101To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I beg leave to introduce to your particular notice my Friend Mr Mason of Virginia a Gentleman of a respectable Family & plentifull Fortune by showing him every civility & every mark of Friendship he may have occasion for you will very sensibly Oblige Dear & hond Sir Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman Addressed: The Hon. / Doctor Franklin / Passy...
102To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You must have already seen by my Letters how much pains I have taken to keep clear of Dispute, and yet obey my Orders. My last to the Commissioners from Brest will show you that I have ever avoided doing the Rangers Business for fear of disagreeable altercation. Notwithstanding this, I have a Letter from Mr. A. Lee by which it appears that complaints are...
103To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Situation of the american Merchants in France is not the Effect of the ill Conduct of any one but a general Consequence of the Peace, and I believe there is no Exception. Mr Grubb is one of us, and with a full Intention as well as Capacity to pay all, intends to apply for Letters of Surseance to prevent any little Creditor arresting his Property as it...
104To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 11 December 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed is a Letter from the Revd. Doctr Mather which he desired me to send to you. I am much obliged by your kindness in procuring the Organ as desired which came out in good order, except the omission of one Pipe the 11th from the lef side in the second (leaden) Stop, which I suppose the [maker?] forgot: I shall be obliged if you will please to send me...
105To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Yale University Library I beg leave to solicit your kindness in forwarding the inclosed to the Marquis de Castries and to add a Line in addition to my Request. You will see it is no Favour out of the common Line I therefore ask without hesitation. If I had 100 Tons of the public Stores here I could put them on board the Cato & land them in Boston...
106To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed is just come to hand from Phila. Capt Cunningham arrived the [ torn ] of Septemr last, I suppose you have other Letters which will give you all the news if there is any.— I am as ever most dutifully & affectionately Yours. Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieru Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats / Unis de l’amerique Septentrionale /...
107To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 11 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Favour of the 23d Octo. I did not receive ’till the day before yesterday owing I suppose to M. Montieu’s return to Paris. As to the Prizes I am very much afraid that we are on all hands deceived for while M. C was amused with the Idea of returning them to us orders were absolutely given to confiscate, and after that, when he was again amused with the...
108To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this Mr Natl Nelson is the son of a particular Friend of mine now here, & his Object is a Visit to the other parts of his Family in Ireland. This young Gentleman lately arrived from Philadelphia whither he will probably return after having seen his Friends & reestablished his Health, which is another motive for his present Journey. I beg sir...
109To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., [13 December? 1771] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer hereof Mr. John Milliquet, is my esteemed Friend and Intimate, and being particularly acquainted with Josiah, he will be happy to see him in London. Therefore hope you will pardon the Liberty I take of introducing him to You. Any Civilities shewn him will be esteemed a great Addition to the Obligation I am already under. I am Your dutifull and...
110To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have by order of M. de Chaumont embraced every opportunity I could to send Cloathing to Brest to be thence exported by M. Bersolle to America, and what I have hitherto sent amount to as follows … Vizt. 3260 Coats. 3260 Waistcoats 975 Breeches. 3300 Overalls 4530 pr Shoes 2022 Hatts 13032 Shirts 11000 Ells of Linnen for...
111To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I recd your Favour of the 6 Inst. desiring to know if there are any American Vessells here that want freight to go to Brest to take in. There are in this Port two American Vessells only, the Favourite Capt Buchannan, & the betsey Capt Gallagher, the former a new ship of twenty Guns armed by Mr. Johnson, the latter an armed Brig...
112To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have written the inclosed to Mr. Blunt because I thought it my duty so to do. If you don’t think so, please to keep it. The one to Mr. Vaughan does not contain a word of a public nature. Please to forward it. I have not answer’d Mr. Alexander, because I want your assistance to know how it should be answered. I shall be infinitely obliged if you will...
113To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I came hither on the Business of our House having 5 rich Jamaica prizes to our address, with upwards of 2000 hhd Sugar & 400 hhds Rum. The Alliance is just arrived with 4 more, & she has sent 5 into America, two have got into Nantes so we know of 16 taken; I have another privateer which I hourly expect will bring in 2 or 3 more.— I have advice from my...
114To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library The Courier having passed by L’orient I did not receive your Favour of 31 March ’till yesterday. The Permission I ask of Mr Paulze is no exemption from a Duty which is a Right and if the Farmers choose to understand the Matter they will see it is not. I have declined Mr Bondfields proposition & shall send Goods to Brest as...
115To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library This serves to inform you that I have this day Settled with Mr. Gourlade for the Deans Anchors in the following manner agreeable to your order Vizt: The anchors amount to as per bill 6445.18.— I have pd. the ballance due from me to the Commrs £2799.19.9 I have drawn on you at this date in favr. M Gourlade 3 days do. 3645.18.3 £6445.18.
116To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Please to read the inclosed Letters to Lord shelburne & Mr Vaughan then please to deliver them to Mr Vaughan if with you or forward them to him if not.— The subject appears to me worth a national Claim if you think so please to add a Line to my Letter to Lord shelburne, if you think an official Claim not consistent & you in...
