2261C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 9 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Ma derniere étoit du 2 de ce mois. Vous verrez par les deux traductions ci-jointes à quoi en sont les affaires en Allemagne, et que l’on peut s’attendre, d’un ordinaire à l’autre, à apprendre que les hostilités ont commencé en Allemagne. Il paroît ici, depuis quelques jours, une brochure remplie de déclamations, mal cousues ensemble, contre l’Angleterre, sous le titre Le voeu de toutes les...
2262C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 9 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
My last was dated the 2d of this month. You will see by the two enclosed translations what the state of affairs in Germany is and that one may expect, any day, to hear that hostilities have begun. In the last few days a pamphlet, badly assembled and filled with declamations against Great Britain, has appeared under the title of Le voeu de toutes les nations, et l ’intérét de toutes les...
2263Dumas to the American Commissioners, 9 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <The Hague, June 9, 1778, in French: The enclosed will show that war in Germany may be expected any day. An anti-British pamphlet has recently appeared, dedicated to Mr. Franklin; it is badly done but has attracted many important readers. I and the Grand Facteur and the Grand Pensionary are all waiting for what I requested; do not be too long about sending...
2264The Massachusetts Council to the American Commissioners, 9 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Massachusetts Archives; copy: Library of Congress We have just received from the Secret Committee of Congress Three Packets directed to the Commissioners of the United States at Paris. We now transmit them by Capt. Corbin Barnes Commander of the Scooner Dispatch bound for Nantz, a Vessel taken up by the Navy Board of the Eastern Department for...
2265Meinert & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 9 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons l’honneur de vous accompagner ci Joint une requete, qui nous a etée envoyée par un malheureux Prisonnier à Brest, pour lequel ou bien sa liberté nous nous interressons, raport à sa nombreuse famille. Daignés Messieurs nous faire part de vos intentions dans la correspondence que vous tiendrés avec Monsieur J.D. Schweighauser. Nous sommes avec...
2266To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 8 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
The News papers you So kindly transmit me will be carefully perus’d and will afford, I dare say, many interesting articles to my publication which has no other aim than paying to your Country the justice that is due to enlighten’d courage. I had noted in the remembrancer the letters you mention the 1st. of which begins with these words You have no doubt. To be Sure they’ll please excessively...
2267To John Adams from James Lovell, 8 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
I fear I omitted to send the Resolve of May 5th. with 3 past Packets. I shall be vexed if it does not reach you with the Ratifications as, on the Timing of it depends much of its Propriety. I was strangely betrayed by its having been dated the 4th. in a mistaken Alteration, when A.B.C. were sent Eastward. By Letters Yesterday from Mr. Beaumarchais I find Mr. Deane is probably on this Continent...
2268The Navy Board for the Eastern Department to the Commissioners, 8 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Agreeable to the directions of the Honorable Marine Committee, We have provided the Scooner Dispatch, Corbin Barns Master, for the purpose of Conveying to you some Packetts of Great Importance; which are to be forwarded to you through the Council of this State. We have therefore only to wish them Safe to your hands, and to desire that your Orders may be given to furnish the Captain, with such...
2269The Eastern Navy Board to the American Commissioners, 8 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress <Boston, June 8, 1778: At the direction of the marine committee we have provided the schooner Dispatch , Capt. Barnes, in order to bring you packets of great importance forwarded by the Council of this state. We hope they arrive safely, and ask that you furnish the captain the necessary supplies, expenses while in port, a month’s...
2270To John Adams from James Warren, 7 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
We are yet in A State of Uncertainty whether you are Arrived in France or England, and Consequently whether you are now Acting As An Embassador or suffering as Prisoner. All we know is that the last Ship from France brings no Account of you tho’ you had been out 7 weeks when she left Rochfort. The Enemy have Circulated a Report that the Boston was taken, and mention the Name of the Ship that...
2271John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 6 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
I am not favord with any of your Commands since the 18th Ultimo. All the advertizements containd therein are at Sea and some of them far advancd on their Passage. I had the honor to write you the 12. 16. 26 and 30th Ultimo per post which I suppose got duely to hand, to the last I shall be confirmd next Post as the honor paid to my drafts will be notified me by the Holders. Since Cap. Tuckers...
