of the Cargo of the Cibelle— The remainder will arrive here successively—and be stored for a second convoy—it is the more important that this should be hastened as part of the supplies are to consist in brass howitzer of which we are in the most immediate and urgent want—
I take this opportunity of returning Your Excellency my best thanks for the indulgent expressions in the letter which you did me the honor to write previous to my departure from paris— I repeat to Your Excellency that it was only a principle of obedience that brought me to Europe on the present occasion—that I have not the most remote inclination to engage in the diplomatic line—and if I had the greatest—I shld. feel too strongly the disadvantage of succeeding your Excellency ever to form a desire on the subject—unless you would cast your mantle upon me and give me at the same time abilities to succeed to your reputation—
I renew my sincerest and tenderest wishes for the continuance of Your Excellencys health—and the assurances of veneration and attachment with which I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most obedt and most humble servt.
John Laurens

Endorsed: Col Laurens


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, [after 22 May 1781]
From: Grand, Rodolphe-Ferdinand
To: Franklin, Benjamin

[after May 22, 1781]
Mr. De Veymerange demeure rüe neuve des maturins— Jai fait Ecrire chez lui monsieur Franklin ainsy que moy, cest Sans doutte par un retour de Politesse qu’il est venu icy.
Mr Grand prie monsieur Franklin fils de vouloir bien lui envoyer Les Etats des payements quil a Laissé hier Sur son Bureau. Il à besoin de faire un nouveau travail dessus.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 23 May 1781
From: Carmichael, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Aranguez 23d. May 1781.
I seize the Opportunity of a Russian Courier on his return to Petersburg from Lisbon to transmit you the inclosed Letter from M. Vaughan & to thank you for the Pleasure your Introduction afforded me. He is a promising young Man & seems exceedingly desirous to improve himself, Mr. Jay having no Instructions to administer the oath of Allegiance, declined doing it until he could have your Sentiments in the Subject. I have received Letters from Philadelphia as late as the 9th. of April—by these it Appears that Lord Cornwallis retreated towards Cross Creek after his Affair with general Green, Leaving our wounded & 70 of his own behind him—my friends write in good Spirits, Indeed none of my Letters express the least apprehensions— Our Affairs are in much the same Situation here as when I last had the honor to write to you last.
We have just received the news of Mr. Lamotte Piquet’s Success, which gave great pleasure to his Majesty— I do not know whether the Officer who does me the favour to charge himself with this, will deliver it in Person. If he should, I beg your favorable Notice of him, and that you will put him into the hands of my Namesake— To whom I beg you to make my Compliments.
I am with much Respect, Your Excellency’s Obliged & humble Servant
(signed) W. Carmichael.
His Excelly. Dr. Franklin.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Pothonnier & Cie., 24 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Pothonnier & Cie.

Gentlemen,
Passy, May 24. 1781
I received your Letter of yesterday, and am surpriz’d to find in it a positive Assertion three Times repeated that I formally promised to you the Payment of Gourlade & Moylan’s Account of Disbursements on the Frigate Alliance.
Those Disbursements were not made by my Orders.
The Account was sent by those Gentlemen, not to me, but to Col. Laurens.
He disputed two considerable Articles in it, which he thought ought not to be paid.
When you apply’d to me, I told you that I would pay any Order Col Laurens might draw upon me, for such Part of the Account as he should think fit to allow: and I advised you to apply to him & obtain such Order; for that I could not take upon me to pay other Peoples Accounts without their Request or Approbation.

I made no other Promise.
If I had had the least Thought of paying you the Account without the Order of Mr Laurens, I should have paid it immediately with Cash, and not with a Promise.— Inclos’d I send you a Copy of what I wrote to Messrs Gourlade & Moylan two Days before I receiv’d your Letter. Perhaps by the Return of the Post I may receive the Order of Mr. Laurence.
I shall pay such Order.
But I must be cautious of having any farther Concerns with People who not only make Demands on me for Expences I never ordered, but also make Promises for me which I never dreamt of.
I have the honour to be Gentlemen
Messrs Pothonier & Co


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Philip Mazzei, 24 May 1781
From: Mazzei, Philip
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir,
Florence, May 24th, 1781
I understood long time since that Your Excellency had recd. a letter for me from America, & had been so obliging as to tell Mr. Favi at Versailles, that you would take the trouble of sending it to him, in consequence of which he had given you his direction. Having heard nothing more of it as yet, I am apt to think that there must have been some misunderstanding, to clear which I hope you will excuse me for the liberty I take of addressing myself to you, as well as for the trouble I gave you with me preceding from Genoa the 19th. of August last by Mr. Celesia, whom I hope you found to be worth your acquaintance. Mr. Favi, who has succeeded his uncle Abbé Niccoli in the Tuscan Agency, lives a l’hotel de Mirabeau rue de Seine faub. St. Jermain, where I wish you would please to direct your commands for me, The honour of which I would receive with pleasure at any time, & do my best endeavours to execute them to your satisfaction. I would be extremely obliged to your Excellency for the favour of the last accounts of our american affairs, especially in the southern States; & I have the honour to be most respectfully, Sir, Your Excellency’s most Obedt. & most humble Servant
Philip Mazzei
His Excellency Dr. Ben. Franklin Minister Pleny: &c. at Passy

Notation: Write to Mazzei for a Vermicelli & Macaroni Maker.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-Baptiste Luton Durival, 25 May 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Durival, Jean-Baptiste Luton

Sir
Passy, May 25. 1781.
The Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 22d. Instant, Informing me, of the Order M. Le Cte. De Vergennes has been so good as to send Mr. D’harvelay for the Payment of the four hundred and sixteen thousand Livres, gave me great Pleasure, and I beg you to accept my Thanks for your kind Attention, I shall take Care to furnish the Receipit or acknowledgement that is required; and am, with great and sincere Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant.
M. Durival.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 25 May 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam May 25. 1781
I have the Honour to Advise you, that I have this day drawn four setts of Bills of Exchange, of two in each sett, for Ten thousand Livres Tournois each, payable to the order of Captain Joyner Commodore Gillon not being yet arrived, and this sum being represented to me by Major Jackson absolutely necessary for the present Use of the ship. I applied to the House of Fizeaux & Grand, to negotiate this Business, but they declined it on account of the long term of Six months sight for Payment. I have the Honour to be, &c
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr &c


