1001To John Adams from James Warren, 1 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have wrote you several long Letters since you left us, some of which you will doubtless by the Enemy be releived from the trouble of reading. My last was by Capt. Barnes about 14 days ago, at A Time when we had reason to be Anxious for your safety. Two days ago for the first time we were Ascertained of the safe Arrival of the Boston and of your being in Paris. This Intelligence we have by A...
1002Abraham Whipple to the Commissioners, 2 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
The honour of your Letter bearing date the 23d June, had the pleasure of Recieving on the 30th and shall think myself happy, in a strict attention to the Agreable Contents, as these Orders afford me every Satisfaction, being such as could have wished, had the intended Cruize been left to my own Determination. It affords me the most sensible pleasure to Acquaint your Honours, that both...
1003The Eastern Navy Board to the American Commissioners, 2 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress We have the Honour to hand you by Capt. Ayres in the Arnold Packett, four Packetts Intrusted to our care for Conveyance by the Honble. Committee for Foreign Affairs. We also Inclose the Gazettes of this Town Since our last. We wish them Safe to your hands as we presume they will give you all the Important Intelligence of this...
1004Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bennett Lloyd to Franklin and John Adams, [2 July? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd present Compliments to Messrs. Franklin and Adams, and will do themselves the honour to dine with Them on Saturday next. Addressed: Messrs. Franklin & Adams For the two see XXVI , 343 n. In the husband’s hand. We assume that they were accepting for the celebration on Saturday, July 4, to which the commissioners invited all the American...
1005Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 2 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library <Nantes, July 2, 1778: I received your letter of June 23 on the 30th; my orders are all that I could have wished. Officers and men are working with a will to get the ship ready, which she should be by the end of this month. I have space for more than the fourteen bales of blankets that Mr. Schweighauser has for me, and should...
1006C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 3 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Ce que j’eus l’honneur de vous marquer l’ordinaire dernier de l’Emprunt d’Amsterdam, etoit extrémement exagéré. Cela se réduit à un petit emprunt, que le trésorier de la Ville fait et rembourse, selon le plus ou le moins d’argent en caisse, pour être employé a des bâtimens. La personne de qui je tenois cela, avoit été mal informée. Notre ami m’a mieux instruit. Je lui communiquai hier le...
1007C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 3 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
That which I had the honor to note in my last concerning Amsterdam’s borrowing was greatly exaggerated. It is limited to a small loan that the treasurer of the town borrows and repays more or less according to the amount of money in the coffers and is to be used for some vessels. The person from whom I learned this was misinformed. Our friend set me straight on the matter. Yesterday I...
1008John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 3 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Being informed from good authority that the Minister desired much to converse with me on a subject of great utility to the United States of America —as there was then no prospect of obtaining permission to sell the prizes—or of getting the prisoners exchanged soon, I thought it for the interest of the Service that I shoud come myself to Paris. It was necessary too that some measure shoud be...
1009Thomas Simpson to the Commissioners, 3 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I am to Acknowledge the receipt of your favor from Passi of the third of last month, for which, and your kind interposition in my behalf, I return you my most sincere thanks, Captain Jones has released me from Prison, and has permitted me to go for America, but holds me suspended until called upon by a court martial to meet him face to face: a copy of the Parole brought to me in the prison by...
1010Samuel Tucker to the Commissioners, 3 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
These may Serve to acquaint your Honours of my arrival at this port, after a short Cruze of twenty four Days. While on the Cruze I took four Prizes one of which I sent for Boston in Charge of a Carefull Prize Master and seven Men she being a Brig from Venus Venice her Cargo chiefly Medicine. The others I Ordered for this Port, two of their Cargos fish the other Coles coal? and Bottles, all of...
1011Jonathan Williams to the Commissioners, 3 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Agreeable to your verbal order I have given Directions to stop the Reparation of the Arms at Nantes, paying the Workmen their Wages Gratifications and Conduct Money according to agreement. I beg to know if this is agreeable. I am very respectfully Hon Gentlemen Your most obedt Servant RC ( PPAmP : Franklin Papers); docketed: “Mr Jona. William’s Letter July 3. 1778”; also: “ansd July 10 1778...