2272Sartine to the Commissioners, 6 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Marly, 6 June 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:129–130 ( JA ’s English translation); for the French text, see JA, Works The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: with a Life of the Author , ed. Charles Francis Adams, Boston, 1850–1856; 10 vols. , 7:15–16....
2273John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 6 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, June 6, 1778: Since Captain Tucker left I have had to settle additional charges, of which I enclose details. The conspiracy has been diligently investigated by the intendant, but nothing can be proved. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 185–6. He left Bordeaux on May 17 and put to sea on June 6: ibid. , p. 109 n. He is referring back to a...
2274Sartine to the American Commissioners, 6 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society Je suis informé, Messieurs, que le Sr. Bersolle après avoir fait des avances assez considerables au Capitaine Jones commandant la fregate des Etats unis de l’Amerique le Ranger, s’est fait donner par ce Capitaine une lettre de Change dont vous avez refusé de faire acquitter le montant. Comme le Sr. Bersolle se trouve par là...
2275Elijah Hall to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, 3 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
I request your Honours Favour in behalf of the Officers and Men, that you would point out some Method to bring the Prizes to sail, which we took on the late Cruize, as we are much in want of Cloathing and other Necessaries which we cannot do without. Many of Us have Wives and Children now suffering in America, the Time for which most of the People engag’d being now almost expired, and no...
2276John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 3 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
Your letter of the 25th Ultimo I received by Yesterdays post: I frankly ask your pardon for the undue liberty which I took the 16th Ultimo when I ventured to sign a draft upon you for the purpose of supplying the people under my Command with necessary Cloathing &ca.—and I promise you never to be guilty of the like Offence again. I hope you do not however mean to impute to me a desire to...
2277Sartine to the Commissioners, 3 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai recû, Messieurs, La Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire Le 16 du Mois passé pour demander qu’il soit accordé une fregate du Roi aux frères Basmarin Raimbeaux et Cie. pour etre emploié a proteger Le Commerce qu’ils font a l’Amerique et en même terns user de Represailles pour Les Pertes que Les Anglois Leur ont fait essuyer en dernier Lieu. Je voudrois qu’il me fut possible de...
2278Sartine to the Commissioners: A Translation, 3 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
I received the letter that you did me the honor to write the 16th of last month, asking that one of His Majesty’s frigates be given to Basmarin, Raimbeaux & Cie. to protect their commerce with America and also for use in retaliatory action for the losses the British have caused them of late. I wish that it was possible for me to be agreeable to your request, but His Majesty wishes, for the...
2279Ranger Crew Members to the Commissioners, 3 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
To the honourable the Commissioners of the United States of North America, the Petition of the Jovial Tars Now on board the Continental Sloop of war Ranger, most humbley Sheweth, That your Petitioners regard and love For their Countrey, and dutey to there ancient fore Fathers, have most of them left there wives, and Familey Cruized the wide Atalantick, in the most dangerous places, greatley...
2280Elijah Hall to the American Commissioners, 3 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <The Ranger , June 3, 1778: I request, for the officers and crew, that you find some way to sell the prizes. We are short of necessities, and have distressed families at home. Captain Jones has deceived us: he tricked us into enlisting for longer than we thought and promised us wages that have not been paid. He put Lieutenant Simpson, whose character is of...
2281John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 3 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; AL : United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, June 3, 1778: I promise never again to draw on you for supplying my men with necessities; you do not think, I hope, that I touched a dollar for my own purposes. On my way from America I took two brigantines. Messrs. Morris and Williams sold one in Nantes, and the captors...
2282Sartine to the American Commissioners, 3 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Library of Congress <Marly, June 3, 1778, in French: I have your letter of May 16 and must decline your request for a frigate to protect ships sent to America by Basmarein & Raimbaux; His Majesty does not wish for the moment to detach any for private purposes.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 180.
2283C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 2 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai l’honneur de vous confirmer mes trois dernieres Lettres, savoir celle en forme de Journal, du 7 au 15e May; une autre du 19e; et la derniere du 22 au 26e May. Mr. l’Ambassadeur de France est de retour en bonne santé. Le g—— F—— est d’avis que je n’accepte point, entant que réponse à votre Lettre, celle que le G—— P—— voudra peut-être me faire de bouche quand je le verrai. Mais il...