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 25 May 1781
From: Dumas, Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
Lahaie 25 May 1781
Je comptois de vous faire parvenir aujourd’hui une Lettre pour le Congrès, où vous auriez vu l’Histoire en raccourci de nos opérations ici; mais un service que viennent de me demander nos amis ici, & une Lettre que je dois écrire à Mr. Adams, m’obligent malgré moi de différer encore. En attendant je joins ici ma traduction de la Proposition d’Amst., qui a beaucoup consterné certain parti. J’ai eu le bonheur, mardi dernier, de pouvoir faire grand plaisir avec cette version à quelqu’un, qui l’a tout de suite envoyée à sa Cour bien loin d’ici.
Je suis à la hâte, mais avec tout le respectueux attachement que vous me connoissez pour Vous, Monsieur, Votre très humble & très obéissant serviteur
Dumas

P.S. Je n’ai jamais dit, Monsieur, that Congress, but that the service of Congress, unsought, but offered to me, chearfully accepted, & faithfully performed by me, has naturally & necessarily involved me into difficulties, from which I cannot be delivered & set at ease but by the Kind attention & remembrance of Congress, & by their appointing me, by a formal Commission, with the intended Secretaryship of this Legation, & allowing me the 500£. St. which Mr. Lawrens was impowered to allow me if he had not had the misfortune of being taken. And as you ask me what are the Difficulties I complain of, that you may write about them more exactly. I shall subjoin them in my above said Letter to Congress himself.
Paris à S. E. Mr. B. Franklin

Addressed: His Excellency / B. Franklin Minr. Plenipo: / from the United States, &c. / Passy./.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 26 May 1781
From: Bache, Benjamin Franklin
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Mon cher grand Papa
Genève ce 26e. May 1781
Je vous écris cette lettre pour vous donner de mes nouvelles et vous en demander des vôtres et si vos affaires vous empechent de m’ècrire priès mon cousin de m’écrire à vôtre place et de me donner de vos nouvelles et de celles de tout le monde; L’on a fait un prix de pieté ou je n’ay pas seulement aproché du prix parceque le théme tomba sur une matiére, ou je ne m’attendois pas du tout et que je ne m’y étois pas préparé mais pour les autres prix je m’appliquerai tant que je pourrai. Mr Marignac a loué une campagne ou je vais coucher tous les soirs et ou je m’amuse bien mon cher grand papa j’ai reçu les livres que vous m’aviès promis et j’en suis très content j’ai acheté la grammaire de Boyer et je vous prie de me donner en même temps quelques nouvelles des affaires de L’Amerique et de celles de mon cher papa et mama et de mes parents si vous en avès. Monsieur et madame de marignac vous assurent de leurs respects. Ma santé est très bonne dieu Mercy, Mr de Marignac m’a fait arracher un marteau, qui me fesoit mal depuis longtemps, et sous lequel il se formoit un abcès je me trouve très bien depuis.
Je suis mon cher grand papa votre tres humble et obeissant petit fils
B Franklin Bache

Addressed in Marignac’s hand: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin Ministre / Plénipotentiaire des Provinces unies / de L’Amérique auprès de Sa Majesté / très Chrétienne, recommandée à Monsieur / Grand Banquier ruë Montmartre. / A Paris
Endorsed: Benj Bache May 26. 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Emmanuel-Yves Bersolle, 28 May 1781
From: Bersolle, Emmanuel-Yves
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir:
Brest The 28 May 1781.
I have Received the honour of your Letter of the 20th Current, and The several inclosed, for sir Col. Laurens. I have given Them To This Gentleman, and he has paid me The postage. I will be allwais at your service.
I have the honour to be Sir Your most humble And most obedient servant.
Bersolle

Notation: Bersolle 28 May 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Laurens: Two Letters, 28 May 1781
From: Laurens, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
Brest 28th May 1781.
I do myself the honor of acquainting Your Excellency that the Frigate Resolue with the two vessels of her convoy—the Cibelle Store Ship and the Brigantin Olympe—are at anchor in the road ready for sea— my effects are on board and I embark myself this morning—with a probability of sailing— I must confess I was apprehensive of not being dispatched so soon—but the decisive orders of the Count d’Hector, the liberal employment of the resources of his department—the interest with which he condescendingly inquired into details himself—removed all obstacles—and have effected the business with incredible rapidity. We are much indebted both to him and Count L’Angeron who on his part has contributed every thing that depended on him to promote dispatch and I entreat Your Excellency to renew our thanks to their respective Ministers—
I have desired Mr de Bertier Commissary of War to transmit Your Excellency copies of the present invoices— the whole of this transaction being under the authority of the war department— it is agreed that the different objects furnished to the United States are to be allowed at the same rates as those established for the King’s service—but still I apprehend it will be necessary to attend to the due performance of this and I have desired for this purpose that Mess. de Veimerange & de Corny will lay the whole before Your Excellency.
I learnt the removal of Mr Necker with the greatest grief and consternation—ignorant of the character and talents of his successor. I can only feel the loss of the man from whose administration so much Good had been derived— Your Excellency informed in those points perhaps may be less anxious—at any rate I am persuaded Your Excellency will have employed Yourself in engaging this new director to turn his attention to our affairs— and in availing yourself of the first edge of his entrance into office to accelerate the execution of the arrangements already taken—
I entreat Your Excellencys acceptance of my sincere wishes for a long continuance of your health & prosperity—and the repeated assurances of veneration and attachment with which I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most devoted Servt.
John Laurens.

The transaction of Mr de sabatier tho nominally under the authority of the War Department—appears to me reducible to a private contract—and consequently all the same precautions are to be taken— his prices have hitherto been given only in gross and by estimation—
His Excellency Mr Franklin

II.
Brest. 28th May 1781.
My Frigate is under sail, and I have but a moment to apprize Your Excellency of my draught on you of yesterdays date for fifty Louis in favor of Mess Spohrer & Co.
I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most obedt Servt
John Laurens.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Paine, 28 May 1781
From: Paine, Thomas
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Brest Monday May 28. 1781
I have just a Moment to spare to bid you farewel— We go on Board in an hour or two with a fair wind and every thing ready.
I understand that you have expressed a desire to withdraw from Business and I beg leave to assure you that every wish of mine so far as it can be attended with any service will be employed to make your resignation, should it be accepted, attended with every posible mark of honor which your long services and high Character in life justly merits.
I am Dear Sir Your most Obt. Hble Servt
Thomas Paine
Please to forward the letter directed to Bury St. Edmunds.