1012Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, July 3, 1778, in French: What I said in my last about Amsterdam’s borrowing was much exaggerated; my informant was mistaken, and our friend van Berckel set me straight. Yesterday I communicated the treaty to him and to the Burgomaster of Amsterdam, and they were pleased with it; now we have only to let the peat...
1013John 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,...
1014James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Frigate Boston Cap. S. Tucker is return’d to this port yesterday. On her Cruise she had taken four prizes, one of which loaded with Currants and Medecines the Cap. order’d to Boston, and the other three to this port, which are not yet arrived. Mr. Livingston who set out this afternoon for Paris, will inform you the disagreeable cause of this vessel’s...
1015Thomas Simpson to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, July 3, 1778: Thank you for your interposition on my behalf. Captain Jones has released me from prison to sail for America, but holds me suspended until a court martial summons us to meet face to face. I enclose a copy of my parole. Immediately upon my release I inquired of Mr. Williams at Nantes about vessels bound to America; several are bound to...
1016Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <The Boston , Lorient, July 3, 1778: I arrived here after a cruise of twenty-four days, during which I took four prizes; one I sent to Boston and the others here. I returned so soon because I encountered Capt. Alexander Murray in the brig Saratoga with dispatches for you and the court and other important letters, which my officers saw. I started to convoy...
1017Jonathan 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:...
1018John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 4 – 5 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Plan for expeditions submitted to the American Plenipotentiaries and to the French minister of Marine by Com. Jones. As the first proposal, will be impeded for some time, in the interval A great variety of projects present themselves, some of which might prove of great utility to France and America by distressing the common enemy at a small expence. Three very fast sailing frigates, with one...
1019To John Adams from William MacCreery, 4 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Last night arrived here from Baltimore the Brigantine Saratoga, Captn. Murray, who has brought 2 Packets from Congress for the Honble. the Commissioners, and as many for Yourself. My Letters are of the 28th. May, at which time it was generaly understood there, that the Enemy were about embarking from Philadelphia with all haste, and that Genl. Washington was advanceing towards the City in...
1020To John Adams from Samuel Tucker, 4 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
These will be handed you by Musco Livingston Gentleman my 2d Lewt. Who now must Leave me on account of an Imperfect State of helth att Present and During the Short Cruze. Dear Sir your Honnours Provided me a Good offercer Whose Vallue on board my Ship Was great being a Good Commanding offercer and beloved throughout the Ship but my Loss is not Small in Parting with Such an offercer but I...
1021John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 4 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Union Cap. Barry arriv’d the 2 Instant from Edenton which place he left the 6th June. I apply’d for Letters that I apprehended as being loaden by Mr. Hewes he would have had in charge but am told he had only three, two for a Merchant at this place and one for Nantz. Its a disapointment having so short a passage not to receive advices. The Captain says he intended for Sweeden but the winds...
1022John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 4 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, July 4, 1778: The Union left Edenton on June 6 and arrived here on the 2nd but unfortunately, after so short a passage, brought no news. Accounts come in of losses on the Carolina coast caused by pilots’ misconduct; the inhabitants mislead our ships or refuse help, and the state government should take notice. Mr. Sartine has invited local...
1023John 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...
1024To John Adams from Arthur Lee, 5 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I enclose you my Copy of Capt. Jones’s Instructions. My opinion is that in quitting his Ship without our leave or orders was a breach of his duty—that his continuing here after receiving his orders is a still more flagrant breach of his duty—that we shall be justly blamd, if we do not give him immediate and peremptory orders to proceed to his duty and compel obedience to them. You will see by...
1025Sartine to the Commissioners, 5 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Comme je suis dans le cas, Messieurs, d’avoir besoin du Capitaine Jones pour quelqu’expédition particuliere, je desirerois qu’il pût rester ici. Si vous n’y voyez point d’inconvénient, vous me ferez plaisir de le laisser à ma disposition et de donner le Commandement de son Batiment à son Second s’il doit retourner en Amérique. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec beaucoup de considération, Messieurs,...
1026Sartine to the Commissioners: A Translation, 5 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
As I am in need, gentlemen, of Captain Jones for a specific expedition, I would like him to remain here. If it is not inconvenient, I would be grateful if you could leave him at my disposal and, if his ship must return to America, turn the command of the vessel over to his second. I have the honor to be with the utmost respect, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant, RC ( MH-H :...