2284C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 2 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to confirm my last three letters, namely that of 7 to 15 May in the form of a journal, another of the 19th, and the last of 22 to 26 May. The French ambassador returned in good health. The Grand Facteur is of the opinion that I should not accept, as a reply to your letter, what the Grand Pensionary will perhaps tell me verbally when we meet. But he expects, as do I, that you,...
2285Dumas to the American Commissioners, 2 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, June 2, 1778, in French: The French Ambassador expects, as I do, that you will send me a copy of the treaty in time for the Grand Pensionary to circulate it among the members of the States before they meet on July 1. You will see by the enclosed that war is about to break out in Germany; that will do us no...
2286To John Adams from James Lovell, May 1778 (Adams Papers)
In aid to your scrutiny after the real robber of the Commissioners Dispatches, I send what I think a good Confirmation of Folgiers honesty. By comparing the Governor’s letter with Folgier’s Examination you will find the Governor led into a mistake about the number of Seals broken, by Folgiers forgetting that the outside Cover of the whole had anything more than “Dispatches” wrote on it. He...
2287Elijah Hall and Others to the Commissioners, 30 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Petition and Remonstrance of Us the Subscribers Officers of the american continental Ship of War Ranger humbly sheweth— That our Friend and Brother Officer Lt. Thos. Simpson; was on the 24th of April last sent on board Our Prize the Sloop of War Drake, to take the Command; with this Order among others, to keep within a Cable’s length (or thereabout) on Our starboard Quarter. On the 4th. of...
2288The Ranger’s Officers to the American Commissioners, 30 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <The Ranger , May 30, 1778: Our friend and fellow officer, Lieut. Thomas Simpson, was sent aboard the Drake on April 24 to command the prize. His orders were to keep close, and on May 4 he was taken in tow. The next morning the Captain gave chase to a ship to leeward, and Mr. Simpson was ordered to cast off and make sail. He misunderstood, along with his...
2289William Bingham to the Commissioners, 29 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have done myself the Honor of writing Several Letters to Congress upon the Subject of Remittances, for Debts I have contracted in this place on public Account; in Some of which I requested Liberty to draw upon you Gentlemen for the Amount, as being the most Sure and eligible Plan of procuring Payment. I have not as yet received any Answers to my Letters, but expect them with great...
2290Jonathan Trumbull to the Commissioners, 29 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
This will be handed to you by Capt. Robert Niles (Commander of the Schooner Spy own’d by this State) and has in Charge Dispatches from the Honorable Continental Congress which I was desir’d to forward Imediately to you, hope he may have a Good Passage, and Arive Safe. The Article of Lead is much wanted in this State and would desire that you would putt as much on Board, the Spy as Capt. Niles...
2291William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 29 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS and AL : American Philosophical Society <St. Pierre, Martinique, May 29, 1778: I have written Congress for permission to draw on you; if I do not hear I shall have to draw for 100,000 livres to honor my commitments. Congress owes me much more, but if I receive payment in goods I shall be hard put to it to dispose of them; the likelihood of war has virtually stopped trade here. I must...
2292Jonathan Trumbull to the American Commissioners, 29 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress <Hartford, May 29, 1778: This comes by Capt. Robert Niles of the Spy , a state schooner, who brings dispatches from Congress. Lead is in short supply here; please load as much on the Spy as the Captain thinks wise, and advance him what he needs for his expenses and wages.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 169–70. For...
2293The Commerce Committee to the Commissioners, 28 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
You will receive this by Thomas Read Esqr who was Captain of the Frigate Washington but is now Commander of the Armed Brigantine Baltimore. This Brigantine was intended for A dispatch Vessel, but now hath A Cargo on board of Forty Nine hhds. of Tobacco which was all she coud take in and accomodate her men. We have addressed her to John Danl. Schweighauser Merchant in Nantes, and have directed...
2294The Commerce Committee to the American Commissioners, 28 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress <York, May 28, 1778: This comes by Capt. Thomas Read of the Baltimore , which has a cargo of tobacco; it is consigned to John Daniel Schweighauser, who will send back on the ship such goods as you direct. The Deane, Henrietta , and Queen of France have arrived in Boston. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 167–8. The signers...
2295Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 28 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society These may Serve to Inform your Honours that I am Now Lying Wind bound ready for Sea and Shall Imbrace the first Opportunity after a Long Detention for the want of Seaman. The Last three weeks I was in Bordeaux my Crew was very Sickly. I had the misfortune to Loose Several from the Hospital Who died with a Pluricy fever. Then troubled with a Pack of...