Addressed: His Excellency / Benjn. Franklin / A / Passy— / près Paris
Notation: T Paine May 28 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Laurens, 29 May 1781
From: Laurens, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Brest May 29. PM. 1781
I do myself the honor to acquaint your Excellency that I embarked this Morng early on board the Resolue, that she weighed with the vessels under Convoy—and made an effort to put to sea—but a calm succeeding we were obliged to reanchor— In the mean time an Extraordinary Courier arrived from the Court, in consequence of which the specie that had been shippd on the King’s Account was ordered to be relanded— this change was occasioned by the reflection that the probability of our arrival at Philadelphia would subject the Money to an Expensive and delatory land carriage or to additional Risks at sea— The reason of my mentioning this to your Excellency, is, that the same sum will be transmitted by another convoy in a short time, probably at a more early date than what I mentioned in my last, for a further remittance, on account of the united states—which will furnish the oppertunity we wish for— And I entreat your Excellency to pursue the Matter with the Court—that we may obtain an execution of their promise. As a matter of opinion I take the liberty of observing to you, that if a delay in some Stage of the remittances cannot be avoided, it had better be between the second and third than between the first and second, and that, from the natural Influence which early credit gains—
I am informed that there is a farther arrival of supplies from Paris, on the Continental Account and that part of our Howitzrs are expected from Nantz— if the latter arrives in time we shall embark them— The Remainder will arrive in the course of the next month, and as they are a very important object, they will furnish an additional Motive for hastening the second Convoy.
Mr. Jackson has transmitted me as yet nothing more than the Invoice of the Cargo which Capt. Gillon had laden on board the Indian on account of the state of south Carolina— The Articles in general coincide in general with our present demands, those which do not, are rejected— As soon as I was apprised of the ample supply of blue Cloth by the Marquis De la Fayette, I wrote to stop the purchases of that Article in holland— I have not as yet heard of Mr. Gillon’s arrival at Amsterdam, nor has he written to me. Neither am I acquainted with the reasons of his delay.
You will receive a letter of mine to congress under cover of Mr. Moylan’s which please to distroy. I have changed my mind as to the propriety of sending it, and it being out of my hands I have taken this as the securest method of extinguishing it—
As my father from the Circumstances of his Captivity, added to the Misfortune of having his possessions in the hands of the Enemy must necessarily be in the wants of money, I request your Excellency to furnish him from the public funds of which I shall inform Congress, he has hitherto been supplied by his friend Mr. Manning, but private resources, in time of War, especially in the undefined mode of the present one, are very precarious— It is with pleasure I renew my best wishes, and the assurances of veneration and attachment with which I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most obedient servant
John Laurens.

P.S. You will please to seal or not the enclosed, as the Circumstance of Conveyance may make most Convenient.
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Laurens, 30 May 1781
From: Laurens, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir.
Brest 30th. May 1781.
An obstinate Calm has detained us in port—’till this evening— to morrow I flatter myself we shall have a favorable wind for putting to sea—
I am informed that the orders are already received here for preparing a frigate to convey the specie destined for the french Army— and that she will be probably ready in the beginning of  next month—if this be the case it will scarcely be possible to avail ourselves of this convoy for a second remittance on account of the United States. However Your Excellency will be more particularly informed—and consequently either endeavour to profit by this, or procure another—
I have taken the liberty to inclose you a Letter for London, which I request Your Excellency to forward—and have the honor to be with every sentiment of esteem and respect Your Excellencys most obedt Servt.
John Laurens.
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqr


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 31 May 1781
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dr Sir
Aranjues 31st May 1781
Your favor of the 20th. Inst reached me two Days ago. The Intelligence transmitted with it had reached us by the Way of Cadiz. I am nevertheless much obliged by this Mark of your friendly Attention. The Packet from america abt which you enquire came safe to Hand. It contained only some old Letters of Jany last from govr. Livingston & his family— The Vessel which lately arrivd at Cadiz from Pha. [Philadelphia] brought several Letters. I have not however recd. a Line from Congress since Jany last, tho some of my Correspondents inform me that the Prest had written. I am much perplexed for Want of regular Intelligence, & expect to continue so till some other than the usual mode of conveying it is adopted. The enclosed extracts of Letters from Mr Harrison to me shew that this Remark is not without Foundation— These Extracts are from Letters of 8. 11 & 0 Days of may 1781 abt Letters brought by the Virginia & stopped. Bills upon me have lately arrived dated in March. How can this be reconciled to the obvious Dictates of Prudence & Policy?— I hear Mr. Laurens has left you to return to Am. He promised to give me previous Notice of it—but not a Line. I have lately recd. a Letter from Mr Adams requestg but not containing, Intelligence— it is the first I have had from him these six Months— I wait only for a proper Opportunity to reply particularly to your Letter by my Courier.
Mr. Vaughan who brought a recommendatory Letter from you to mr Carm. [Carmichael] is here— He desired me on his arrival at Madrid to administer to him an Oath of Allegeance to the United States, in order to justify his calling himself an American and to facilitate his pursuing his Objects in this Country & his passing from hence to america— I have no Doubt but that his Character & Intentions are fair— he seems to be a sensible Young Gentleman & I wd. with pleasure do him Service—but as I knew he was not an american I could not represent him as such—nor could I comply with his Request as to administring the Oath, haveg no power for that purpose, either expressed or implied in my Commission or Instructions. He told me you had advised him to take such an Oath at Bordeaux and had appointed a person there to administer it, but that prudential Considerations had induced him to postpone it till his arrival here— I advised him to wait on the Minister and communicate to him a true State of his Case, being of opinion that such a Step supported by your Letter to Mr Carm. wd. have silenced Doubts & Enquiries & enabled him to obtain such Passports as might be necessary for his travelling in this kingdom— He nevertheless thought it best to delay it for the present and to go & stay at Toledo till I shd. recieve your Answer to a Letter I promised to write to you on the Subject of administring the Oath. He accordingly went to Toledo, but not having a Pasport the govr wd not permit his remaing there— this Circumstance brought him here, I shall endeavour to obtain a Pasport for him to return there on the Ground of yr Letter in his favr. I believe it to be the Inclination as well as the Interest of America to augment her Number of Citizens but still her Consent to admit a Foreigner must be as necessary as his consent to be admitted besides, it appears to me that an oath of Allegeance to the united States can with propriety be only administred to Servants of Congress—for tho a person may by Birth or admission become a Citizen of one of the States I cannot conceive how one can either be born or be made a Citizen of them all— I wish these Difficulties did not oppose my complying with the Request of Mr Vaughan whom I am the more desirous of servg as he appears to possess your Regard.
Be pleased to present my Compliments to your Grandson and be assured that I am with sincere Esteem & Attachment Dr Sir Your obliged & obt Servt
To Dr Franklin 31 May 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Turgot, [May 1781]
From: Turgot
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
[May, 1781]
J’ai reçû avec bien de La reconnoissance la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire, ainsi que les dessins gravés qui y etoient joints; Je vous en envoye la Traduction en vous priant de vouloir bien me faire Savoir Si elle est fidele. J’accepte bien volontiers L’offre que vous me faites de me donner des Eclaircissements, puisqu’ils me procureront L’occasion de faire connoissance avec vous. Je me propose de faire faire un modele de L’Etuve, d’après Lequel, Je vous prierois de m’aider de vos Lumieres et de vos Conseils, pour en apliquer L’usage à nos Cuisine ordinaires.
J’ai l’honneur d’estre avec respect Monsieur votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur
Turgot

