1051To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Larguier des Bancels, 2 September 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Rochefort, September 2, 1777, in French: The justice of your cause and our long standing animosity against the British bind our nation to yours, and I expect at any moment a treaty of friendship between them. My sojourn here has brought me daily stories of Frenchmen going to America, where I am sure they are welcome; can you tell me whether they go with...
1052To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de La Merville, 2 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Votre probité et votre Reputation me Repondent de votre honneteté sur un procedé qui ne peut vous appartenir. Le nommé le noir qui est encore a mon service me demande son congé disant que vous l’avés arreté a 200 l.t. de gages et d’autres proffits. Comme il a ma livrée sur le corps il ne peut estre en monsieur frankelin de prendre a son service un valet...
1053To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Trezarrieu, 2 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We print this letter, from the Spanish Mediterranean port of Alicante, because it is the first example of a type that soon became common. As the likelihood grew that American independence would be maintained, Trezarrieu’s isolated request for a consulship gave place to a flood of applications. These we shall résumé together in future volumes as we now...
1054To Benjamin Franklin from William Day, 3 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is with the Greatest pleasure I embrace this Conveyance, per Monsier Rochette who says he has the Honour of being personally Known to You, and has promised to deliver my Letter himself. The Thought that it was my duty (to inform You of the Occurrences of my Cruize) must appologize for my Freedom of troubling a Gentlemen of Your Character with a scrawl,...
1055To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Vicomte de Tarride, 3 September 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Pau in Béarn, September 3, 1777, in French: The vicomte de Tarride, a young man of twenty-two, was réformé after three years’ service and decided to join the Americans. About a month ago he sailed from Bayonne on a Boston ship. I hope I may ask for him your protection and letters to your countrymen. If you think proper, I will send the duc du Châtelet’s...
1056To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-François Fournier, 4 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pour répondre a l’honneur de votre demande des cinquante livres de caracterres d’imprimerie que vous m’avez faites le jours de la st. Louis lorsque j’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler étant avec mon épouse et ma fille, je n’ai pas fait la reflexion de vous repondre que vous ne pouviez pas faire grand choses avec si peut du caracterre dont vous avez gardé...
1057To Benjamin Franklin from Paulze, 4 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Je viens, Monsieur, de faire acheter à Londres et à Glascow 6000 Boucauds de Tabacs. Vous sçavés que suivant l’acte du 27. Septembre 1660 toutes les denrées et marchandises d’Angleterre ne peuvent être expédiées que par des Navires Anglois et je tenterois sans succès de faire charger ces Tabacs sur des navires français; Mais on me fait craindre que les...
1058To Benjamin Franklin from Philip Mazzei, 5 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society I received the honour of your answer, by Mr. Jefferson, with the pamphlet, for which I return you my sincere thanks, as by enlightening my mind it greatly contributes to the happiness of my life. The seeds, called Ravizzoni by the Lombards, and cavolo rapa in the Tuscan language, may be very usefull to us in America when we shall have more leasure...
1059William Lee to the American Commissioners, 6 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Virginia Historical Society The 4th. two little boats arrivd here from Virginia (private property) which they left the 4th. of Augt. They bring the Papers with the Congress account of the evacuation of Ticonderoga, which is inclos’d, with some other Papers which the passenger Mr. King will bring with him as he sets out for Paris on Sunday or Monday next. Mr. K. who seems to be an...
1060Lambert Wickes and Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 6 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We your humble petioners beg leave to inform you of the distressed Situation of our Brother Officers now Prisoners in England, particularly John Nicholson Esqr. and his Officers who was taken in the Sloop Hornet in the Service of the United States of America and Thomas Norwood and Nine Men that was put on Board of one of our late prizes, who was taken and...
1061To Benjamin Franklin from George Wythe, 6 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Thomas Shore, a young gentleman of Virginia, about to embark for Europe, will probably do himself the honour to wait upon you. My acquaintance with him, and the testimony several very respectable persons bear of his good qualities authorise me to say, that I have great confidence he will not be found unworthy any kindness you may be pleased to shew him....
1062To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 8 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: National Archives Je vous serois fort obligé si vous vouliez nous donner une lettre de recommandation pour quel qu’un des Chefs de vos armées en faveur d’un jeune homme plein de courage et de talens même distingués qui est a Bordeaux pret a s’embarquer pour l’Amerique, ou il compte se fixer en Pensylvanie, apres avoir servi en qualité de volontaire ou autrement tant que la guerre...