2296To John Adams from Samuel Tucker, 27 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
I am ready for Sea and waiting for a wind after a teadious fatigueing Jobb. I heartily Congratulate you with the News of Capt. Jones takeing the Drake and make no doubt but any of us Could Compleat Such an Undertaking Was our People Unanimous but Sir their has bein a Consparicy Carred on board the Boston this three weeks Past betwen the English att Bourdeaux and my men to take the Ship to...
2297John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 27 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have now to fulfil the promise made in my last by giving you an Account of my late Expedition. I sailed from Brest the 10th of April. My Plan was extensive: I therefore did not at the beginning wish to incumber myself with Prisoners. On the 14th I took a Brigantine between Scilly and Cape Clear bound from Ostend with a Cargo of Flax-seed for Ireland; sunk her and proceeded into St. Georges...
2298John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 27 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL : National Archives, United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, May 27, 1778: Here is the promised account of my late expedition. I sailed from here on April 10; after the 14th I took a series of prizes, and bad weather frustrated me in a number of projected attacks. On the morning of the 23rd I landed at Whitehaven and burned shipping; if we could have...
2299Dumas 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...
2300To John Adams from William Vernon Sr., 26 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Two foregoing Letters are Copys, thinking it necessary to transmit at least Three Copys these precarious Times, which I shall think no trouble in transcribing, if a single line thereof gives you the least satisfaction. The building the 74 Gun Ships are order’d to be stoped for the present, I suppose it to be in consequence I of what You requested me to write Mr. Ellery upon the subject....
2301Thomas Simpson to the Commissioners, 25 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
I addressed you on the 8th. of this Instant on a very disagreeable affair, not recieving any answer, or order from your Honours, I concluded my letter had miscarried, or your attentions were required on greater objects, and therefore was determined to rest a while, until you might be at leisure, to think on the matter, I had wrote you of. But the treatment I have since recieved from Captn....
2302Francis 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...
2303C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 22 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Les Etats d’Hollande se sont séparés aujourdhui; et chacun part demain pour sa Ville. Je viens de souhaiter un bon Voyage à notre Ami. Il a vu le G—P—, qui lui a témoigné être fort embarrassé entre le desir qu’il a, Messieurs, de répondre d’abord à votre Lettre, d’une maniere qui vous fasse connoître combien il est sensible à votre politesse, et s’en trouve flatté, avec son espérance, que le...
2304C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 22 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Dutch States General ended their session today, and each member will be leaving for his town tomorrow. I have just come from wishing our friend a good trip. He saw the Grand Pensionary, who told him that he was torn between his desire, on the one hand, to answer your letter in a way that would demonstrate how much he appreciates your courtesy in these dealings and is flattered with the...
2305Vergennes 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...
2306To John Adams from William Vernon Sr., 20 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
The preceeding is Copy of my last, via Bilboa. I have noted, that we have run out the Warren Capt. Hopkins from Providence, he happily escaped the vigilance of the Enemy, received the Fire of Two Ships in the River, as he passed them without any meterial damage, several ships follow’d him out from Newport and pursued a day or Two, he out saild them. He was ordered to Boston immediately, the...
2307To John Adams from Henry Laurens, 19 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Will you permit me to congratulate with you upon the favorable appearances in our American concerns and particularly upon your safe arrival at Paris, and further to request you will forward in the best manner the times will afford, the two inclosed Letters, one to Ralph Izard Esquire and the other to my daughter in Law in London the latter if War is kindled between France and England must take...
2308C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 19 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Ma derniere, en forme de Journal, commencoit par le 7e. et finissoit par le 15e de ce mois. Vous y aurez vu ma marche, pas à pas; et qu’elle a abouti au vrai terme qu’il falloit, savoir, à faire connoître ici, d’une maniere non équivoque, et authentique, les dispositions amicales des Etats-Unis envers cette République, et à préparer ainsi les voies pour un heureux rapprochement, sans mettre...
2309C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 19 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
My last, in the form of a diary, began with the 7th and ended on the 15th of this month. You will there have seen my progress, step by step, toward the proper conclusion; that is, to make known here, in a gen uine and unequivocal way, the friendly disposition of the United States toward this Republic and thus prepare the way for a successful rapprochement without placing the British...
2310Dumas 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...