151Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 30 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Your Favour of the 27th Inst. was handed to me last Evening by my good Friend Mr. Carmichael. I am extreemly sorry to inform you that all the proposed measures will be useless, as the Ships in Question sailed at least 8 days ago under Convoy of a french and an english Frigate. I went however to M. Montaudouin and from him immediately to the Lieut. General...
152Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 6 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library I am just returned from Painbeuf where I have been with Capt. Nicholson to quiet a Discord between the french and americain Sailors, which we have in a great measure effected; and I hope the Steps agreed on between the Commissary at Pain beuf, the Commander of a french Vessell of War, and ourselves, will soon put an end to it. We have offered free Liberty...
153Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library I have received your Favour of the 3d Instant. I have concluded as the shortest and cheapest way to send a Boat out with a French Officer from this place, who has my particular orders relative to his Business. I find that the person you direct me to consult with is returned to [ blank in MS ] I shall therefore write you from thence in a day or two, to which...
154Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, [19 January 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: American Philosophical Society On my arrival at Brest I went to the Commandant of marine to ask permission for the Ship to go to St. nazare to which I received a refusal for want of orders. I represented to the Commodore (at Quiberon) the inefficacy of the Convoy if we had not liberty to go to St. Nazare. That he said he could not help as the Commander at Painbeuf was not under him...
155Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been for several Days down to the Ship and left her at St. Nazare. I have done with both the French Ships. I beg you will please to apply for an order to wait in Quiberon ’till all the Ships join else I am afraid the Brune will be left. Poor Mr. Morris has finished his affairs in this world. I am much concerned at being absent, but every care was...
156Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have to inform you that Capt. Jenkins is just arrived from Nantucket. His last Accounts from Boston were the 25 Decr., at which time nothing material had happened. He left nantucket 6 Jan. He reports that Gen. Lee was exchanged for Gen. Prescot, the army were in high Spirits, and in want of nothing. Gen. Washington had no Intention of going into Winter...
157Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 24 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library M. Boux has been on board the Lion for a passage. Capt. Nicholson wished to accomodate him as well as he could, but on account of the many am[erica]n Passengers who have escaped hither from England he has not been able to make such provision as he desired and as M. Boux expected. He therefore returns to Nantes, and seemed rather disgusted with his...
158Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library All the Vessells have now I imagine joined the Fleet. The wind therefore will only prevent its immediate Departure which I expect every Day to hear of. I cannot find another Vessell on any terms here. I would give as high as 150 Livres, but none are to be had. I have to day heard of a Ship which is at L’orient. I have written about her. If I can get her on...
159Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; copy: University of Virginia Library The Fleet sailed from Quiberon the 25th Instant, but the Winds have since been rather unfavourable. I am extreemly sorry to inform you that the Duchesse of Grammont is according to appearance left behind. This Ship sailed three Weeks ago to join the Fleet, but being badly stowed was obliged to put back. She has since been...
160Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, [3 March 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of the 28 Ultimo I have recvd. advice that the Duchesse of Grammont still remains at St. Nazarre. I hear that two Ships of War which were designed to join the Fleet are returned to Rochfort, we have therefore judged proper to detain the Grammont ’till further orders, in hopes that you will be able to obtain these Ships for a new Convoy: Mr....
161To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 3 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd. your Favour of the 28th Feb. on my return from Quiberon, after it had been laying some time waiting for me. The one Inclosed had no Direction, I was therefore obliged to break the Seal to know for whom it was intended. I did this because I thought it was for some person about to Depart which would leave no Time to obtain your answer, and because I...
162To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd. your obliging Favour of the 28 Inst. and am much rejoiced at Mr. Chaumonts success; I hope he will retain a Dedomagement for his Trouble and Kindness. If this Money is to be paid in America how am I to be reimbursed my Expences and paid Commissions? But I suppose the 50,000 Livres will be paid here; I beg Sir you will obtain this for me, for a...
163Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 7 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Duchesse of Grammont is still waiting your permission to proceed to sea. I have been trying several people to get a Ship to carry out what Goods remain, without success. The Ship at L’orient I mentioned in my last does not turn out to my Satisfaction. M. Gruel has a Ship here which is a good Sailor. I know her to be such because she lately came from...
164To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you last post and am still without anything from Mr. C[haumont] relative to the Prizes, but as I find the Courier has been stopped I expect to hear per next post. Mr. C. you say has obtained an order for the payment to the owners in America. If Government absolutely stipulate that the money should be paid in America I should be extreemly Glad to...
165To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As Mr. Chaumonts Servant is here I embrace the opportunity to convey to you two of your Bankers Books which I found among my papers. I impatiently wait to hear from you relative the subject of my last. I have no news but am very respectfully and affectionately Your dutifull kinsman
166Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am still without any of your Favours which gives me much uneasiness the importance of several of my last being very considerable. I am again informed by Mr. Grand that my Bills remain unapproved which I am sure must be only owing to the hurry of Business, but I beg you to attend to it, as Delay may hurt the Credit of my Paper. I have the honour to be very...
