51Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 13 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society I arrivd here the night before last, and shall proceed tomorrow. Your Dispatches I receivd from Mr. Montandouine, and they will go on board this day with the others, as the Ship is to sail tomorrow. Mr. Williams has purchasd another Ship, I think the Ct. Vergennes, of three hundred tons, which he expects to dispatch in three weeks. The demand we made upon...
52Montaudoüin to the American Commissioners, 13 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai remis à Mr. Arthur Lee, qui arriva avanthier, les 2 lettres que vous m’aviez adressées pour lui; Il m’a remis aussi celle dont vous m’avez honnoré au sujet de l’avis que je vous ai donné de la diminution sur les droits que MM. le Maire et les Echevins de notre ville ont accordée sur le tabac de votre pays. Nous venons de nous rendre MM....
53Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 13 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Upon examination of the Concord, her Inventory was found very deficient, those things which we thought would be a diminution of her price of at least 5000 Livres were not in her. It seems the owner has lately fitted out a large Ship for the Coast of Guinea and has taken from one to supply the other. This determined Mr. Peltier to purchase the Count de...
54The Farmers General: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, 14 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Les Fermiers généraux avanceront deux millions aux termes proposés. Le premier million sera payé le 15 May préfix. Le second le 15 Aoust et ils en seront remboursés en Tabacs qui leur seront livrés dans les ports de france avant la fin de décembre prochain. Le prix proposé de 4 s. la livre dans les Magasins de la Virginie et du Maryland est...
55Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 14 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last, I have been informd of an agreement made between Mr. Morris and the Farmers general, by which he stipulates to let them have all the Tobacco which shall arrive in France during the war, on the account of the Congress, at seventy Livres a hundred. The ratification of this bargain they knew on the 30th of last month, which I think was about the...
56Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 14 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will inform you of my Safe arrival after a tolerable Successfull Cruize, having Captured 3 Sail of Brig’s one Snow and One Ship, the Snow is a Falmouth Packet bound from thence to Lisbon she is Mounted with 16 Guns and had Near 50 Men on board, She Engaged Near an hour before she struck. I had one Man killed. My first Lieut. had his left Arm shot of...
57Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 16 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed is from Mr. Lee who set off this Morning, for Bourdeaux. The Dispatches &c. went with Mr. Morris to paimbeuf yesterday and are I hope by this time on board. I have the pleasure to inform you that an american Frigate supposed to be Capt. Weeks has sent a prize laden with Codfish into l’orient; This news comes by a Gentleman who arrivd from...
58The Secret Committee to the American Commissioners, 17 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Library; draft: Harvard University Library We have the honor to inclose you a Resolve of Congress that is of great Importance to the public Service, which has suffered considerably the last Fall, and during this Winter, by the insufficient manner in which our Soldiers were clothed. Having found much Delay heretofore in getting Cloth made up, the Congress desire that 40,000...
59Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, [on or after 18 February 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I thank you for your Letter of the 12th. I wish the news may be true. I found a Letter here from London of the 2d. which says, that Ships are actually sent for the ten thousand Germans, which with three thousand british they expect to have very early in America. That they hope for great advantages from dissentions in Pensylvania. That Burgoyne’s destination...
60Robert Morris to the American Commissioners, 18 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Connecticut Historical Society By this Opportunity I forward you sundry dispatches from Congress and the Committee of Secret Correspondance still at Baltimore, and from them I have just received the inclosed resolve of Congress dated the 5th Inst. Copies of which I shall transmit you by various Conveyances, in order that you may give orders for procuring the Articles required and to have...
61Thomas Morris to the American Commissioners, 18 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society Since I had the pleasure to address you last, have received Mr. Deane’s letter dated the 4th Instant which was delivered to me by Mr. Lee. In answer to its Contents am to acquaint you next Thursday’s Post will carry you a remittance of £90,000, promised in my last. It shoud have been sent sooner, but I coud not ask payment of those the Tobacco was sold to,...
62The Secret Committee to the American Commissioners, 18 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library You will receive herewith a Copy of our Letter of Yesterday by the Lexington, with its enclosures. This goes to Boston for a Passage from thence. An armed Vessel belonging to that State will carry the dispatches and will be governed by your directions respecting her Load back, and the Time of her return. Should you have failed in obtaining the Loan, or of...
