301John S. Harmanson to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is about 8 Weeks since I arrived here with a resolution of going home to Virginia which I informed Mr. Deane and Mr. Lee of. About the time I got to Bordeaux Capt. Walke of Virginia arrived with whom I concluded to go home, but unluckily for me he has not got away as yet, having been detained some time on Account of a Law Suit with Mr. Barton of this...
302François-Auguste-Pompée Hennet to the American Commissioners, 26 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. hennet a l’honneur de saluer Messieurs Francklin et Deane et de les prier de vouloir bien lui faire savoir s’ils ont eu avis de l’arrivée à Nantes des fusils qu’il y a fait expedier de la manufacture de Maubeuge, pour leur compte et par leur ordre. M. hennet est chez M. Brillon où il attendra la réponse de ces Messieurs, il se randra chez eux si ils...
303Michael Hillegas to the American Commissioners, 5 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress Ever since Congress left this place and return’d to Philada: have I been fixed here, I however hope for Orders to follow them before long. I make no doubt but that you are already acquainted with Congress having established a Continental Loan Office taking Money on Interest. I have just now received five hundred Dollars of William...
304Michael Hillegas to the American Commissioner or Commissioners, 13 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society In Pursuance of the resolve of Congress (hereunto annexed) I have signed, fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth of Two Setts of Loan Office Bills of Exchange of the numbers, and denominations following viz No. 73 November 10th 1778 for Twenty-four Dollars 76 November 10th. 1778 for Thirty Dollars Both in favour of Mr John Loring Amounting to fifty-four...
305Stephen Hills et al. to the American Commissioners, 7 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library The Commission’d and Warrant-Officers belonging to the American Frigate Alliance, commanded by Peter Landais Esqr. beg leave to represent to your Excellencies that the Honble. the Navy-Board in the Eastern Department assur’d us that upon our Arrival in France we should be intitled to receive such Sums of Money as our Necessities might call for or...
306Elisha Hinman to the American Commissioners, 19 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the pleasure of acquainting you, that I arrived here the 17th and am happy in finding the Providence Frigate Captn. Whipple, ready to part for America I have embarked on board, and flatter myself with a Speedy and safe passage. After Compliments of Respect I have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most Obedient very humble Servant Addressed: Honble...
307William Hodge to the American Commissioners, 10 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library, South Carolina Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives <Cadiz, July 10, 1778: I received only yesterday your letter of April 19. You tell me I am charged with almost 100,000 livres of public money. I gave Mr. Deane a detailed account of my receipts and disbursements and the charges of the Dunkirk merchants; my only charge was the...
308Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioners, 18 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (three): American Philosophical Society I am directed by the Board of Treasury of the United States to transmit to you a List, shewing the Numbers the Bills of Exchange are to bear, which will be drawn upon you and issued from the respective Loan Offices. Agreeable to this Order I now enclose you an Invoice of such Bills as have been forwarded to each State from my Office, ascertaining...
309Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Three ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of Feby. 20th. there have issued from my office, the following Loan Office Bills of Exchange To the State of New Hampshire 25 Setts 12 Dollars each No. 1045— 1069 25 18 1045 — 1069 25 24 1045 — 1069 13 30
310Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioner or Commissioners, 19 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of Sept 8th the following Setts of Exchange have issued from my Office Vizt. To the State of Connecticut Doll 25 Setts 12 Doll. No. 1655–1679= 300 50 18 1658–1707= 900 50 24 1658–1707= 1200
311Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioner or Commissioners, [on or after 8 December 1780] (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society In pursuance of the Resolve of Congress hereunto annexed I have signed fifth sixth seventh and eighth Sets of Loan Office Bills of Exchange of the Numbers and Denominations following Viz. No. 265. 1 Set for 60 Doll. in favor of Sarah Cheeseman dated Octr. 31. 1779 309. 1 120 do. do. 919. 1 120 do. Sepr. 21. 1779 767. 1 12 do. do. 796. 1 24 do. John Woodhull...
312Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioner or Commissioners, 24 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Three ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of the 27th. of June the following Sets of Exchange have issued from my office vizt. To the State of Maryland dlr Dolr 7 Sets 100 each No. 1–7 700 5 200 1–5 1000
313Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioners, 9 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Three ALS : American Philosophical Society I have to inform you that since my last of Sept 18th. I have emitted Loan Office Bills of Exchange as follows Viz To the State New Jersey 10 Setts for 36 Dollr. each Numbered 989 to 998 Inclusive 10 . . do. . . 60 . . . . do. . . . . 328 to 337 — 10 . . do. . .
314Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioner or Commissioners, 6 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of the 14th. of Jany. the following Setts of Exchange have issued from my Office Viz To Pennsylvania Dolls 150 setts 36 Dolls. No. 2218–2367 = 5,400 To New Jersey Dolls 50 setts 30 Dols. No. 2026–2075 = 1,500
315Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 24 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Amsterdam, December 24, 1778, in French: We did not receive your letter of December 6 until the 15th. We have already told Sir Georges Grand, currently in Paris, that we have as yet placed only fifty-one promissory notes, but we have no doubt of eventual success if we are patient. By forcing things we will only undermine our credit; please trust us. We...
316Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 17 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives, Massachusetts Historical Society <Amsterdam, September 17, 1778, in French: Your letter of August 31 came only two days ago. Ours of the 7th acknowledged receipt of the book of notes and coupons signed by you. We will work on the arrangements with all possible zeal and prudence, and with all the skill we have acquired from fifty years of experience; your instructions...
317Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 7 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Amsterdam, September 7, 1778, in French: We have just received by Mr. Whitall the book of notes and coupons. To begin the negotiations we need only your orders about the expenses and allowances above the stipulated five-percent interest. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII . The commissioners’ covering letter of Aug. 31 apparently had been separated.
318Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 29 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honour of sending you an extract of a Letter received from Charles Town, in South Carolina, dated the 12th. of February. “A dreadful fire broke out in the morning of the 15th. January, the North end of Union-Street, which has consumed the most beautiful part of the Town. Upon the alarm’s being given, a number of people with all the engines were...
319Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I intend to set out, as soon as my Gout and the weather will permit me, for the Court to which I have the honour of being appointed by Congress. It will be proper for me to be acquainted with such parts of your proceedings at the Court of France as will be of any assistance to me in fulfilling the objects of my Commission. You will therefore be pleased to...
320Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 21 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères <Paris, September 21, 1778: I have learned that the ship Nile , Captain Goldsmith, has been taken while bound from London to Leghorn and brought into Marseilles. She carried 20 packages of my baggage addressed to Monsieur Antoine Martinelli, merchant, to be delivered to the abbé Niccoli. My name doesn’t appear on them as this might have...
321Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 25 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives, South Carolina Historical Society; two transcripts: National Archives <Paris, August 25, 1778: I lately received a letter from Florence recommending we attempt to involve the French court as security in any attempt to procure a loan in Genoa. Should I apply to the count de Vergennes on the subject or do you believe the...
322Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 2 January 1778 [i.e., 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The credit which I received on the public Banker, from the Commissioners is exhausted; & I should be obliged to you if you would let me know whether it is most agreeable to you to renew that credit, or that I should draw on you for what money I may have occasion for. I have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most obt. hble Servt. Addressed: To / The Honble...
323Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 12 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives I had the honor of writing to you, in the 2d. instant informg. you that the credit wch. I had receivd from the Commissioners was exhausted, & that I should be obligd to you if you woud let me know whether it was most agreeble to you to renew it, or that I shoud draw on you for what money I might have occasion for. As this matter appeard to acquire no great deliberation,...
324Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 5 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When Congress did me the honour to send me a Commission, and Instructions for the Court of Tuscany, they did not inform me to whom I was to apply for money to bear my expenses. I therefore think it proper to apply to you, to know if you have any money belonging to them in your hands, and if it is agreeable to you for that purpose to give me a Letter of...
325Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 10 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, October 10, 1778: Mr. Sartine’s letter to you of the 7th, in which I am referred to the courts to recover my baggage, has just reached me. I disagree, since my claim is founded on an article of the treaty guaranteeing the return of American goods without delay and on demand. I am the more surprised as the minister, well aware that my name was not on...
326Ralph 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...
327James Jay to the American Commissioners, [25 April? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society When a man is seriously attached to a public Cause, and has uniformly given the most decisive proofs of that attachment, he cannot be indifferent to the treatment he receives from those who have the management of Affairs. Men sometimes flatter themselves that they may pass off what they please on the weakness or credulity of others. It is only to undeceive...
328John Jay to the American Commissioners, 5 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Your favors of the 2d. 8th: and 10 June last have been recd. and Copies transmitted to the Committee. The subject of them certainly merits their Attention, and I hope your Advice will be litterally complied with. As I have not now the Honor of a Seat in Congress, having been called to an office which will confine me in this State, any Information I can...
329Henry Johnson to the American Commissioners, [after] [19] August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Public Record Office Should have wrote you e’er this! I had no subject to write upon, knowing you have enough else to do besides reading a Scrawl, which signified nothing. Yours of the 19th Inst. came safe to hand, have to say I have done tolerable well with the French Sailors, many of them finding I would pay them no money have decamped; others (some few) have gone on board....
330Henry Johnson to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yesterday I arrived here from England after effecting my escape from Mill Prison. I have in Company Capt: Eleazer Johnson of the Dalton. I am going on to Dunkirk as fast as possible. Shall be Obliged to your Honours if you’d let me know whether it will be necessary for me to come to Paris. I shall wait at Dunkirk for your answer. I shall not now endeavour...
331Henry 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...
332Henry Johnson to the American Commissioners, 25 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society I arrived here Thursday Morning 4 O’Clock where I found Capt: Weeks was gone for L’Orient. Have sent Express as I was much fatigued, Shall wait here for Capt. Weeks’s orders, which when I receive shall instantly set off for Bourdeaux and make every possible dispatch agreeable to your Instructions. Capt: Hammond has not as yet gone he now lays at the mouth...
