From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 22 October 1781
To John Adams
LS:8 Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress
Passy Octr 22. 1781
Sir,
I have written to Messrs. Fizeau & Grand impow’ring them to draw on me at 30 Days sight for the Sums you may want from time to time to discharge the Acceptances of which you have given me Notice.9
The Queen was this Day happyly delivered of a Prince, which occasions great Joy.1
Inclos’d I send you Copies of more Letters relating to the Ship South Carolina.2 Please to inform me whether the Ships she was to have taken under Convoy3 are sail’d or still at Amsterdam.
With great Respect I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient, and most humble Servant
B Franklin
Addressed: To his Excellency / John Adams Esqr / Minister Plenipotentiary from / the United States of America / Amsterdam
Endorsed: Dr. Franklins Letter Oct. 22. ans. 27. 1781
8. In Mumford’s hand, except for the last six words of the complimentary close, which are in BF’s.
9. The letter is immediately below.
1. See BF to Queen Marie Antoinette, after Oct. 22, for the celebrations. The birth of the dauphin eventually led to extensive celebrations in America as well. For an analysis see William C. Stinchcombe, “Americans Celebrate the Birth of the Dauphin,” in Ronald Hoffman and Peter J. Albert, eds., Diplomacy and Revolution: the Franco-American Alliance of 1778 (Charlottesville, 1981), pp. 56–71.
2. Among JA’s papers at the Mass. Hist. Soc. are copies in Mumford’s hand of Gillon to BF, Oct. 4, above, as well as Searle to John Jay, Sept. 26, which JA mislabeled as being to BF. On Oct. 12, above, BF had sent JA a copy of Jackson’s Sept. 26 letter (above) and promised him a copy of Searle’s letter.
3. The Liberty and Aurora.