1027Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de Sartine to the American Commissioners, 5 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library <Versailles, July 5, 1778, in French: As I need Captain Jones for a certain expedition, I would like him to remain here. If this does not prove inconvenient, please leave him at my disposal, and give the command of his vessel to his second.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 265.
1028Titus Ogden to the American Commissioners, [after] [6] July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lorient, [after] July [6], 1778: On arrival at the beginning of April I consigned my ship and cargo to Mr. Moylan, who showed me his authorization as your agent, and I conceived the highest opinion of his abilities. When the Boston and her prizes appeared, I was astonished to have a foreigner, Mr. Puchelberg, who speaks no English and is little known here,...
1029John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 7 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday arrived from Edenton the Sloop Sally Cap Norton which place he left the 6th June. He has brought few Letters, he mentions the entire Capture of the fourth regiment who upon the expedition of Col. Maitland pushing into the Country their retreat was cut off and obliged to lay down their Arms officers and Soldiers not one escaping. He gives also accounts of the Arrival of several...
1030Francis Coffyn to the Commissioners, 7 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I had the honnor of writing to you fully the 5th instant, to which I beg leave to refer you. Mr. Amiel having granted to the people who were the occasion of his Journey to Dunkirk, as much time as they required to employ all their ressources to Execute the project they laid before you, and their endeavours proving fruitless, he at last determined to deliver me your much respected favour of 26....
1031Poreau, Mackenzie & Cie. to the Commissioners, 7 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Des Américains et autres nous ayant confié quils étoient retenus dans le desir de se signaler par le defaut d’apui et le manque de fonds, nous avons eü L’honneur de vous demander pour eux une Commission en Course sous votre pavilion. Votre intention ayant été de ne la remettre qu’a un capitaine que vous honorez de votre bienveillance il est venu icy et nous a paru bien méritant et tout a fait...
1032Poreau, Mackenzie & Cie. to the Commissioners: A Translation, 7 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Some Americans and others having confided in us that they were hampered in their desire to distinguish themselves by a lack of both support and funds, we had the honor to ask you for a privateer’s commission under your flag. Your intention was to give it only to a captain that you honor with your consideration. The gentleman you chose came here and seemed to us deserving and completely worthy...
1033John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 7 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, July 7, 1778: The Sally , which arrived here yesterday from Edenton, reports that the fourth regiment of Col. Maitland’s expedition has been captured and that several ships, among them the Roderigue with a cargo of great value, have arrived in the Chesapeake. Consorting here with agents and consuls of European states shows me the advantages that...
1034Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 7 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dunkirk, July 7, 1778: I refer you to my letter of the 5th. Mr. Amiel has given the people here time to carry out the plan they put before you, but they failed; he then gave me your letter of June 26. I might explain the conduct of those who tried to impose on you and wrong me, but the outcome vindicates me; I leave the explanation to Capt. Amiel. If any...
1035Poreau, Mackenzie & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 7 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS or ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dunkirk, July 7, 1778, in French: When some Americans and others appealed to us for support, we asked you for a privateer’s commission. The Captain you chose seemed deserving and trustworthy, but found the vessel too small for his large ideas of glory. A more powerful one would have cost more than twice the thirty to forty thousand livres we were...
1036James Moylan to the Commissioners, 8 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
The day before yesterday two of Captain Tuckers prizes arrived here, one of which is loaded with 1400 Quintals of Dry’d Cod Fish, the other with Twenty Chaldron of Coals and seventy Gross of empty Bottles. Both those prizes are Brigs, one of which is of very little value but the other is a new vessel. As no application cou’d yet be made from Mr. Schweghauser, and it being necessary to make...
1037Musco Livingston to the American Commissioners, 8 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Pennsylvania Historical Society Inclos’d is A List of the prisoners on board the Boston, including those which he knows Capt. Tucker would wish to Exchange. I have the Honour to be Gentlemen Your Most Obedient Humble Servant Addressed: The Honble. the Commissioners / to the United States of amer / ica; at / passy Notation: Livingston 8. July 1778. The list, dated July 4 and signed by...
1038James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 8 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lorient, July 8, 1778: Two of Capt. Tucker’s prizes arrived here on the 6th. I passed them through customs as from Portsmouth, New England. I have not had time to hear from Mr. Schweighauser, but have written to ask whether his authority extends to this port. If so I shall deliver them to his order unless you meanwhile instruct me differently. Friction...
