151John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 18 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 18, 1778: The comte de Fumel informed me yesterday that M. de Sartine instructed him to give American warships the honors due to those of foreign states. The careening of the Boston will be finished this evening.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 38.
152Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 18 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, April 18, 1778: I have received yours of the 13th, and will make no new commitments without your orders; you will I hope, honor my drafts for those already made. The workmen are repairing the less damaged weapons; repairing them all would take at least two years. If the operation were stopped, and the men sent back to Liège, the remaining arms...
153Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 20 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives <Versailles, April 20, 1778, in French: I have received your letter of yesterday about convoys. As the matter solely concerns M. de Sartine, I have forwarded a translation of the letter and will send you his reply.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 42–3.
154John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 21 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 21, 1778: A ship arrived at Bilbao with a passenger said to be carrying dispatches for you; he has left for Paris and passed through Bayonne. A prisoner escaped from New York has asked me to write you for a privateer’s commission; a new ship suitable for him will be ready in twenty days, and might sail with the Boston . I await your...
155Ebenezer Smith Platt to the American Commissioners, 21 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ADS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Paris, April 21, 1778: The petitioner recounts his role in obtaining the gunpowder landed at Savannah in 1775, and his subsequent arrest and imprisonment in Jamaica and in England. He was released through the efforts of a committee for American prisoners, arrived in Paris destitute, and asks help in getting home.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI ,...
156Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 22 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 22, 1778: My ship has been careened, but I must take out and repair the mainmast. Capt. Palmes has been long away, and I am anxious to know my destination. I shall be ready as soon as possible, but the holidays have delayed me; although I tried to get permission to keep on working, the authorities denied it. I await your orders about...
157Dumas to the American Commissioners, 23 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <Amsterdam, April 23, 1778, in French: I received your letter of the 10th on the 21st and forwarded it with its enclosures to the Grand Facteur. He promises, once I present the letter, to back me with his influence. I came here and found our friend [van Berckel] ready to help; he agreed with the Facteur that the letter is...
158John Bondfield to the American Commissioners: Letter and résumé, 25 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 25, 1778: The mainmast of the Boston has been condemned and will be promptly replaced. The Captain requires an iron hearth for cooking; the stone one he had is broken. I hope you will approve.> Per mine of this date you would be advised of our proceedings tutching the Boston. Captain Le Mair desireing I would second the many...
159James Jay to the American Commissioners, [25 April? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society When a man is seriously attached to a public Cause, and has uniformly given the most decisive proofs of that attachment, he cannot be indifferent to the treatment he receives from those who have the management of Affairs. Men sometimes flatter themselves that they may pass off what they please on the weakness or credulity of others. It is only to undeceive...
160Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 25 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 25, 1778: I had my mast condemned by a jury of six carpenters, three merchant captains, and Mr. Bondfield. You would have told me, I assume, if you intended to load cargo; I have therefore begun to take in ballast. The King’s officers are enticing men from me for the army; I retrieved five today who were about to embark for St. Martin’s....
161Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de Sartine to the American Commissioners, 26 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Harvard University Library <Versailles, April 26, 1778, in French: When the Boston arrived, the King’s order to treat American warships as those of an ally had not reached Bordeaux. Such ships must identify themselves when they enter harbor as men-of-war; private vessels never receive a salute.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 57–8.
162James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 27 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lorient, April 27, 1778: The Lord Chatham , a prize taken by the Ranger , has arrived in Brest.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 61.
163John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 28, 1778: I received on the 25th by Mr. Haywood your letter of the 15th, and have from Capt. Tucker the list of provisions; the officers will inspect them tomorrow. The mast has delayed the work.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 63.
164Dumas to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, April 28, 1778, in French: We await the return of your letter in final form, so that I may present it. The memorandum for which Mr. Lee provided the material will be published within a few days; the public here must learn that Congress will make peace only on equal terms and in concert with its allies. Beware...
165Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, April 28, 1778: I have received a consignment from M. Grand, which he tells me was shipped on your account; what do I do with it? I have also received 196 swivel guns for which you paid Mr. Merckle; they are the worst I ever saw and should be sold for scrap. From the same source come muskets and parts for them. Of the clothes, arms, etc., remaining...
166Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 29 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honour of sending you an extract of a Letter received from Charles Town, in South Carolina, dated the 12th. of February. “A dreadful fire broke out in the morning of the 15th. January, the North end of Union-Street, which has consumed the most beautiful part of the Town. Upon the alarm’s being given, a number of people with all the engines were...
167Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 29 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, April 29, 1778: I have received your orders but cannot carry them out immediately; repairs will take another two weeks and more. Mr. Livingston will be my second lieutenant, and I am obliged to you.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 73. In the commissioners’ letter of the 13th they had recommended Livingston as first officer, but Adams...
168Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 29 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Harvard University Library; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères <Versailles, April 29, 1778, in French: I passed on to M. Sartine your letter about convoys, and enclose his reply; you will, I am sure, be satisfied with the measures taken. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 73–4. In the hand of Joseph-Mathias Gérard. He and his brother had directed bureaux of...
169The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 30 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS (two): American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress; copy and transcript: National Archives <York, April 30, 1778: We need to have word from you. The commerce committee will send you their contract with Hortalez & Cie., the heads of which are enclosed. We hear that you have concluded a treaty with France and Spain, and are anxious for confirmation before the British make...
170James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 1 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The restriction Captain Jones has laid the Intendent of Brest under, respecting the prize he sent in there, gives the Admiralty a power over her that will cause infinite delay and very heavy expences on this and every future occasion, if the president [precedent] be admited. I take the liberty of mentioning this matter to you, as I think you may adopt a...
171John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 2 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this instant receiv’d a Letter from Charles Town by Cap. Ducass who left that City the 30 March. He met a few Leagues from the Coast of France a French Snow bound into this Port on board of which Vessel he put as esteeming it safer all the Letters and Packets he had in charge. The Snow is expected in to Day. I shall see forwarded (if there are any)...
172James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 4 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lorient, May 4, 1778: A schooner arrived today from Virginia with news that the state levies were leaving at the end of March to join Washington’s army. Spirits were good and the army well clothed, but all the ports were blockaded.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 80–1.
173Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 4 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society <Versailles, May 4, 1778, in French: I have taken the King’s orders on presenting Mr. Adams, who will be received on Friday the 8th. I hope that you will dine with me that day, for I should be delighted to spend some hours with you.> Published in Butterfield, John Adams Diary , II , 308. See also Adams to his two colleagues below,...
174Nathaniel Dowse to the American Commissioners, 5 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, May 5, 1778: I sailed from Virginia as master of the Mercer , with tobacco consigned by Congress to the Delaps. On May 4 my crew mutinied and took me in to Whitehaven, where I was imprisoned until I escaped and found a vessel that arrived here yesterday. I tender you my services. Several local merchants have made me offers, but I shall wait until...
175Dumas to the American Commissioners, 5 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, May 5, 1778, in French: I send translations of two letters from Germany; the Grand Facteur has also sent copies. I have received strange news from France, but you doubtless know about the pettifogging, etc., that goes on there. Yours of the 30th has just arrived, and I shall call on the Grand Facteur and our friend...
176Marie Silvestre Grand to the American Commissioners, 5 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mme. Grand presante une requette a Messieurs Les Deputés assemblés pour luy accorder un jour pour luy faire l’honneur de venir Diner ches elle a commencer des samedy Prochain son demenagement ne luy ayant pas permis de le faire plutot. Addressed: A Leurs Excellences / Messieurs Les Deputés / De Lamerique septentrionale Mme. Ferdinand Grand. The date set was...
177Dumas to the American Commissioners, 7[–15] May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, May 7[–15], 1778, in French: I showed your letter of the 30th to the Grand Facteur, who urged me to delay presenting your communication to the Grand Pensionary; Vergennes had written that it was premature and might be construed as French pressure. I disagreed but had to comply. May 8: The Grand Pensionary was told...