1063To Benjamin Franklin from Philip Mazzei, 8 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I sent the original of this by one Mr. Shore, a Virginia Gentleman and merchant, who has letters of recommendation to you and Mr. Deane from Mr. Jefferson; and some from me to my friends in Italy. In delivering the first letter without direction I wish you would take notice of my parcel of papers, which you sent me word by Mr. Jefferson went to Bristol. I...
1064William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 9 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Above is Copy of what I had the honor of writing you the 11th Ulto. Want of Opportunities has been the Cause of my not forwarding to you some important News which I received some Time ago from St. Eustatia. You will please to find inclosed Copy of a Letter from a French Gentleman in that Place, with the Translation of some Extracts from American Gazettes,...
1065To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Fortin de Melleville, 9 September 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Quai des Gesvres, Paris, September 9, 1777, in French: He lauds Franklin at enormous length, for laying the foundations of freedom in the ruins of tyranny, for sustaining his countrymen by his courage and wisdom, for showing, at an age when most men are declining, the fire of youth and the prudence of maturity, for being a Nestor, a law-giver, turning a...
1066To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Estourneau Delatouche, 10 September 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <La Touche, September 10, 1777, in French: I decided to join your army, and last December asked my nephew to get me the command of a regiment. I thought that I deserved one after having served under Marshal Saxe (who taught officers their trade) in seventeen sieges and three battles. I learned that for the present this is impossible, but see that you are...
1067To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Ranconnet, 11 September 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <September 11, 1777, in French and the third person: In conjunction with Dubuisson (who is known to M. Brillon) he offers shoes and boots in Liège leather; Congress will be satisfied with the quality and price.>
1068Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 12 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your favour of the 28th. Augt. Since which I have wrote you two letters and have received no Answer. As the Admiralty begins to be very pressing in Insisting on My Imediate departure, I am afraid they will hardly permit me to Wait the Arrival of your dispatches unless they Come Very Soon, As I expect to be Sent out of Port the first fair Wind. I...
1069To Benjamin Franklin from [Gardoqui & Sons], 13 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
L : Harvard University Library We per this post have had the pleasing satisfaction to be honoured with your very Esteemed and agreable favour of the 1st Instant, for contents of which are exceedingly obliged to your good self, as are thereby informed that our letters have duelly kissed your hands. We returne you our [most] cordiall and sincere thanks for your Kindness in reccommending this...
1070To Benjamin Franklin from Stephano, Baron de Bissy, 14 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a environ deux mois, que j’ay eu l’honneur de passer trois fois chez vous, sans avoir eu celuis de vous y trouver, et depuis ce tems je suis a la cour, pour solisiter Mr. le Comte De st. jermain de me rendre quelque justice sur me servises pasé et sur tout pour avoir fait fontion de general en chef, a la Revolution de gene, dont la france en a tiré...
1071To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Bulet, 14 September 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <La Charité-sur-Loire, September 14, 1777, in French: Now that all rejoice over the success of your compatriots, allow an unknown voice to congratulate you on their defending the rights of humanity, that often reviled humanity that you honor. Let me tell you of a plan that you may find useful. America needs many things from friendly powers; I have some to...
1072Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 15 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will informe You of our worthy friend Capt. Wickes leaving this Yesterday Eve with a fine Easterly Wind. The Dolphin Capt. Brown Sailed in Company. At Sun Setting they Discharged their Pilots, when they were clear of the Rocks &c. Since which the wind has Continued fresh from the Eastward, so that I make no doubt that by Noon this Day (a Monday) he is...
1073Henry Johnson to the American Commissioners, 16 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Public Record Office Your agreeable favours of the 9th Inst. was handed me by Capt. Bell with the different packets and letters to morrow morning shall sail God willing. I forward by Capt. Bell my accounts I find a Ballance. I find in favour of the Congress which I shall give Credit if I find no Errors. If any shall settle the same with the Agent in America. As everything has gone...
1074Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 16 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society I am just Setting off for Nantes. Have Setteled Accounts with Messrs. Desegray Beaugeard fils & Co. for the Disbursements of the ship Dolphin and have drawn on You for the amount of the Same 4703.10.0 Livres. I have taken fifty Guineas of this Amount along with me in case I Shou’d not find Mr. Williams at Nantes. I shall as usual give the Dolphin Credit for...
1075To Benjamin Franklin from Barthélémy-Louis-Joseph Schérer de Jouchery, 16 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’eus l’honneur il y a quelque temps de vous etre Recommandé de la part de Monsieur Le Comte de Maillebois, et de vous presenter un ouvrage Militaire intitulé Nouveau traité de La Colonne . Oserois-je vous supplier Monsieur, de vouloir bien m’indiquer un jour ou je pourrai avoir l’honneur de vous presenter mes respects. J’espere aussi que vous voudrez bien...