En me renvoyant Monsieur La traduction je vous prie de vouloir bien mindiquer le moment ou je pourois avoir lhonneur de vous voir.

Notation: Turgot


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Gauthiers frères, 1 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Gauthiers frères

Messieurs,
à Passy, le 1. Juin 1781.
Le 24. Janvier 1780. M. Bouens d’Ostende expedia pour moi par acquit à Caution un Tonneau et un Paquet contenant de la Clincaillerie &c. Il chargea ces éffets sur une voiture conduite par le nommé Champon adressé à messrs. les officiers de la Douane. Comme le Voiturier ne m’a jamais presenté sa Lettre de voiture, J’ai toujours ignoré s’ils étoient arrives ou non. Aujourd’huy en faisant des Recherches à la Douane j’ai trouvé la Lettre de Voiture et l’acquit à Caution, en Consequence J’ai retiré le Tonneau, mais le Paquet ne se trouve point et on m’assure qu’il n’a jamais été remis à la Douane.— Je vois par une note que vous avez faite le 13. mai 1780. que les dits Tonneau et Paquet sont arrivés chez vous et que vous les avèz ensuite expediés à mon adresse; mais comme la Distance de chèz vous ici n’est pas grande et que ce Paquet pese 95.L je ne puis pas croire qu’il ait pu être perdu par Inadvertance en route; ainsi J’imagine qu’il doit être chez vous.— En tous cas je vous prie de faire des recherches, afin que je puisse ravoir mon paquet et je payerai aussitôt la Lettre de Voiture que je garde jusqu’à ce que le Paquet me soit remis.
J’ai l’honneur d’etre, Messieurs, Votre &c.
Messieurs Gauthiers freres. Commissionaires à la Villette Lez Paris.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 1 June 1781
From: Adams, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Sir
Amsterdam June 1. 1781
On the 31 Ult, I drew upon your Excellency, in favour of the House of Fizeaux Grand & Co, three setts of Exchange, of two

in a sett, for f. 2200
}
together f. 7000,

2300

  2500

at two Usances, to enable them to discharge the Bills drawn by Congress, on Mr Laurens, accepted by me, and now become payable. I have the Honour to be
His Excellency Dr Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 1 June 1781
From: Jay, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Aranjues 1. June 1781.
I have this Day drawn upon you a Bill in Favor of the Marquis d’Yranda for ninety thousand one hundred & thirty five Liv. Tourn. at ninety Days Sight. I shall also soon be obliged to draw for the Balance of the 25000 Doll. for the two Months Sight Bills—
I am Dear Sir, Your obliged & obt. Servant.
(signed) John Jay
His Excelly. Dr. Franklin.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Mallet, 2 June 1781
From: Mallet, ——
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur
havre ce 2. Juin 1781.
Je prends la liberté de vous donner avis qu’un jeunhomme d’ici ma présenté hier un M. qui dit vous appartenir comme neveu, né à Boston, quil est Suivant un passeport délivré à Cherbourg le 24. May dernier, marin, venant des prisons angloises par le Paquebot le prince Indien et quil se nomme William Williams. Il dit vous avoir Ecrit hier et ce jour.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, ce M au nombre de mes pensionnaires par respect pour vous, et Comm’il est dépourvu de tout, J’ose réclamer Vos ordres Sur ce que j’aurai à faire.
Je Suis avec respect Monsieur Votre trés humble et trés obéissant serviteur
Malletgreffier militaire et mre. de pensionà l’hôtel de la marine

Notations in different hands: Mallet 2. Juin 1781. / Ansd 7 June 81


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 5 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Passy, June 5. 1781.
I have received the honour of your Letter dated the 25th. past, advising me of your Drafts for Forty Thousand Livres payable to the Order of Captain Joiner, which I shall accept when they appear.
No specific Sum having been mentioned to me by Col. Laurens, as what would be wanted to fulfil his Orders in Holland, I think myself obliged to acquaint your Excellency that I fear my Funds will not permit my furnishing more than about 15000£ Sterling in the whole, that is, to pay for the Purchase of the Goods that had been bought by Commodore Gillon, and such others as Col. Laurens has himself ordered.
I just now hear by some intelligent Persons who left London last Tuesday, that it was understood the Indienne would sail about the Beginning of this Month, and that some Ships were ordered to cruise for her.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Excelly. John Adams Esqr

Notation: Dr. Franklin 5th. June 1781.