63The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners, 19 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Virginia Library; two copies: National Archives; draft: American Philosophical Society The events of war have not since our last furnished any thing decisive. The enemies Army still remains encamped upon the hills near Brunswick, and still our Troops continue to beat back and destroy their Convoys insomuch that we understand their Horses dye in numbers, and we have reason to...
64Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 19 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Wrot you Last post Informing you of the Suckces of my Last Cruize and take this Opertunity To Inform you of the Safe Arrival of All my Prizes. I Am in Great hopes youl be Able to Obtain Leave for me to heav Down and Repair my Ship at this port As that Will be Absolutely Necessary prior To my Departure from this As I Recd. a Shott in [ torn ] Bottom When...
65Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 19 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I went to Painbeuf on Sunday and returned hither last Evening. Mr. Peltier and myself went on board the Count de Vergennes and gave the necessary Directions. As I consider Dispatch of the utmost Consequence, I desired that as many Workmen as could be procured should be immediately employed. These are at present Scearce, but as a little more expence is no...
66Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 21 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When I wrote you last I mentioned, being Summond to Appear before the Intendant, in regard to the Destination of the Prisoners now on board my Ship. The Intendant, then Informed me that he should come on board in Company with the Captains of the different prizes and Examine all the English, Irish and Scotch Men that was on board my Ship and all those Chose...
67Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 22 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society I arrivd here this day and shall pursue my journey to-morrow, and as the march is as regular as the Sun, it is agreed that the Voiturier shall place me in Madrid, in 13 days. By Mr. Delap’s account the Imports from America, I mean from the United States, amounted last year to fifty five thousand pounds Sterling. He expects soon to have an exact list of the...
68Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 22 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor of your Favours by Messrs. Portail &c. There is no opportunity for them to embark exceept via St. Domingo, unless the packet Boat should be sent. I say nothing to them of the Count de Vergennes as you do not express an Intention that they should go in her. They do not seem to like to go in a Ship under american Colours least they should be...
69[Dumas] to the American Commissioners, 25 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook draft: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Depuis ma Lettre du 14e. de ce mois, j’ai eu plusieurs fois la plume à la main pour vous écrire; mais n’ayant rien de pressant à vous marquer, je me suis contenu, de peur d’être importun. J’espere que Mr. Franklin jouit de sa retraite en parfaite santé, et qu’il aura le loisir de m’écrire de là plus...
70The Farmers General: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, 25 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society; copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères La proposition déja faite aux Fermiers généraux d’expédier des navires chargés de marchandises pour le Congrès et rapporter des Tabacs en retour, ne peut quant à présent leur convenir. Ils s’en tiennent à celle qui leur a été faite le 12 de ce mois de la part de MM. Les plenipotentiaires du Congrès de leur...
71Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 26 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Morristown National Historical Park I am thus far safe on my journey, which by the spur of six pistoles more I am to finish two days sooner than was at first agreed. Therefore if no accident happens, I shall reach my destination on the 6th. of next month. In the Committee’s Letter of the 23d Ocr. to me, it is said we are to negotiate with other...
72Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hav this Day Recd. very Extraordinary Oorders from The Intendant of This port Demanding me to Leav this port in 24 Hours he Says This Order is Given in Consequence of A possitiv Order Recd, this Day from the Minester At Parris. I Asked Liberty To heav Down my Ship and Repair her on my Arrival but it has never Bin Granted. On being told That I mus...
73Georges Grand to the American Commissioners, 27 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society J’arrivai avant hier soir en bonne santé, avec mon Compagnon de Voyage, malgré les mauvais chemins et la difficulté des passages. Nous avons commençé à visiter les Chantiers, et nous allons tout de suite, entrer en conférences avec les meilleurs Constructeurs, pour traitter et faire metre la main à l’ouvrage; il ne manque ni de matériaux ni de bons...
74The Massachusetts Council to the American Commissioners, 27 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress We have lately received from the Secret Committee of Congress Seven Letters addressed to You, and they request that We would forward them by the quickest sailing Vessel to France. In Consequence of which We desired the Continental Agent here with all possible dispatch, to prepare one of the Continental Vessels for Sailing....
75Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 27 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society That you may be able to judge of the Quality of the arms when remounted I have ordered one of each to be sent by the messagerie which will come directed to Mr. Carmichael in the same manner as the samples of those sent by the Mercury did. The workmen are constantly at Work upon the Ship, and Shipackers are also at Work on the Bales, all is going on as fast...
76Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 28 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I this Day Recd. yours the 22end, Which Was very Exceptable. I Wrote you Last Week Concerning the Dispossial of Our prisoners Which Was Dischargd By possitiv order from The Intendant of this port Last Satd. the 22end. I Allso mentioned In my Last of the 26th, the Difficulties of Geting Liberty to Stay in This port to heav Down and Repair my Ship Which Was...
77Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honour of your Favour of the 25 by Mr. Francis. As I have but a moments time I must beg leave to refer you to tomorrows post for a more particular Answer, the principal intention of this is to inform you that Mr. Morris has sold four of the prizes (all except the packet Boat) Vessells Cargoes &c. &c. for about 90,000 Livres, all risque of reclaim...
78Vergennes: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, [between 1 and 12 March 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Benjamin F. Stevens, ed., Facsimiles of Manuscripts in European Archives Relating to America, 1773–1783 (25 vols., London, 1889–98), XV , no. 1451. 1) On ne peut prendre connoissance des Operations de Commerce que des particuliers peuvent faire. On ne gêne personne à cet egard, lorsqu’on s’est renfermé dans les bornes de la Circonspection. Mais il n’est pas possible de...
79Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 3 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recd. yours of the 23d Feby. by Mr. Defrancy which I am Sorry Come so late, as the Vessels are all gone. He will soon return, when I shall give you as full an Answer as I Can to all your proposals. We have got up to place of Carreening and are now prepairing for that Bussiness; time is now our Own and you may order or dispose of us as you think proper....
80Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 4 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library My two last contained the necessary Information relative to the Fuzils &c. which upon a second View I have seen no reason to alter; I am assured that there are a full number of Bayonetts Locks &c., rather more than less. There must be many new Ramrods which will cost about 12 sous each at the manufactury. If you make this Bargain please to be very...
81Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received two of yours of the 25th. by Mr. Defrancy who I am sorry Came so late, as our Sales were compleat before his Arrival. I have strictly attended to your proposals and shall give you as full an Answer as in my power. As to Cruizing in the sound for the Baltick Ships I am afraid that will not do, as neither me nor my officers are acquainted with...
82Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 6 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library The principal occasion for troubling you at present is to inform you that on account of the great Demand for Government every large anchor in this place is engaged. We shall find the other sizes easy enough, but unless you can obtain from the minister 2 Anchors of 2400 wt. and 2 of 2200 wt. our purchase I fear will be by so much incompleat. By advice from...
83Robert Morris to the American Commissioners, 7 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I have wrote you several letters and sent you dispatches from Congress and Committee of Correspondance by Mr. Reed who will probably be longer in reaching you than this but he goes by a much safer Conveyance as I apprehend. The Congress have adjourned from Baltimore to this place again but I think rather at an improper time as it...
84Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 7 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you the 3d. by post and the 5th. by Mr. De Francy. I have not received any of yours since Mr. De Francy’s Arrival. I should be glad of a Line from you, informing of your intentions in regard to my further distination. We are now all ready to heave down and only Wait for good weather, the Weather has been very bad this last Week or that Job would...
85Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 8 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I don’t hear farther relative to the purchase of Mr. Montieu’s Fusils I conclude that you do not intend to put any on board the Count de Vergennes, so propose to put in her as much salt as will answer for Ballast. I have lately been looking over some Memoires about Mr. Montieu’s process and find that these Fuzils cost him at the rate of 25 sous each for...
86Dumas to the American Commissioners, 11 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook draft: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Je ne saurois plus longtemps résister à la tentation de vous écrire, que j’éprouve à chaque ordinaire, et à laquelle je succomberois régulierement, si la crainte d’être importun, plus qu’utile, ne me retenoit. Enfin la joie de pouvoir vous féliciter des succès de nos amis l’emporte sur cette crainte. Trois...
87Thomas Morris to the American Commissioners, 11 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have duely received your esteemed favours of the 2d and 3d Instant the Contents of which requiring no immediate answer, the present may serve to acquaint you with the safe arrival here of the Schooner Jenifer in 35 days from Baltimore. This Vessell has brought sundry dispatches for you from Congress, and the Bearer Captain Hammond will have the pleasure...
88Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have began to load the Ship. The salt is at Painbeuf and we are here loading the first Lighter with some Bales and the Cordage which is near all made, the Bales that were here are all reduced, and tomorrow the workmen will begin to reduce those that are just arrived from orleans; the Letter from thence informs us that about 50 more will be ready to come...
89Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 12 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In my return to this place, I receivd the joyful intelligence which I enclose; and in which I congratulat you a thousand and a thousand times. The Congress had removd to Baltimore, and General Putnam was providing for the defence of Philadelphia, before this happy change in the posture of the hostile Army. It is said that the cruelties exercised in the...
90Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 13 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Take this Opertunity to Inform you Of the proceadings of the Commissary of this port Which Seam very odd to me as I have Recd. no Instrucktions from you. He Sent for me to Day and told me I must Get my Ship Cleaned and put Every thing on bord As fast as possible and then Departe the port Immediately. He further Informd me he Should Send persons to See...
91Baron Schulenburg to the American Commissioners, 15 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Benjamin F. Stevens, ed., Facsimiles of Manuscripts in European Archives Relating to America, 1773–1783 (25 vols., London, 1889–98), VII , no. 656. J’ai recu la lettre que vous m’avez faite l’Honneur de m’addresser le 14 passè et Je n’ai pas manquè d’informer Le Roi de L’empressment que temoignent les Colonies Angloises de L’Amerique septentrionale, a ètablir avec nous un...
92Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 15 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you last post informing you of my disagreeable Situation, Also Mentioned the proceedings of Mr. Gonnett the Commissary of this Port. He Still continues to threaten driving me out imeadiately. If the threats and abuses of this Buissey person cannot be stop’d I should be much oblig’d for your Instructions and am in hopes you’ll either dispatch me...
93Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 16 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have receivd an answer from the Court, thro the Duke de Grimaldi, to this effect. That the reasons for wishing me not to come to Madrid are insuperable. That the States may depend on the sincere desire of Spain to see their Liberties establishd and to assist them as far as his own situation will permit. For this purpose I had only to direct the House of...
94Debrissac de Saxey to the American Commissioners, 18 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I congratulate myself very much of the happiness of your acquaintance on my last Stay in Paris of your token of friendship of your trust and the preference you are willing to give us of the orders for you or friends when they wille call for concerning the linen of this fabrick. You ought to receive in this month your commissions from America. I take the...
95Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 18 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In answer to my Express, Capt. Wickes informed me that he should set off the next morning for Paris: his Letter is dated the 16th. The inclosed was this day received from Mr. Lee under Cover to Mr. Shweighausser; please to deliver it. Capt. Young still remains windbound. A Ship is arrived in the River from america, but as the Capt. is not yet come up we do...
96Thomas Morris to the American Commissioners, 19 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure to address you last on the 11th. Instant by Captain Hammond, who I understand arrived safe at Paris on Thursday Evening last, and make no doubt duely delivered the sundry dispatches he brought with him from America for you. Any intelligence they contain, and that you may think proper to communicate, shall be greatly Obliged to you for....
97The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners, 25 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress We are commanded by Congress to transmit Copies of their Resolve of the 13 instant to all the Gentlemen abroad that hold correspondance with any of their Committees. The Necessity of Such a resolution and due attention to it, is fully evinced by the heavy expence america has been put to by many Gentlemen received into their...
98Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 25 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am still without any of your Favours which I confess gives me great uneasiness as I am apprehensive that my Letters have miscarried. The last I received from Mr. Deane which was 23 days in coming encreases this Suspicion: if you have not received one by every post this must be the Case as I have written by every one. I have the pleasure to inform you that...
99Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 27 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library When the Count de Vergennes was bought it was thought that she would be much too large for her Cargo, and you in consequence ordered purchases sufficient to fill her. In determining what would be sufficient, we had only for our guide the goods that were left here, and those advised from orleans, and we made our...
100Robert Morris to the American Commissioners, 28 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: University of Virginia Library; copies: American Philosophical Society (two), Library of Congress I wrote you a few lines the 7th Inst. by Monsr. Coleaux and sent you the News papers to that time; by this Conveyance I send another packet of them under Cover to Mr. Delap at Bordeaux. There are only two Members of the Committee of Correspondance here at present, the rest being...