1076To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, [17 or 18 September 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am arrived once more in this town, and wish to be blessed with one hour’s conversation concerning myself and a brother. You know from my friend Williams that I am obliged to leave my name at Lord Stormonts in consequence of the note I before wrote to him; and if you could give me an interview at a neutral place till I have gone through the ceremony of...
1077To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-François Le Brun: Two Letters, 18 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A friend of mine, an eminent marchant at Coruña in Spain and wellwisher to the cause of american Liberty has transmitted to me the Letter herein inclosed with prayer to have it delivered immediately in to the hands of Mr. Dean. But as I am totally unacquainted with the place where that gentleman is to be met with and afraid to have it trusted to any body...
1078To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Vaughan], [18 September 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am ashamed my dear sir at the littleness of my heart or rather that of my friends: as soon as I have passed the opportunity for conversing with this man it will be over, and I shall see you as publicly as at Xmas. Yes my dear sir I will meet you at 5, in the middle of the Seine; any where, so that I do but meet you, and tell you how much I revere you. In...
1079To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Petrie, [after 18 September 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Petrie with respectfull Compliments to Dr. Franklin, Sends by the Bearer a small Paper Parcell, which he received this Morning from Mr. Wilkes, with that Gentleman’s Request to hand it to the Doctor, with his best Compliments. Addressed: Dr. Franklin. / Passy. A London merchant of Scottish descent, who was an ardent supporter of John Wilkes and had...
1080To Benjamin Franklin from [Thadée-Humphrey?] O’Doüin, 19 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You was so kind as to grant to my request your letters of reccommandation to the Honourable Congress for a young nobleman [?] who intended to go over to Philadelphia. The Circumstances having not allowed him to perform that Journey, his family refusing him (tho very rich) the necessary supplys, your good will towards both him and me became of no use to...
1081To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, [19 September 1777?] (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete ALS : Library of Congress We have debated at length whether this letter, which lacks an opening, continues Vaughan’s note to Franklin in December, 1776, or was written immediately after their meeting at the Bains de Poitevin the following September. There is some evidence for guessing each way, but nothing conclusive. As for the first way, the opening sentence here seems to follow...
1082Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 21 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On my leaving St. Malo I wrote You giveing You an Account of the Sailing of the Reprisal and Dolphin. Capt. Brown Arrived here in the Dolphin the Night before last, and Agreable to his Orders from Capt. Wickes, Under french Colours, and to the Address of Monsr. Peltier as Comeing from St. Austatia, but haveing no Clearance from that Place or any other...
1083To Benjamin Franklin from ――― de La Faye, 21 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. de la faye qui fait mille sincéres complimens à Monsieur de Francklin, et à Monsieur de heyn [Deane], à l’honneur de leur annoncer avec le plus grand plaisir, que la Personne qui leur remettra le present, est Mr. Ponteney, d’Auxonne en Bourgogne; qui se propose de leur faire des fournitures de différens Genres, soit pour armement, soit pour équipement de...
1084To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 21 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Republicks of Switzerland have been treated with the same Contempt by the present Rulers of G. Britain as all other States and Républicks in Europe. A private Secretary to Mr. Norton has been these several Years, and during the whole Negotiation of the inclosed Treaty of alliance with France, the only Representative of his Brittish Majesty amongst us,...
1085To Benjamin Franklin from Castrioto, 22 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The pamphlets I was to send you, as we agreed, were broght from Holland, and detained here, in the chambre Syndicale : I had great difficulty to obtain them before my departure, and having no time to deliver them to you I was oblig’d to leve them in a friends hands, who will bring them to you: there is one more of the second letters, because I had none,...
1086[Ferdinand Grand]: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, [before 25 September? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AD : University of Pennsylvania Library This document, on the evidence at hand, cannot be precisely dated. It was written to help the commissioners draft the one that follows, their memorandum of September 25 to the Bourbon courts, which they had been considering for almost a month. On August 29 Arthur Lee received a letter from John Berkenhout, a close friend from their student days together...
1087To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Benyowski, 25 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ne pouvant pas avoir de nouvells de mon Amy, je Luy addresse quelqu’un, qui est le porteur de la presente, et Com je desire que ce jeun homme puisse passer avec agremt j’ose vous prié de Luy donner Une Lettre de recomendation, afin qu’il puisse des son arivé etre employé par Le General; Je me propose d’avoir L’honeure de vous voir La semain prochain pour...