178John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 8 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library <Bordeaux, May 8, 1778: Vessels from Georgia have arrived with news that a shipment of specie had been landed from Havana; the state’s currency is greatly inflated. Friends in Cadiz write that the government is making it difficult for them to sell Conyngham’s prizes, and ask whether the ships might be addressed to me; what am I to tell them? I assume from your...
179William Lee to the American Commissioners, 8 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Worthington C. Ford, ed., Letters of William Lee . . . 1766–1783 (3 vols., Brooklyn, N.Y., 1891), II , 429–30. I have been detained here longer than was intended by a personal application from one of the King of Prussia’s ministers. I have now received an answer from Berlin, which informs me that his Majesty chooses for the present to decline acknowledging the Independency of...
180Thomas Simpson to the American Commissioners, 8 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy : American Philosophical Society <Brest, May 8, 1778: After the capture of the English warship Drake , Capt. Jones appointed me to take her to Brest. I enclose a copy of his instructions. On May 5, while she was in tow, he ordered me to cast her loose and—so we all understood—make my own way to port. We were chased by a brig, tried to rejoin the Ranger , and did so early in the...
181John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 9 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; AL : American Philosophical Society, United States Naval Academy Museum; copy: National Archives <Brest, May 9, 1778: I arrived last night with the British warship Drake , and will soon give you an account of the cruise. I have almost two hundred prisoners, but there is danger they may be surrendered without an exchange. I plan to refit the Drake as fast...
182James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 11 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am this moment informed by a Gentleman from Brest, that the Ranger Frigate Cap: J. Jones arrived in that port with a prize of 16 Guns the 8th. Instant after laying a Town on the Coast of Ireland under contribution. I have not yet learned any further particulars of his Voyage, but I suppose Cap: Jones will inform you of them when he gets ashore. I have the...
183Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, May 11, 1778: You will have heard the news of Capt. Jones. He needs about £2,000, he tells me, to equip the Drake before the French court intervenes; he can only draw on you.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 107–8.
184John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 12 May 1778: Letter and résumé (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I have just time in Compliance to Mr. Livingstons request to write your honors that an offer has been made him of a vessel to be compleatly fitted and armed provided your Honors will grant a Commission. His desires in this appears to spring from the advance it would give him of rank at his Arrival in America. If this should meet your...
185Dumas to the American Commissioners, 12 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <The Hague, May 12, 1778, in French: I shall not speak of my compliance with your orders of April 30 until I have more to tell. Your sealed letter I have been unable to present because a wind from the west prevented me. I have persuaded my friends to send a single ship to America, uninsured to preserve secrecy, and have promised to recommend them. >...
186James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 13 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to refer you to my last of the 11th since which I received a letter from Lisbon dated 21st. April of which the following paragraph is a copy. “The Peace and Plenty Privateer from Belfast, has brought in here the Brig Dolphin Cap: Turner, bound from Boston to Bilboa with 135 Hhds. of Tobacco a parcel of Rice tar and Staves. She is about 140 Tons...
187Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 13 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; two copies: Library of Congress <Versailles, May 13, 1778, in French: The farmers general have informed me that Capt. Tucker of the Boston has refused to allow their agents on his vessel because she is a warship. We must know whether she is, or merely a privateer; once you have established that, she will be treated like the ships of...
188The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 14 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society, Harvard University Library; copies: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Library of Congress; copy and transcript: National Archives <York, May 14, 1778: All goes well with us, and we are preparing for either war or peace. Our enemies have fostered doubt about our perseverance, but the enclosed report of Congressional action in rejecting British...
189The Massachusetts Board of War to the American Commissioners, 14 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress Your esteem’d favours of the 21 December per Mr. Dean 12th. February per Capt. Senneville, and 17th of same Month per Capt. Courter, we had the Honor to receive. Agreeable to your request, we have furnished Capt. Courter with every necessary for his Journey to Congress, on which he set out the 7th. Instant, being the second day after...