167To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd. your Favor of the 2d Instant recommending Mr. Fontevieux, who waits to hear from Paris to obtain Mr. Montieu’s Permission to embark in the Duchesse de Grammont. I hear to day that Mr. Deane is recalled, and it is told as matter of Joy by those who seem best informed on the Subject; This Circumstance cannot affect me as to what relates to...
168To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearers Capt. Dun and Mr. Curlis have lately arrived here from Georgia, and may possibly give you some Information relative to the affairs of our Country. I beg leave to recommend them to your civilities and am with the greatest Respect most dutifully and affectionately Yours Addressed: A monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / LLD / a / Passy Samuel Dunn,...
169Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 21 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd. your favour of the 16th Instant too late to answer it by the return of Post. I shall observe your Directions relative to shipping on board the Grammont. I hope she will be able to take all the Cloaths and Hose that remain, but I shall not get a single Case of arms on board and I have at least 300 in the magazine ready to ship. Inclosed is the...
170Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 24 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Since my last of 21st Instant I have nothing to inform your Excellencies relative to Business, the weather having been such as to prevent any operation. The last post from Brest brings accounts of the Return of Monsr. la motte Picquet with his Fleet. He left our Ships in Latt. 42 Longd. 17 with a fine wind which continued fifteen Days. After Seperation...
171Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 31 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Gabarre which is to carry down the Goods to go on board the Duchesse de Grammont is now loaded and will set off to day unless the weather prevents. I am obliged to take out 92 lbs. of the Salt to make room, yet cannot get all on board. I shall have about 2600 Suits of Cloaths remaining, besides the arms and 55 Cases of Sabres. I must beg leave to...
172To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to introduce to you my Friend Mr. Hawkins of Carolina, a Gentleman of Honour and Character for whom I have a particular regard. I am ever with the greatest Respect Your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman Addressed: Doctor Franklin / Passy. Endorsed: Letters answd. or that need no Answr Notation: Jona. Williams Nantes 5 avril 1778 Almost...
173To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 8 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd. the inclosed from Capt. Collis who is a prisoner in England, you will see by it an account of his Misfortune and desires of Assistance, which I should be happy to be the Instrument of affording him. It is perhaps needless to tell you that Capt. Collis is the Husband of Jenny Mecom. I also inclose another Letter which by the address I...
174To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The american Captains that are here have applied to me to draw up a Memorial to the american Ambassadors to obtain a Convoy off this Coast, which I have accordingly done, and in addition beg leave to request your favourable attention to their Request, for it is realy the most mortifying of all their Misfortunes to be taken as many have on the Day of their...
175Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Pleasure to inform your Excellencies that the Duchesse de Grammont sailed the 7th Instant, and that the Wind has since continued very favourable. The french Sailor who escaped from Prison after being taken in the Lexington appearing to have a just claim for his Wages, I have paid him up to the time of Capture. I am informed that the Congress...
176Jonathan 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...
177To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library As I have never had any recall of the powers the Commissioners gave me, I was in Duty bound to signify to Mr. Schweighauser that I should oppose those of his powers from Mr. Lee that should interfere with mine. Mr. A. Lee is informed of this and demands of me Copies of the Powers I hold from the Commissioners, which I have accordingly made out, but as I do not...
178Jonathan 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...
179To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd. your Favour of the 18th Instant and immediately wrote to a Friend in England to convey some necessary supplies to Capt. Collis drawing on me for the amount. The Prize Money I refer’d to in my Letter was what was carried to the Commissioners Credit at Morlaix and L’orient, which will be found to be so much Deduction, from the Lexington and the...
180To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed Letter was given me by Capt. Cumstock who has lately escaped from Prison. Capt. Cumstock as well as Mr. Chandler who is arrived from Paris are in want and I shall give them both such necessary assistance as I have hitherto given to our unfortunate Countrymen. The former of these Persons has continental loan office Bills for the amount of about...
181Jonathan 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.
182Jonathan 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;...
183To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I write by this Post to the Ministers to which I refer for the reason of my Business here. I assure you I will endeavour to avoid all possible Dispute with Mr. Lees Deputy; but it is not in my power to allow his power to be superiour to those the Commissioners gave me, unless You authorize me so to do. Lieut. Simpson who is under arrest is very desirous...
184To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You must have already seen by my Letters how much pains I have taken to keep clear of Dispute, and yet obey my Orders. My last to the Commissioners from Brest will show you that I have ever avoided doing the Rangers Business for fear of disagreeable altercation. Notwithstanding this, I have a Letter from Mr. A. Lee by which it appears that complaints are...
185Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Passy, July 3, 1778: On your verbal instructions I have ordered the repair of arms at Nantes to be stopped and the workmen paid off according to the agreement. Please let me know whether this is satisfactory. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 258. With Mercier more than a year before: XXIV , 100–1. Only a fifth of the old fusils had been repaired:...
186Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In consequence of the Remittance made to me by Mr. Delap of Bordeaux I have written the inclosed Letter to the officers and people of the Ranger, which if you approve please to return to be copied and forwarded. I have the honour to be with great Respect Your most obedient Servant Notation: J. Williams 16 July 1778. to Commrs At the request of the...
187Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 17 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library <Passy, July 17, 1778: I appreciate your confidence in approving my drafts on Mr. Grand, and am ready to account for them up to May 30; the expenses since I left Nantes will go on a new account. Might you not appoint some one to compare the bills and receipts with the charges, subject to your later approval? > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 304....
188Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 6 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library In the Extracts from Mr. Deans Letters to me, which I had the honour to give in to you some time since, I refered to the whole Letters of the following Dates, June 27. July 19. July 28. Augt. 1. Augt. 7 and Nov. 15, all in 1777. I have now the honour to inclose Copies of the whole of these Letters, and shall be happy if they are of any use to you. I propose...
189To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives Mr. Porter of Connecticut who was lately at Paris applied to me in distress for Money and said you desired him to do so: I advancd him four Guineas as per the inclosed Receipt relying on his word that you would not object to it. Mr. Leger Capt. Jno. Nicholsons first Lieutenant is arrived here and has no money, the 10 Guineas he...
190Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 10 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, September 10, 1778: M. Montaudoüin has learned from Mr. Kergariou, commander of the French frigate Oiseau , that the Guernsey and Jersey privateers which infest this bay provision in Bilbao under pretense of being American. I hope this practice can be stopped.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII . This prominent Nantes merchant, identified...
191Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 22 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, September 22, 1778: When I laid my accounts before you, I left the general one open pending its completion; I now send it, closed and settled, up to May 30, 1778. You will also find accounts of the arms magazine, invoice of arms repaired, and the general account from June 1 to September 10, with a balance in your favor of 7,386 l.t. 18 s. 9 d. I...
192Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 24 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I this Day compleated the Inventory of the magazine of arms and presented it to Mr. Schweighauser for him to sign the Receipt at the Bottom. We are agreed as to quantity and number but he declines engaging to receive the articles for Reparation remaining to be supplied without your orders. I therefore request you to give your Directions accordingly that I...
193To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I understand Mr. Schweighauser has informed the Commissioners of a Dispute that has happened between us relative to the Ship Drake which I have lately bought of him, and as you, being one of the Commissioners will of course hear the Story on his side, which may not be much in my Favour, I hope you will excuse the Trouble I give you by a Relation of the...
194To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Count Sarsfield having obligingly offered to take Charge of a Packet for you, I embrace the Opportunity to send you ten of your Cards which I found among my Papers. Capt. Le Maire the officer appointed by the State of Virginia for the Inspection of military Stores, is frequently complaining to me of his hard treatment, and requests me to represent his...
195To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd. your Favour of the 18th Octor. only a few Days ago owing to the Tedious way in which it came. I have settled my affair with Mr Schweighauser, without a lawsuit. I thank you for getting my Request to the Minister about the Prizes at Rochelle. I have since had a decisive and satisfactory Letter from him.— I sent you some of your Prints by Count...
196To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since writing you the 3d Instant, M Montieu has voluntarily offered to take all my Affairs on himself. He wants no Security he says for my probity, but only in Case of my Death, for which he says he will take my Drafts on you at 18 or 20 months date that you may see him paid from my Effects, these Bills he does not expect you will ever be obliged to pay, if...
197Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives In December last I recvd at Nantes from Messrs Horneca Fitzeau & Co of Amsterdam sundry merchandise on accot of Mr Grand as appeard by the Invoices, immediately on their arrival I wrote to Mr Grand to know their Destination, his answer was that his name was only lent & that the Goods were for Accot of the Commissioners, I...
198To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Project of going to America has met with a very severe check— One of the richest Ships to my address with her Cargo & upwards of 100 men on board is blown up, & every Soul, Perished & not a Farthing saved.— Mr de Chaumont has lost by this accident upward of 100,000 Livres, & I fear Mr Montieu more than twice as much, by a fortunate neglect, I had nothing...
199To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Agreeable to my promise I send you two of your Chapters. I have but 3 & take the Liberty to keep one for myself which hope you will permit.— The wind & weather has been the best possible for outward Bound Ships these 15 Days past, had I been under Sail I should be at least onehalf the Distance between this & America. I impatiently wait the arrival of Monsr....
200Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 23, 1779: I have not received an answer to my request of December 12, 1778, concerning the incorrect shipment by Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie. of Simeon Deane’s goods. It was mistakenly supposed they belonged to the commissioners, and they were delivered to Mr. Schweighauser. One of the thirteen cases remains with him. Please order that case...