1088To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Sowden], 26 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Vincent, The Young Gentleman who formerly lived with me, tells me he had the honour of seeing You, and of delivering my large packet to be forwarded either to Mr. Gordon, or Mr. Rumsey, as You should find most convenient. He is now returned hither, and tells me that on his return from Poitou to Paris, sometime between the 2d and 6th of this month, he...
1089Thomas Thompson to the American Commissioners, 28 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Harvard University Library I have the Honour to Acquaint you that we had a fine passage off the Coast of America. The third Day after Sailing I fell in with and took a small Schooner from New York bound to Hallifax in Ballast except 20 Barrels flour, 275 Spanish milled Dollars, 137 Counterfeit 30 Dollar Bills in imitation of the Bills emitted by Congress May 10th. 1775, and 40 7 Dollar...
1090Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 30 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honour of receiving this day the Commission, and Instructions from Congress, which you were so obliging as to send me. Accept of my thanks, and believe me to be with great regard Gentlemen Your most Obedient Humble Servant Addressed: To / The Honble. Benjamin Franklin / Silas Deane, & / Arthur Lee Esqrs. As commissioner to Tuscany, enclosed in the...
1091To Benjamin Franklin from Louis Filleul: A Wedding Invitation, [on or before 30 September 1777] (Franklin Papers)
D : American Philosophical Society Monsieur FILLEUL a l’honneur de vous faire part de son Mariage, avec Mademoiselle BOQUET, et vous prie d’assister à la Bénediction Nuptiale, qui leur sera donnée Mercredi premier Octobre 1777, à cinq heures du matin, à Passy. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur de francklin / en sa Maison / a Passy Or, more strictly speaking, an invitation to attend the blessing...
1092To Benjamin Franklin from John MacMahon, 1 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I make bold to recommend to you the bearer, who is a Clergyman of my country. He has received a letter from Ireland to be forwarded to Albany in North America, and is charged at the same time to have the answer directed to him in Paris. Will you be so kind as to let him know, how he is to send off this letter? I think it may be by means of some Merchant in...
1093To Benjamin Franklin from Achille-Guillaume Lebègue de Presle, 1 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous communiquer une lettre ecrite de Bowood-Park, sur le dernier tour d’adresse que mr. B. Wilson a fait voir a la cour de Londres dans le Pantheon. Mon correspondant, dont je vous ai montré une lettre la semaine derniere, me charge expressement de vous faire part de celle cy, et de vous presenter ses respectueuses civilités. Il voudroit...
1094Joshua Johnson to the American Commissioners, 2 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I propose to fit out two or three Vessells on my return to England and send to Lisbon, to Load with Salt which I purpose to send from thence to some one of the United Colonies in America. I therefore humbly solicit your Pasports to protect the said Vessells from being Captured by the American Cruizers and to enable me with more security to throw in supplies...
1095To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 2 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The first letter about commission-seekers in the present volume happens to be this note from Dubourg. Hence we reverse our previous procedure and summarize first the recommendations from others and then the letters from those who sought posts for themselves. At the end of each group we include undated and undatable applications, arranged alphabetically, on...
1096Edward Bancroft to the American Commissioners, 3 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Bancroft was beginning to find a spy’s life hard on the nerves. In July, worried because the British kept the originals of some letters he had stolen, he made new financial demands on them. By the beginning of August he was urging Wentworth to look after his interests, “which, till lately, he never shewed much anxiety about, and indeed seemed to be quite...
1097To Benjamin Franklin from John Thornton, 4 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The content of this letter is as puzzling as the writer. The reference to Dieppe indicates that he has recently come from England; he has already been in touch with Franklin, has told him his situation, and promises to call on him within a few days. But in the same breath he says that he is taking off tomorrow for Dijon, and then mentions “Swithzerland.”...
1098To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Yart: A Poem, 4 October 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society <Ecoüis, near Rouen, October 4, 1777, in French: The poem, of sixty-eight lines, is packed with fulsome praise. It describes the Americans as orphaned by Franklin’s absence, and assures them that “loin de l’amérique il la porte en son coeur.” Franklin then first addresses King Louis, adjuring him to avenge British insults and “à l’empire des lys, joins...
1099The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 6 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society, Maine Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We shall follow your example in confining this letter intirely to yours of May 26th. respecting the Loan, and Mode of raising it by appropriation of vacant lands. It remains doubtful yet whether there is any vacant land not included within some one of the thirteen states; And it...
1100The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 6[–9] October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society, Maine Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) Since ours to you by return of the Packet from New Hamshire and duplicates by Mr. McCreary from Maryland, we have not written, nor have we received any of your favors during the last two months, except a letter of old date (Apr. 29th) signed by Mr. Deane and Doctr. Lee. Capt....