333Joshua 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...
334John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 28 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; draft: National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, August 28, 1778: M. de la Prévalaye, who commands here in the absence of the comte d’Orvilliers, has just told me that he can no longer furnish a guard for the Ranger prisoners detained aboard the Patience . Unable to depend on the Ranger ’s officers, I had arranged for a guard with...
335John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 16 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; AL : United States Naval Academy Museum; copy: National Archives <Brest, May 16, 1778: The local admiralty will apparently delay the sale of the Ranger ’s prizes; I therefore have to draw on you through M. Bersolle for 24,000 l.t. to distribute among my officers and men. They need to provide for their families in America, who will expect clothing, etc., by...
336John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 15 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives (two), United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, August 15, 1778: I have been here five days and have neither seen nor heard from Lt. Simpson; but Mr. Hill reports the general rumor that I have been turned out of the service, that Simpson has replaced me with a captain’s commission, and that my letter to you of July 16 was only...
337John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 30 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; draft: National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, August 30, 1778: My friend M. de la Porte, intendant, has now agreed to furnish a vessel and send the Ranger ’s prisoners to England, if you consent. This offer is too generous to refuse. The guard will be discontinued unless you procure an order from the minister. As for the...
338John Paul Jones: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, [3 July 1778]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Harvard University Library <[July 3, 1778: ] I came to Paris when I learned on good authority that the minister wanted to speak with me on a matter of great utility to the United States. Permission to sell the prizes, or an exchange of prisoners, was not in immediate prospect; and something had to be done to assuage the Ranger’s crew. The minister pledged me to reveal his plan to no one,...
339John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 30 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honor of writing to you from hence the 3d day of June last Copy whereof is here inclosed. Congress have thought fit to put the new Sloop of War therein mentioned, now called the Ranger under my command, and have authorized Genl. Whipple, Colo. Langdon and myself to appoint the Officers. When I took this command, the middle of last month, I found...
340John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, [16 July 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, United States Naval Academy Museum, National Archives (two), Massachusetts Historical Society When I took Lieutenant Simpsons Parole I did not expect to have been long absent from America: but as circumstances have now rendred the time of my return less certain, I am willing to let the dispute between us drop for ever by giving up that parole which will...
341John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 10 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; two copies: National Archives < Ranger , Brest, June 10, 1778: One of the Ranger ’s prizes was, I understand, sold in Bordeaux by Messrs. Delap. I wrote to request that the captors’ share be sent to Mr. Williams at Nantes, so that it might be divided before the Ranger left, but my letter was not answered. Please give orders for the money to be remitted...
342John 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...
343John 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...
344John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 4 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum When Congress thought proper to order me to France it was proposed that the Ranger should remain under my direction and be Commanded by a Lieutenant, and as the French Ministry have now in contemplation Plans which promise Honor to the American Flag, the Ranger might be very Useful to...
345John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : National Archives I had the honor of writing to you yesterday by post under cover by Mr. Williams. I inclosed copies of two letters which I wrote you previous to my departure from Portsmouth, together with a plan which I drew up at Philadelphia on the Regulation and Equipment of our infant Navy. I now inclose you a letter which I had the honor to receive in charge from the Secret...
346John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 9 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <Lorient, December 9, 1778: I forward the enclosed memorial from gentlemen who were taken prisoner under my command. They observe that “I am well acquainted with their situation.” Their present treatment is incompatible with reason, law, and humanity. Of the two hundred prisoners on board the Patience , only one hundred thirty...
347John Paul Jones: Questions for the American Commissioners, [after 20 June 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society I ask the Commissioners Whither they do or do not mean that the Ranger should depart before her Prizes are Realized? Whither the advances paid to the seamen must be deducted from their Prize Money, and at what Rate? And whither it is not inexpedient for a ship that is Crank, that sails slow, and that is of a triffling force, to pursue a tract where there is...
348John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 10 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Harvard University Library, National Archives (two) I had the honor of writeing to you from Nantes the 27th ulto. The affair of Quiberon (which I did not then know of) is now in every Brokers mouth. Strange! that nothing can remain Secret. Should I find that Force likely to depart within a few days I will Avail myself of its protection, especially...
349John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 2 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: United States Naval Academy Museum, National Archives, University of Virginia Library <Passy, August 2, 1778: Captain Jones requests the commissioners to supply him with copies, or allow him to copy, the following letters: M. de Sartine’s letter to the commissioners about Capt. Jones, their answer, the commissioners’ letter to Lieut. Simpson resulting from Capt. Jones’s proposition in...
350John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 23 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Boston Public Library Your esteemed favor of the 17th. I have recived. I wish to leave the Ranger in such a situation as to expect to find her nearly ready for Sea on my return, as I think it will be for the intrest of the Service that I should then proceed with her alone Unless an Additional force can be very soon procured. Should circumstances Admit, an Additional force may be...