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy, 5 [June] 1781
From: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt
To: Franklin, Benjamin

ce 5 a la thuillerie [i.e., June 5, 1781]
Je suis dans un beau pays, je suis avéc un bonne maman qui m’aime tendrement, que j’aime de mesme; on me feste, on me soigne, on me chérit, on me gaste; éh bien mon bon papa mon Coeur n’est pas Content, il pense que demain ce sera mércredi, et qu’ensuitte arriverons succéssivement deux samedi et un autre mércredi qu’il faudra passer sans vous voir, point de noéls, point d’échécs, point de thé, point de papa; et l’on vante la sensibillité, elle fais tant et tant de mal— oui, mais elle fais tant et tant de bien— sans elle auroisje Connu le prix de la tendrésse de mon aimable papa, auroisje été capable d’y répondre— Souffrons et aimons puisqu’on ne peut aimer sans souffrir; supportons l’ennui de l’absence en songeant au plaisir que nous aurons de nous retrouvér: je m’occupe de vous, j’en parle, je lis un ouvrage qui me paroist assés médiocre, mais que je continue en songeant que quelques histoires que j’y rencontre et qui sont parfois plaisantes pourront augmenter votre receuil et vous amusér a notre premiére entrevuë: loin de ceux que mon áme a choisie, auqu’el elle rend un culte habituél, ce qu’on appélle plaisirs a la ville me contrarie et m’étourdit; a la Campagne la nature invitte a resvér, les distractions qu’elle offre sont paisibles, je contemple un beau ciél en pensant que mes amis peuvent en jouirs au mesme moment, si je me repose sur un gason, j’y chérche ou j’y regrétte ceux que j’aime; enfin tout y réspire un air de libérté fait pour compléttér le bonheur, ou pour entretenir une mélancolie douce qui a toujours son prix pour un éstre Vraiment sensible; C’est dans cet état de mélancolie que je passe mes jours ici, en attendant le lundi 18 ou j’irai rejoindre mes bons amis; alors, alors—ils ne seront point étonnés de me voir regrettér ma mére que j’aurai quittée; puisqu’ils sçavent puisqu’ils ne peuvent doutter qu’auprés d’une mére si tendre je pense a eux a tous les instans de ma vie:
Maman, mon frére, mes enfants me chargent de tendrésse respéctueuses pour vous mon cher papa, nous y joignons tous un pacquét d’amitiés a l’addrésse de monsieur votre fils:
Comme loin de vous je pense a vos plaisirs, je vous donne ma procuration pour embrassér jusqu’a mon retour de ma part toutes les fois que vous les vérrés, mes deux voisines le veillard, et ma jolie voisine Caillot:

Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte de Sarsfield, 5 June 1781
From: Sarsfield, Jacques-Hyacinthe, vicomte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Paris le 5 Juin 1781
On a dit Monsieur, au jeune homme qui vous remettra Cette lettre que vous vous trouviez souvent dans le cas d’avoir a faire travailler des gens qui Sachent Ecrire correctement, Et Calculer. Il me demande une lettre pour Se presenter a vous.
Je la lui accorde volontiers. Il m’est fort recommandé, nommement par M Lancien archeveque d’Embrun Et Je crois que si vous avez besoin de l’employer, Il pourra Vous servir utilement.
Je compte aller avant de partir vous renouveller lassurance Des sentimens dAttachement avec lesquels Jay lhonneur DEtre depuis longtems Monsieur Votre tres humble Et tres obeissant Serviteur
SARSFIELD

Addressed: Monsieur / Monsieur franklin Ministre / plenipotentiaire des Etats reunis / d’Amerique / a Passy


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Chantereyne, 6 June 1781
From: Chantereyne, —— de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Monsieur,
Cherbourg le 6 juin 1781
Jai Lhonneur de vous donner avis que Le capne Bennet Negus americain, commandant Le Corsaire Le franklin de Dunkerque, ma remis samedi Six rançons valiant ensemble la Somme de 2730 Guinées. Ce corsaire a Appareillé le landemain pour dunkerque.
Linterest que vous prenés, Monsieur, a ce brave Capitaine, me fait esperer que vous seres Charmé dapprendre larrivée de Ses rançons.
J’ai eu le plaisir de voir il y a peu de Jours à Son retour dAngleterre M. Willams votre parent & de lui offrir mes Services, Je le compte actuellement pres de vous à Paris. Je serois bien Charmé, Monsieur de vous etre de quelque utilité, vous Suppliant dagreer mes Services pour tout ce qui peut interesser les americains. Jai ici la Correspondance de tous les Corsaires qui leur sont confiès dans nos differens ports.
Je suis avec un profond respect, Monsieur, Votre tres humble & très obeissant serviteur
De Chantereyneechevin de ville.
M. Le D. francklin.

Notations in different hands: Chantereyne De 6. Juin 1781. / Ansd. 11 June 81


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Collas, 6 June 1781
From: Collas, Jane
To: Franklin, Benjamin

My dear and ever Honor’d Uncle
Cambridge June 6th. 1781
The bearer of this is Mr Thayer, a young Genttelman Educated at Newhaven Collage, has been Some time a candidate for the Ministry and Chaplian at the Castle, is now going to france, has impertuned me for A letter of introduction to you, which tho I am but very little acquainted with him I could not refuse after makeing every reasonable apology, his views I am a Stranger to, I am happy in the oppertunity of thanking you for your kindness to Mr Collas when a prisoner and in France. Mamma was well three weaks ago, the Genttleman is waiting, and I have only time to assuer you of my filial regard and that I am with respect, veneration, and love, Your ever affectionate and dutifull Neice
Jane Collas

Addressed: His / Excellency Benjan. Franklin Esqr / at / Paris


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 6 June 1781
From: Morris, Robert
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philada. June 6th. 1781
Your very obliging letter of the 3d of June last year has been with me some time altho it was long in reaching my hands. My intention in troubling you at this time is only to Announce the Appointment I have received from Congress of Superintendant of the Finances of the United States, which my Friends, Acquaintance & Fellow Citizens have pressed me to Accept in such terms as have to me proved irresistable altho my Interest Tranquility & Domestic happiness must suffer beyond Compensation. Indeed the only Compensation I can have, will be the reflections that will arise from rendering essential Services to this (at present) embarrassed Country Shou’d I succeed in the attempt and if I do I will be well content with that payment for my sacrifices. If I do not succeed it Shall not be for want of Assiduity or exertion nor through any default that my small Abilities can prevent.
As I engage in this Arduous undertaking upon the most disinterested Principles and with the Sole View of Serving my Country I have a right to look up to, and call upon, all those Virtuous Sons of America who really wish to promote the interest of their Country, to assist and support My Measures so long as they have that object in View and further I do not presume to ask their Countenance. To you then Good Sir, as a Staunch Friend, an Able & Faithfull Servant to your Country, I turn my Eyes, honoured with your Friendship, esteeming your Virtues & Admiring your Abilities. You must think that a promise of Patronage & Support to me as a Public Officer so long as my Conduct Shall justly Merit it, will be most gratefully received, especially as that Spirit of envy, Jealousy & Faction which appears too strongly planted in this Country generally directs its poisoned darts at the most usefull characters, which from that cause only, are frequently in need of Support from Honest disinterested Men. I shall have occasion to write You in my official Character probably by this same Conveyance and therefore I will not longer trespass on your patience than to assure you of that respect & esteem with which I ever am Dear Sir Your most Obedt Servt.
Robt Morris
His Excy Benjn. Franklin Esqr Minister Plenipy of the United States at Paris