117To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit me to express my sincere Wishes for your Health & Happiness with every other possible Blessing for this and many succeeding Years, and at the same time to renew my gratefull Thanks for the Friendship & assistance you have so long & so often honoured me with, which I assure you it shall always by [be] my utmost Endeavour to merit by a steady...
118To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 22 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society To recommend Mr Barclay to your Civility & friendship would be superfluous because his public & private Character are both known to you & both entitle him to your Notice. I however think it my duty to congratulate you on the late Glorious News & to assure you that I am as always Your dutifull & affectionate...
119To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is current on Change to day that the Americans have declared War against Portugal. I can not conceive how this accot can come yet every body seems certain it is true. I beg if there is anything in it that you will let me have a Commn for the Spry to cruise against the Portuguese. She may pick up a rich Prize on her Way home. I shall be obliged to you if...
120To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 1 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library; (II) ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library Since my last I have a ship loaded with Sugar & Cotton from Port au Prince (but belonging to Boston) arrivd at L’Orient to my address. I have written a Letter to Mr Necker which I inclose, you will see the subject by reading it, & if you approve...
121To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I inclose you a Letter I have received from Mr Dalton of Newbury, you will see by it that he is in hopes another Application will procure a greater allowance from Government for the Brig Fairplay. I have promised (not with a view of having ⅙ of the Property) to write you once more though it does not appear [ to ] me likely to...
122To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I wrote you last Post relative to a ship of 300 Tons which is offered for Freight to take out the public Stores. The proprietor of this Ship is Mr Arnoux one of our principal Merchants here & his son in Law Mr Mitchel will call on you to talk on the subject whatever you do with him therefore will be conclusive on Mr Arnoux & I...
123To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania My Cousin Jona Williams tertius will have the honour of delivering you this.— He lately arrived from America & will therefore be able to give you many pieces of Information which perhaps may have not found their way through a public Channel.— His views in coming to France were principaly to reestablish his Health, having succeeded in this he wishes to...
124To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Mr Lee in answer to the Gentlemen arbitraters of my accounts wrote a Letter of which the enclosed is a Copy, & this Copy I am directed to transmit to you. I am ever Your dutifull & affec Kinsman Notation: Jona. Williams July 20. 1779. The Gentlemen had informed Lee on July 9 that the examination of JW ’s accounts had begun,...
125To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed is the proportion of the little Ship I mentioned in my last. The price you will find more reasonable than either of those proposed by the other Builder. A Ship arrived the other day from Carolina; an Officer who came passenger in her is I suppose by this time with you, I am very sorry I did not see him. I am much disappointed by not receiving...
126To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Melrose, Pa., 1957) I remitted to Mr Grand a few posts since about 50,000 Livres in Bills on you, & I find by a note at the bottom of his Letter that the payment is not certain. Near the whole of these Bills are on my own Accot and the disappointment would affect me very much; besides this, some part were remitted me by Mr Bache for...
127To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Barclay desired me to deposit in the Consuls Office my last public Accounts as settled with you. I shall be much obliged if you will please to transmit the Originals to him where they may be always open to public Inspection. I am most dutifully & Affectionately Yours. I return you Doctor Priestlys Paper which I have read with much pleasure. Addressed:...
128To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives Mr. Porter of Connecticut who was lately at Paris applied to me in distress for Money and said you desired him to do so: I advancd him four Guineas as per the inclosed Receipt relying on his word that you would not object to it. Mr. Leger Capt. Jno. Nicholsons first Lieutenant is arrived here and has no money, the 10 Guineas he...
129To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 13 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I should have called on you before my Departure if I had not been detained so long in Paris, that I expected to find you in bed and I was determined not to Stop myself ’till I came hither. The inclosed from my Father in Law will give you an Idea of his Business & Situation. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you in about 15 days in the mean Time I remain...
130To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I send you enclosed Messrs Horneca Fitzeau & Cos Invoice with such an order on them as appears to me equitable on all Sides, if you think so, please to sign it & return it with the Invoice. It will be proper for you to keep Copies of both these Papers. I return you enclosed the papers you so kindly communicated to me.— I shall...
131To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Yale University Library The Ship Nonesuch is just arrived in 22 Days from Philadelphia. Thinking it of great Importance that the public Dispatches should go forward with the utmost Expedition, and the Post not going out for two Days to come, I thought it my Duty to send off this Express which I hope will be agreeable. I have given the Courier...
132To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 11 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Mr Grand Cannon is a youn Gentleman from Connecticut who passes through paris in his Way to London. He will have the Honour to pay his Respects to you, and I beg leave to introduce him to your kind Notice as a discreet, intelligent worthy young man, and deserving the Esteem of all his Friend; I have this knowledge of him from his...
133To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 25 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : American Philosophical Society; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The present Serves to hand you some Letters brought by my Father who is in my house in perfect Health. When I have arranged my Business so as to be able to leave it I shall wait on you with him & bring home Mrs W in return. I thank you for your Note to Lord Shelburne which I hope...
134To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed is a Letter which I have written to Mr. Holkar. If you think there is no impropriety in it I shall take it as a favour if you will send it him, letting him know at the same time who I am, as perhaps he may not reccollect me. I hear you intend coming here soon to see the Salt works, if so it will be best to make haste as the Season advances fast. In...