1039To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 9 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai mis sous les yeux de M. le Cte. de Vergennes un Extrait de la lettre du general Heath, que j’ai lhoneur de vous renvoyer ci jointe. Vous aurés vu ici que j’en ai dit quelque chose dans le No. 46. des affaires de l’Angleterre et de l’Amérique. Le No. 47. n’attend pour paroitre que les premieres nouvelles qui vous viendront et que vous voudrés bien me communiquer toujours par la poste. Cet...
1040Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A Translation, 9 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I submitted to Comte de Vergennes an excerpt from General Heath’s letter which I have the honor to return enclosed. You will have seen that I have mentioned it in No. 46 of Affaires de l’Angleterre et de l’Amerique . The publication of No. 47 is but waiting for the first news which you will receive and wish to communicate to me as usual through the mail . This periodical pertains entirely to...
1041To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 9 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Here inclos’d I have the honour to return you the letter you trusted me so obligingly. I’m in great impatience to get a printed copy of the Treaties. If you find it in the papers receiv’d by way of Brest, be So good as to Send it me, along with the other news you’ll think fit for publication. My Number 48 is ready, and I expect only the Treaties and such news as you are pleas’d to see...
1042Francis Coffyn to the Commissioners, 9 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I beg leave to refer you to the letter I had the honor of writing to you yesterday. This cheafly Serves to inclose a Certificate from the officers of the Admiralty Court of this Town, which I hope will in Some measure obviate the bad impression Poreau’s false insinuations may have occasion’d; however as I am determined to fill the measure to the brim, I shall take the liberty to send you...
1043Richard Grinnell to the Commissioners, 9 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I would Inform you that on the 28th of August Last I a Rived heare from London I had att that time Just obtained my Discharge, from the Belile Belle Isle man of war of Seventy four Guns. I was Impressed on board of her at Sea and without asking my Leave they made mee a mid Shipman on board. A few days after faling in with I Reland I Tok o the oportunity by a fishing boat to write to London to...
1044Peter Amiel to the American Commissioners, 9 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Messrs. Poreau & Mackinzy of this place haveing wrote a Letter to Doctor Franklin; in which they have atempted to injure Mr. Coffyns character, as I hope to be at Passy on Sunday next, beg it as a favor you’d suspend your Judgement till then, when I will lay before you every Particular that came to my Knowledge. I am with the greatest Respect Honorable...
1045Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 9 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dunkirk, July 9, 1778: I refer you to my letter of yesterday. This is to enclose a certificate from the admiralty court, to counter to some degree Poreau’s insinuations against me. Tomorrow I send three other certificates and if they are insufficient will furnish whatever further proof you require; meanwhile Mr. Amiel will give you particulars.> Published...
1046Richard Grinnell to the American Commissioners, 9 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dunkirk, July 9, 1778: I arrived here last August after serving on the Belle Isle , 74, as a midshipman impressed at sea; a London merchant got me my discharge. I went to Nieuwpoort, and told Mr. Nesbitt that I wanted to be commissioned in Paris and then sail for Brazil to destroy the London fleet there. He put me in touch with Mr. Coffyn, who took my...
1047To John Adams from Edmé Jacques Genet, 10 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have receiv’d the papers you Sent me, and will make a proper use of them as soon as possible. When I have done with them they shall be returned you with my gratitude. I am with the greatest respect Your most humble and obedient servant PS Keppell’s fleet was still at St. Helen’s on the 6th. The mediterranean fleet under convoy of the Worcester was come into port, and also part of the Jamaica...
1048William Hodge to the Commissioners, 10 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
By Yesterdays’ Post I had the honor of receiving your Letter of the 19th of April. What could have occasioned its not reaching my hands before now, I cannot say, unless the Person who was entrusted with sending it by the Post might have detained it to answer some particular purpose. You inform me in your letter that I am charged in your Bankers Account with upwards of one hundred thousand...
1049Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 10 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In the letter I had the honor of writing to you yesterday by Capn. Amiel, I inclosed a Certificate from the officers of the Admiralty. This serves to cover the three other Certifficates I promised in the Said letter, Vizt. one from the Bourgmaster and Magistrates, one from the President and Counsellors of the board of Commerce, and an other from the Judge...
1050William 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...