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, 7[–15] June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Brillon de Jouy, Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt

A Passy ce 7[–15] Juin, 81
J’ai ete hier au soir chez vos voisines, ou j’ai pris la Thé. Toute la bonne Famille, exceptée Mademoiselle, m’ont embrassé cordialement & ardemment: Castor même m’a caressé avec violence, & a couru devant moi pour faire ouvrir la Porte, frappant avec son Tête: Cette Demoiselle seule m’a reçu avec le Froideur & la Reserve qui sont naturelles en elle, & qui resemble beaucoup les votres, laquelles je me flatte quelquefois sont plus artificielles: Car je crois sur votre parole, que vous m’aimez: Et je le croirai toujours, parceque c’est une Croyance que me fait du Plaisir.—
Le Voisin m’a dit qu’il avoit reçu une Lettre de vous; & j’ai appris de lui, les bonnes nouvelles que vous etiez bien arrivé sans Accident en chemin, & que vous vous portez bien. Et quoique il m’a dit que vous avez fait mention de moi, j’etoit un peu piqué que vous ne m’avois pas ecrit. Mais pour vous excuser, je disoit, Il est plus ancien Ami que moi, il est aussi plus aimable; & elle n’avoit pas le tems d’ecrire à tous les deux.
Jusques ici j’avois ecrit quand votre charmante Epitre du 5, m’a été présentée. Je m’ai donné un bon Soufflet; mais je ne m’ai pas pardonné. Je ne suis pas digne, disois je, de tant d’Amitié! Quels tendres Sentiments! quel Elegance d’Affection! Cette trés bonne Fille qui m’a donné tant de Preuves de son Partialité pour moi, comment puis-je douter un moment qu’elle m’avoit oublié?

ce Dimanche 10.
Comme ma chere Fille & sa Famille, & son Maison, étoient autrefois mon Opera, & tout cela m’etant oté, je tachois de m’amuser l’autre soir a l’Opera commune. Heureusement il finit plutôt qu’à l’ordinaire. Nous etions parmi les dernieres qui sortoient; la Fumée nous suivoit, & avant que nous etions bien placés en Carosse, toute l’Interieur de la Maison etoit en Flammes. Si cela avoit arrivé un quart d’heure plutôt, apparrement la Consternation & la Presse auroit prevenû la Sortie d’une grande Partie des Spectateurs, & que nous serions grillés mon fils et moi, qui etoient en haut. Alors je pouvoit dire a mes Amis en Paradis, Je suis mort de l’Absence de Madame B. Car si vous n’avez pas quitté Passy, je n’auries pas été à l’Opera.— On ne scait pas encore combien des Gens appartenantes a la Maison sont perdus.

ce Jeudy. 14.
Quoique j’ai ecrite quelquechose, comme vous voyez, je n’ai pas encore pris la Resolution de l’envoyer. C’est que je suis horriblement mécontent de mon François; C’est que quand j’ecris à vous ou de vous, je ne puis pas exprimer un Moieté de ce que je pense; & à mon Age je trouve une Impossibilité de faire plus de Progrés en apprenant votre charmante Langue.— Croyez, je vous prie, que si je pouvois mieux ecrire, vous auriez tous les jours de mes Billets, que j’aurois ecrites pour en tirer autant des votres; car il n’y a rien que je lis avec tant de Plaisir.

ce Vendredi 15.
Hier au soir je reçois votre doux Remontrance. Vous etes bien bonne, ma chere Amie; & moi, je ne suis pas tout a fait si mauvais que vous avez pensé quand vous parlois de mon Negligence.
Je trouve, comme vous, que dans cette Vie il y a beaucoup de Peines. Mais il me semble aussi qu’il y a beaucoup plus des Plaisirs. C’est pourquoi j’aime à vivre.— Il ne faut pas blamer la Providence inconsiderement. Reflechissez combien de nos Devoirs même elle a ordonnés d’etre naturellement des Plaisirs; & qu’elle a eu la Bonté de plus, de donner le Nom des Pechés a quelques unes, afin que nous en jouissions avec plus de Goût.— Vous direz, voila la mauvaise Morale de ce mechant Papa!— Brulez le donc.—
Je suis impatient pour Lundi. Je trouve une Vide que mes autres Amies ne peuvent pas remplir.— Je vous aime trop.—
Presentez mes Respects affectionnées a votres tres aimable Mere; embrassez pour moi mes Enfans, & M. votre Frere. Mes meillieures Prieres sont pour la Prosperité de toute la Famille.
Adieu jusque Lundi.—
Mon fils presente ses Compliments respectueuses.— Il ne visite pas la Rue basse avec tant de plaisir que d’autrefois.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Mallet, 7 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Mallet, ——

Passy le 7. Juin 1781.
J’ai reçu, Monsieur, Votre Lettre du 2. de ce mois. Je n’ai aucune connoissance du nomme William Williams qui se dit mon Neveu; et Je ne puis prendre sur moi de lui faire aucunes Avances jusqu’a ce que Je sois sure qu’il est réellement dans le Cas d’en attendre de moi. A cet effet J’enverrai la Lettre qu’il m’a écrite à un habitant de Boston qui porte le même nom et qui est actuellement dans ce Pays, pour avoir des Informations à son Sujet, et dès que sa reponse me sera parvenue, J’aurai l’honneur de vous écrire de nouveau et de vous mander à quoi vous pouvez vous en tenir,
Je suis, Monsieur, Votre &c.