135To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Monsieur Tardiveau is connected in Business with Monsieur Tarvouillet Merchant in this place and proposes to settle in Philadelphia. For this purpose, he wishes to obtain a Letter of Introduction from you and in consequence has desired Mr. Montaudouin to write to you in his Favour. Mr Tarvouillet is a Gentleman who has shewn me a great deal of...
136To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd your and Mr. Deanes Favour of the 5 Inst. and wrote a short Letter to Mr. D. by Mr. de Francy this morning. I shall do the best in my power for the Interest of the Concerned in everything that comes under my Direction. I am glad you approve of a Connection with Mr. S. I imagine I can form one in a commercial way, but as I have no capital I must only...
137To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your favour of the 25 Inst. and immediately destroyed the Contents. The one you wrote a few days before never came to hand. I have sent to my procureur to take the Steps the paper you inclosed advised, but I confess I cannot understand the use it will be of. In consequence of what I need not repeat to you I felt myself a good deal eased of...
138To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Mr James Moore Brother to Mr Philip Moore of Philadelphia has been some Time in this Town. He came hither from Scotland intending for America, but finding that through his Brothers Connexions he can fix himself advantageously in Business here he has determined to stay & enter into the american Trade. I advised him first to...
139To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Project of going to America has met with a very severe check— One of the richest Ships to my address with her Cargo & upwards of 100 men on board is blown up, & every Soul, Perished & not a Farthing saved.— Mr de Chaumont has lost by this accident upward of 100,000 Livres, & I fear Mr Montieu more than twice as much, by a fortunate neglect, I had nothing...
140To Benjamin Franklin from [Jonathan Williams, Jr.], 3 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I have just heard of an Opportunity by which a Letter may possibly reach you, therefore sit down to acknowledge the Receipt of yours of the 29th March. We are constantly wishing to hear from you again, all your Friends are extreemly anxious to know where you are and how you do: they are all well. You ask me if I am married, I am sorry to say I am not, nor am...
141To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The object of the Present is to inform you that the ship The Count de Grasse belonging to Newbury has arrived here from Guadaloupe with 300 hhds of Sugar, & a prise taken on the Coast bound from Dartmouth in England to Newfoundland; The Ship & Prise I understand are to my Address but as the Captain is not yet up I am not able...
142To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd. your Favour of the 18th Instant and immediately wrote to a Friend in England to convey some necessary supplies to Capt. Collis drawing on me for the amount. The Prize Money I refer’d to in my Letter was what was carried to the Commissioners Credit at Morlaix and L’orient, which will be found to be so much Deduction, from the Lexington and the...
143To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this day sent to the Marquis of Castries a Plan of An Enterprise which if undertaken cannot fail of being very distressing to England, and of high Importance to France & America,— what this Plan is I cannot at present tell you because I have left the Communication entirely to him, & in all probability he will lay it before you; When he does please to...
144To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Please to send to Mr Barclay by the return of Colll Franks’s Servant, the two Bundles of Papers relating to the Ship Marquis de la Fayette, which lay on your Table near the Window in the Library, as we have occasion for them to explain some parts of that Business. I am most respectfully & affectionately Yours. they are the Papers you intended as materials...
145To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mariamne has made me a new Years Present of a very fine Girl, both mother & Child are in a fine way & I am in hopes the Scheme of Nursing will Succeed. Accept my hearty good wishes for as many returns of this Season as you yourself desire, I don’t know how many that is, but I hope at least it will not interfere with your Dixenniel Custom for at least twice...
146To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Inclosed is a Packet & two Letters which I received by the Mercury Capt Samson. This Ship is fitted out by the Massachusetts State to carry over the Stores it was expected Mr Austin would have been able to provide; but in consequence of his failure (for I do not understand he has in the smallest Degree succeeded) she is here...
147To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 3 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd. your Favour of the 28th Feb. on my return from Quiberon, after it had been laying some time waiting for me. The one Inclosed had no Direction, I was therefore obliged to break the Seal to know for whom it was intended. I did this because I thought it was for some person about to Depart which would leave no Time to obtain your answer, and because I...
148To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have just heard that the Captain of the Marquis de la Fayette is gone to Passy. I cannot guess his Business, but I hope it will not occasion Delay. My Clerk has been at L’Orient some time & the ship is not yet ready to take in, You may be assured that not an hours delay will be on my side as all is ready. As I imagine there...
149To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received last Post a letter from Mr Moylan of L’orient in which are these Words. “If you wish to be deputy Consul of your district I have good Reason to imagine Mr Barclay would willingly authorize you to the Office, let me know your mind privately.” I have answered thus. “I conceive myself highly obliged to Mr Barclay for his Intention & much indebted to...
150To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be presented you by Mr Wilkinson the ingenious Director, and indeed the projector, of a very fine Foundery on this River.— I am under particular obligations to this Gentleman for his Civility to me and many americans I have conducted to see his Works, the last was Mr Adams, who was much pleased at the Simplicity & Ingenuity of his Machinery. I beg...