190The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 15 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives; transcript: National Archives; two incomplete copies: Harvard University Library Your pressing request for 5000 Hhds. of Tobacco, is a matter as embarrassing to Congress as to yourselves. Their anxiety to get it to you is as great as yours to receive it. We have already lost considerable Quantities in the...
191Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 15 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two); transcript: National Archives J’ai l’honneur Messieurs de vous envoyer la copie d’une lettre ecrite à M. de Sartine par le Consul de France a Madere. Vous y verrez toutes les circonstances de la conduite qu’un corsaire americain nommé Jean...
192The Commerce Committee to the American Commissioners, 16 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress <York, May 16, 1778: We enclose a contract with Theveneau de Francy as agent for Caron de Beaumarchais. You will please liquidate and send the property of the accounts of Roderigue Hortalez & Co., taking care to distinguish the property of the crown from the company’s private property. We send an invoice of the articles to be...
193John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 16 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; AL : United States Naval Academy Museum; copy: National Archives <Brest, May 16, 1778: The local admiralty will apparently delay the sale of the Ranger ’s prizes; I therefore have to draw on you through M. Bersolle for 24,000 l.t. to distribute among my officers and men. They need to provide for their families in America, who will expect clothing, etc., by...
194Members of the Drake’s Prize Crew [to the American Commissioners], 16 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society We the subscribers (persons put on board the Drake by Capt. Jones’s order, from the Ranger, to man her, under the Command of Lieut. Simpson,) do hereby testifie, that when a sail was seen on Our Lee quarter at Day Light in the morning of the 5th. May, the Drake (then in tow by the Ranger,) was hail’d from her, and ordered to Cast Off and to make the best of...
195[Vergennes] to the American Commissioners, 17 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai rendu compte au Roi, Messrs., de l’assûrance que vous me donnez que le Boston, qui se trouve dans le port de Bordeaux, est une frégate appartenant aux Etats-unis et armée par les ordres du Congrès. S. M. a décidé en conséquence que ce vaisseau éprouveroit le même traitement qui est d’usage à l’égard de ceux de toutes les autres...
196Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 18 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, May 18, 1778: Mr. Schweighauser writes Capt. Jones that I pretend to an authority that is his, by right of a letter from Mr. William Lee, to dispose of the Ranger ’s prizes in this port. I came here to help Capt. Jones, and have not interfered in commercial matters. The Lord Chatham will either be sold by the admiralty or entrusted to M. Bersolle;...
197Dumas to the American Commissioners, 19 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : Harvard University Library; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, May 19, 1778, in French: From my letter of May 7–15 you will have learned of my progress in publicizing the friendly disposition of the United States. The Grand Pensionary has been most adroit. We believe that he shares our views; he has given copies of your letter in private to all the members of the provincial...
198Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 21 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Je reçois dans le moment, Messieurs, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 19. pour m’informer que vous avez rendu compte au Congrès des Etats Unis des plaintes renfermées dans le Raport de M. de la Ruelliere Consul de France à Madere. Je vous prie d’agréer mes Remercimens de l’usage que vous avez bien voulu faire de la Communication que je vous en...
199Dumas to the American Commissioners, 22[–26] May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, May 22[–26], 1778, in French: The Grand Pensionary wants to acknowledge your letter but cannot give you, until authorized, your due titles; he has offered to communicate verbally through me, and I shall wait until I can furnish him a copy of the treaty. Our friend [van Berckel] wants to know how the British...
200Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 23 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library I take the liberty to enclose a Copy of the Memoire I made last year at the request of M. Carmichael on the advantages the port of Dunkirk offers to the American Trade. I Submit to your Superiour Judgement to decide weither my Ideas may contribute to extend the Commerce and navigation of the United States, and to take [ torn: such?] Steps as may answer that...