141Sartine to the American Commissioners, 22 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Library of Congress <Versailles, December 22, 1778, in French: You are undoubtedly aware that American seamen escaping from English prisons often arrive in French ports without the basic necessities. I can instruct the commissioners in ports where you have no agents to treat these men as they would French escapees. Regarding British prisoners taken by Americans, I propose they be...
142C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 18 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai vu notre Ami. Il y a deux Committés, pour besogner, l’un sur de nouvelles plaintes auxquelles les Anglois viennent de donner lieu; l’autre sur la réponse à faire au Mémoire de Mr. l’Ambassadeur de France, dont je vous ai envoyé copie. On ne saura le résultat que la semaine prochaine. On m’a envoyé d’Amsterdam, afin d’en faire part au Congrès, la Protestation imprimée de cette ville contre...
143C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 18 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have seen our friend. There are two committees: one to work on the new British complaints; the other on the response to be given to the French Ambassador’s mémoire, of which I sent you a copy. We will not know the result until next week. The protest published by Amsterdam against the resolution of the 18th was sent to me so that I might send a copy to Congress. This important document is 20...
144The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners, 18 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
L’on vient enfin de decouvrir, Messieurs, Les Effets du Dr. James Smith de New York. Ils sont a la Douane de Calais, et consistent en un Paquet contenant 12 Napes, 12 Couteaux et 12 fouchettes de fer, a Viroles d’Argent. Si M. Smith pretend introduire ces effets dans le Royaume, il ne Sauroit se dispenser d’en acquitter les Droits ordinaires, Mais Si Son Intention est de les renvoier en...
The effects of Dr. James Smith of New York have, gentlemen, finally been found. They are at the customs office at Calais and consist of a package containing 12 table cloths and 12 knives and forks of iron with silver ferrules. If Mr. Smith plans to bring these goods into the Kingdom, he cannot avoid paying the regular charges, but if he intends to return them to America, then he will be free...
146Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 18 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives, Library of Congress (two) <Versailles, December 18, 1778, in French: Dr. Smith’s effects have finally been found in the customs at Calais. They are a packet containing twelve tablecloths, twelve knives, and twelve iron forks with silver ferrules. He must pay the usual charges...
147William Lee to the Commissioners, 15 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honour of writing to you the 9th instant and then mention’d the Congress that it is generally beleived will take place this Winter between Ministers from the Courts of Versailles and Petersburg to accommodate the difference between the Emperor and King of Prussia; and that I was inform’d G. Britain had prevail’d on the Court of Petersburg to endeavour at the same time to mediate a...
148J. D. Schweighauser and Others to the Commissioners, 15 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
We are favour’d with yours of the 5th. instant together with duplicates of your favours of the 11th and 27 Ultimo. The original of the first never came to hand, the last we received in due course of post. We hold ourselves greatly obliged to you for the trouble you have taken, in endeavouring to obtain a sufficient Convoy, for the Vessels bound to America, for the whole Voyage. We have been...
149John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 15 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am sorry to be under the necessity of troubling you so often on so disagreable a subject and have no Apology but that to offer for again taking up your Attention. I have had the honor to write you several letters stating my uncomfortable Situation, and flattered myself I had given reasons sufficient to induce a compliance with my requisition in those I...
150William Lee to the American Commissioners, 15 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Frankfurt-on-Main, December 15, 1778: It occurs to me it would be serviceable to have an agent at the congress of French and Russian ministers which I mentioned in my letter of the 9th. This agent might counteract the schemes of Britain and if not bring Russia entirely over to our interests at least render her attachment to our enemies less forceful. I...