Mr. Mallet Greffier Militaire et Mtre. De Pension à l’Hotel de la Marine au Havre.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Clifford & Teysset, 8 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Clifford & Teysset

Gentlemen,
Passy, June 8. 1781
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 31st. past, and I immediately apply’d to M. de Chaumont, representing to him the ill Consequences that must attend the Return of those Bills to America protested. He took the Matter into Consideration, and it is but this Instant that I have received his Answer, which I inclose. As I think with you that this Government is concerned in the Credit of M. Holker’s Bills, I will, if this Answer of his is not satisfactory to you, lay the Affair before the Minister. I have the honour to be Gentlemen
Messrs Geo. Clifford & Teysser Negocts. a Amsterdam.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to D. Wendorp and Thomas Hope Heyliger, 8 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Wendorp, D.,Heyliger, Thomas Hope

Gentlemen
Passy, June 8. 1781
I received the Letter you did me the Honour of Writing to me the 31st past, relating to your Ship supposed to be retaken from the English by an American Privateer and carried into Morlaix. I apprehend that you have been misinformed, as I do not know of any American Privateer at present in these Seas. I have the same Sentiments with you of the Injustice of the English, in their Treatment of your Nation. They seem at present to have renounc’d all Pretention to any other Honour than that of being the first Piratical State in the World. There are three Employments which I wish the Law of Nations would protect, so that they should never be molested or interrupted by Enemies even in time of War; I mean Farmers, Fishermen & Merchants; because their Employments are not only innocent, but for the common Subsistence & Benefit of the human Species in general. As Men grow more enlightened, we may hope that this will in time be [the] Case. Till then we must submit as well as we can, to the Evils we cannot remedy. I have the honour to be Gentlemen,
Messrs D. Wendorp, & Thos Hope Heyliger


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from William Brailsford, 8 June 1781
From: Brailsford, William
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Amsterdam the 8th June 1781
Agreeable to promise, I take the liberty of informing your Excellency, that the Crew of the South Carolina being happily compleated, and every difficulty removed, that we shall in the Course of a few Days be ready to put to Sea— Should you have any Commands, I should esteem myself particularly favord, to be honor’d with them, when your Excellency may rely on their having the greatest Care shown them— Please to direct for me to the care of Messr De Neufville & fils, and believe me with the truest Respect Sir Your most Obdt Hum Sert
William Brailsford

Addressed: A Son Excellence Mons Franklin / Ministre Plenipotenre des Etats Unis de / L’Amerique a Passy pres / de Paris
Notation: Wm. Brailsford June 8 1781


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes: Two Letters, 8 June 1781
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Franklin, Benjamin

I.
A Vlles. [Versailles] le 8. Juin 1781.
Le Congrès, M, pour récompenser les Services militaires du Sr. Tousard, officier françois, lui a accordé une pension de 30 piastres par mois. Cet officier a joui de cette grace pendant quelque tems; mais il en est privé actüellement Sans en Savoir la cause. Je ne doute pas, M, que vous ne vous portiez volontiers à intervenir auprès du Congrès pour l’engager à la remettre en activité, et à en assurer la Stabilité: l’intérêt que je prends au Sr. [Sieur] Tousard, est fondé Sur le bon témoignage que l’on m’en a rendu, et Sur la protection particulière que lui accordent Des personnes de considération.
M Franklin

II.
A Versailles le 8. Juin 1781.
J’ai recu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 4. de ce mois.
J’ignore si M. Laurens a acheté des vêtements en hollande pour le compte du Congrès; je sais seulement, et vous en avez été informé dans le tems, que cet Officier a dû employer à des achats en france une partie des six millions que le Roi a accordés au Congrès, et que le résidu de cette somme a dû être transporté en Amérique dans la vüe de ranimer le crédit des Etats-unis. Si M. Laurens au lieu de payer comptant en hollande, s’est contenté de donner des traites sur vous, je n’y ai aucune part, et le Roi n’en peut prendre aucune au remboursement.
Quant aux sommes qui proviendront de l’emprunt ouvert en hollande, nous n’avons aucun titre pour en régler l’emploi, puisqu’elles appartiendront aux Etats-unis; c’est donc, Monsieur, au Congrès que vous devez vous addresser pour obtenir la faculté d’en disposer, en acquittant les traites que l’on donne sur vous de touts les cotés.
J’ai l’honneur d’être très-parfaitement, Monsieur, votre très-humble et très obéissant serviteur./.
De Vergennes
M. francklin


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to William Jackson, 9 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Jackson, William

Sir,
Passy, June 9. 1781
I receiv’d your Letter of the 31st past, relating to the Term of Bills to be drawn on me from Amsterdam. I enter’d into the Engagement with Mr Laurens for the Payment of those Bills, on the Promise that they were to be made payable at Six Months sight. Mr Neuville senr. who was here with Mr Laurens about that time, made no Objection to the Term that I heard of.— The Ministers here seem to take it amiss that the Goods we purchase with the Money they advance to us should be taken from Holland rather than France, and I am now told that the late Grants being made to Congress, & intended partly for the Purchase of Clothing, &c. here, and partly to be sent over in Money to reanimate the Public Credit, none of it can be apply’d to the Payment of Drafts from Holland without an Order from Congress for that purpose. This may require near Six Months to obtain. I can therefore make no change in my Promise to Mr Laurens as to the Term of Payment in the Bills I would accept. And if such Bills are not negociable Messrs. Neuville will I suppose either give as Merchants, Six Months Credit for the Goods they furnish, or be content with Mr Adams’s promisory Notes payable at that Time.— Mr Laurens, I believe is gone. I enclose a Letter for Congress. I heartily wish you a prosperous Voyage, and am with great Esteem, Sir,
Major Jackson, Amsterdam


Title: To Benjamin Franklin from John Laurens, 9 June 1781
From: Laurens, John
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear sir
Leagues W. of Ortegal— 9th. June 1781.
On the first instant, we had a faint breeze that just served to bring us to sea, where we have been languishing in calms—and buffeting against contrary winds, which at one time were so violent as to oblige us to lay to—till yesterday morning when a favorable change took place— and enabled us to enter the ocean at a convenient distance from Cape Ortegal— As we are parting with the Engageante who has accompanied us thus far and returns to Corunna to convoy a part of the french W. India Trade— I snatch a moment to pay my last respects to Your Excellency— and to mention a matter which has occur’d to me since my being on board— I have frequently reflected upon the mention which Your Excellency has made of retiring from your present important station—and have never varied the opinion which I took the liberty of giving You once at the Count de Vergennes, vizt. that the best Arrangement would be to give your Excellency an active intelligent secretary of the Embassy who might relieve you from the drudgery of office—and that Your Country should not be deprived of the advantages of your wisdom and influence— The difficulty hitherto has been to find a person properly qualified—the advantages which Your Grandson derives from his knowlege of the language, manners of the people—and his having been so long in your Office and with Your Excellency are very great— The prejudices which have been entertained against him, may be removed by a personal introduction to Congress, especially if it is combined with rendering a popular Service— I take the Liberty of proposing to your Excellency therefore, if you can spare Mr. Franklin for the purpose,— to commit to his Care the second Remittance of Money— and to hasten his departure with that and as much of the public Supplies of Clothing &ca. as may be ready to accompany it— I am persuaded that in public bodies, the Want of a personal Acquaintance, is a great Objection to appointing a man to any important office. The Engageante’s boat demands my Letter. I have written in the greatest haste upon a Subject which I hope your Excellency will turn to public Utility— I renew my sincerest and tenderest wishes for Your Excellency’s health and prosperity. I entreat a continuance of the friendship with which you have honored me and am with the greatest veneration Your most obedt sert
John Laurens.


Title: From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 10 June 1781
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de

Sir,
Passy, June 10th. 1781
I received the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me on the 8th. Inst. in answer to mine of the 4th—.
The State of Mr Lawrens’s Transaction in Holland, as I understood it, is this.— Capt. Gillon represented to him, that he had bought Clothing &ca for the Troops of South Carolina, to the Value of 10,000£ Sterling, which were actually shipp’d in the Indienne; that he now wanted Money to get his Ship out, and therefore proposed to Mr Lawrens to take those Goods of him for the United States. Mr Lawrens agreed to take such as would suit their Wants, and to pay for the same by Bills upon me at Six Months sight; and proposed to send in her some other Articles that could be bought in Holland. His Motives were that this fine Ship, if she could be got out would be a safe Conveyance; and that she would afterwards be useful to the Congress on our Coasts. He informed me that he had mentioned to your Excellency Capt. Gillon’s Proposal, and that you seem’d to approve of it. I accordingly consented to his ordering those Drafts upon me; but this will not be any great Addition to my Difficulty, since in the Term of 6 Months, I can probably receive from Congress the Power which you judge necessary for applying any Part of the Loan opened in Holland to the Discharge of those Bills.
With regard to the Drafts made by Congress on Mr Jay, in Expectation of a friendly Loan from the Court of Spain; on Mr Lawrens and Mr Adams in Holland, from Assurances given by some People of that Country that a Loan might be easily by them obtained there; and large Drafts upon myself, exclusive of the Loan Office Interest Bills; these all together occasion an Embarrasment, which it is my Duty to lay before your Excellency, and to acquaint you with the Consequences I apprehend may attend their not being duly discharged. Those Bills were occasioned first by the Sums necessary last Year to assemble our Army and put it in a Condition to act vigorously with the King’s Sea and Land Forces arrived and expected to arrive from France, against New York, and to defend the Southern Colonies. Our main Army was accordingly put into such a Condition as to face Mr Clinton before New York all Summer; but the additional Forces expected from France not arriving, the Project was not pursued, and the Advantage hoped for from that Exertion and Expence was not obtained, tho’ the Funds of Congress were thereby equally exhausted. A second Necessity for drawing those Bills, arose from the Delay of five Months in the sailing of Mr. De Chaumonts Ship, occasioned by the Distraction of his Affairs, whereby the Clothing for the Army not arriving in Time before Winter, the Congress were obliged to purchase the Cloths taken by Privateers from the Quebec Fleet; and this could only be done by Payment for the same in Bills. All these Bills were drawn by solemn Resolutions of Congress; and it seems to me evident, that if no Part of the Aids lately resolved on by his Majesty can be applied to their Discharge, without an express Order from Congress for that purpose, the Public Credit of the United States instead of being “re-animated” as his Majesty graciously intended, will be destroy’d; for the Bills unpaid, must, according to the usual Course, be returned under Protest, long before such Order can be obtained, which Protest will by our Laws, entitle the Holders to a Damage of 20 pr. Cent, whereby the Publick will incur a net Loss of one Fifth of the whole Sum drawn for; an Effect that will be made use of by their Enemies to discredit their Government among the People, and must weaken their Hands much more in that respect than by the mere Loss of so much Money. On these Considerations, and also from an Opinion that a Bill already drawn by Order of Congress, was as good and clear a Declaration of their Will with regard to the Disposition of so much of any Funds they might have at their disposal in Europe, as any future Order of theirs could be, I ventured to accept and to promise Payment of all the Bills abovemention’d. What I have requested of your Excellency in my late Letter, and what I now beg leave to repeat, is only that so much of the intended Aid may be retained, as shall be necessary to pay those Acceptances as they become due. I had not the least Apprehension that this could meet with any Difficulty; and I hope on Reconsideration, your Excellency may still judge, that it will be for the Advantage of the Common Cause if this Request is granted.
I have already paid most of the Bills drawn on Mr Jay, which the Money furnish’d to him by the Court of Spain did not suffice to pay: I have also paid a Part of those drawn on Mr Lawrens, Mr Adams and myself: To do this I have been obliged to anticipate our Funds, so that, as our Banker informs me, I shall by the End of this Month owe him about 400,000 Livres, tho’ he has already rec’d from M. D’Harvelay for the Quarter of August. I have acted imprudently in making these Acceptances and entering into these Engagements without first consulting your Excellency, and obtaining your explicit Approbation; but I acted as I thought for the best; I imagined it a Case of absolute Necessity; and relying on Assistance from the new Aids intended us, and considering the fatal Consequence of Protests, I thought at the Time that I acted prudently and safely.
The Supplies I shall want for the Payment of these Bills will be gradual. If I cannot obtain them but by an Order from Congress; I must not only stop Payment of those not yet become due, but I apprehend that I shall be obliged to refuse Acceptance of some of the Interest Bills, having disabled myself from paying them, by paying so many others.—
I therefore beg your Excellency would reconsider this important Affair. I am sorry to find myself under a Necessity of giving you so much Trouble. I wish rather to diminish your Cares than to encrease them; being with the most perfect Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant
B Franklin
His Exy. Ct De Vergennes

Notations: rep le 17 Juin / Suite du 10. Juin 1781.