1To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 28 August 1776 (Adams Papers)
The Bearer Mr. Measam was a Merchant of good Reputation at Montreal; but having engag’d warmly in the American Cause, has been oblig’d to abandon that Country, to the great Detriment of his Affairs. He was appointed by Gen. Wooster a Commissary of Stores there; and apprehending Such an Officer to be at this time necessary in our Northern Army, he has apply’d to Congress for a Continuance in...
2From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 28 August 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives The Bearer Mr. Measam was a Merchant of good Reputation at Montreal; but having engag’d warmly in the American Cause, has been oblig’d to abandon that Country, to the great Detriment of his Affairs. He was appointed by Gen. Wooster a Commissary of Stores there; and apprehending such an Officer to be at this time necessary in our Northern Army, he has apply’d to Congress...
3The American Commissioners to John Adams, [on or before 5 May 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress With this, you will receive Dispatches; with which you are to sail with all possible expedition. You will enclose the Dispatches in a Box with Lead, and have it always ready to sink, shoud you be in unavoidable danger of falling into the Enemies hands. To prevent this misfortune, you will constantly keep a good look-out, and be very cautious how you approach any...
4From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, [c. 26 August 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society If you write to this Mr. Barnes, please to acquaint him that the Reason he had no Answer from me to his Letter was because he did not send word where he lodged. I agree to the 5 Guineas. Written on the back of Thomas Barnes’s letter to JA of Aug. 25, which had been sent care of “Monsieur Franquelen a passis.” That letter, now missing, was written on Aug....
5To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 26 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
I very much approve your Plan with regard to our future Accounts—and wish it to be followed. The Accounts that have been shown you, are only those of the Person we had entrusted with the receiving and paying our Money; and intended merely to show how he was discharged of it. We are to separate from that Account the Articles for which Congress should be charged, and those for which we should...
6From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 26 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I very much approve your Plan with regard to our future Accounts, and wish it to be followed. The Accounts that have been shown you, are only those of the Person we had entrusted with the receiving and paying our Money; and intended merely to show how he was discharged of it. We are to separate from that Account th Articles for which Congress should be...
Copies: National Archives (two), Harvard University Library; transcript: National Archives Monsieur de Monthieu earnestly requests that his accounts may be finished. The receipts were left here some time since. He also repeats his request to be favoured with the Anchors. As we have refused to sell them, he will if we will send them to him deliver them in America to our order. They may thus go...
AL : American Philosophical Society Please to send me Mr Williams’s Letter that objects to the Clothing furnish’d by Mr Monthieu. Also all the Papers you have relating to his Accounts— In John Adams’ hand: Dr Franklin must be so good as to send somebody to search for these Papers— Mr Adams has no more the Custody of them than Dr Franklin and never will have. This request was prompted by Lee’s...
Dr. Franklin presents Compliments to Mr. Adams, and requests that all the Public Papers may be sent him by the Bearer. Dr. Franklin will undertake to keep them in order; and will at any time chearfully look for and furnish Mr. Adams with any Paper he may have occasion for. Mr. Adams on receit of this put all the Public Papers, then in his Possession, into the hands of W T Franklin. Dft ( PPAmP...
10From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 22 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society Dr Franklin presents Compliments to Mr. Adams, and requests that all the Public Papers may be sent him by the Bearer. Dr. Franklin will undertake to keep them in order; and will at any time chearfully look for and furnish Mr Adams with any Paper he may have occasion for. Mr Adams on receit of this put all the Public Papers, then in his Possession, into the...
As your Separation from the Ranger, and the Appointment of Lieutenant Simpson to the Command of her, will be liable to Misinterpretations and Misrepresentations by Persons who are unacquainted with the real Causes of those Facts. We hereby certify, that your leaving the Ranger was by our Consent, at the express Request of his Excellency Monsieur De Sartine, who informed Us that he had occasion...
12From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 13 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I hope you got well to Nantes with your Son. We sent you two Letters by yesterday’s Post, that had been deliver’d here for you since your Departure; the enclos’d came last Night. By Captain Landais’ Letters, I am afraid he will not be ready so soon as we were made to expect.— I have the honour [ torn: to] be, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant For the...
13To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 3 April 1779 (Adams Papers)
I received the Letter you did me the honour to write to me of the 24th past. I am glad you have been at Brest, as your Presence there has contributed to expedite the Operations of Capt. Landais in Refitting his Ship. I think with you, that more has been made of the Conspiracy than was necessary; but that it would have been well if some of the most guilty could have received a proper...
14From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 3 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the honour to write to me of the 24th past. I am glad you have been at Brest, as your Presence there has contributed to expedite the Operations of Capt. Landais in Refitting his Ship. I think with you, that more has been made of the Conspiracy than was necessary; but that it would have been well...
15To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 8 April 1779 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the honor of writing to you a few Days since. Last Night I received yours of the 31st past. I am glad to hear the Ship is so far in order. As to the Discontents you find among the Officers and People, it is impossible for me at this Distance to judge of them, or of the means of removing them: I must therefore, as in my last, refer to your Judgment whatever you may think for the...
16From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 8 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress I did myself the honor of writing to you a few Days since. Last Night I received yours of the 31st past. I am glad to hear the Ship is so far in order. As to the Discontents you find among the Officers and People, it is impossible for me at this Distance to judge of them, or of the means of removing them: I must therefore, as in...
17From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 21 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress I have received your two Favours of the 13th. Inst. I am much obliged to you for undertaking the Trouble of contenting the Officers and People of the Alliance. I must now beg leave to make a little Addition to that Trouble, by requesting your Attention to the Situation of the Officers and Sailors, late Prisoners in England, which...
18To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 24 April 1779 (Adams Papers)
By the enclosed Letter from M. De Sartine expressing his Majestys Desire that the Alliance should be retained here a little longer, you will see that I am under a kind of Necessity of disappointing you in your Intentions of making your Passage immediately in that Vessel; which would be more unpleasing to me but for these Considerations, that possibly it may be safer for you to go in a Ship...
19From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 24 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress By the enclosed Letter from M. De Sartine expressing his Majestys Desire that the Alliance should be retained here a little longer, you will see that I am under a kind of Necessity of disappointing you in your Intentions of making your Passage immediately in that Vessel; which would be more unpleasing to me but for these...
20To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 10 May 1779 (Adams Papers)
I received the honour of yours of the 29th. past from Nantes. I hope you are before this time safely arrived at L’Orient. M. De la Luzerne is making diligent Preparation for his Departure, and you will soon see him. He and the Secretary of the Embassy are both very agreable and sensible Men, in whose Conversation you will have a great deal of Pleasure in your Passage. What Port the Ship will...
21From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 10 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress I received the honour of yours of the 29th past from Nantes. I hope you are before this time safely arrived at L’Orient. M. De la Luzerne is making diligent Preparation for his Departure, and you will soon see him. He and the Secretary of the Embassy are both very agreable and sensible Men, in whose Conversation you will have a...
22To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 5 June 1779 (Adams Papers)
The Chevalier de La Luzerne sat out Yesterday for L’Orient, and will be with you perhaps before this comes to hand. You will find him a very agreable sensible Man, and a hearty Friend to the Cause of America. As you may land in Boston and are not certain of going directly to Philada. I have put under his Care my Dispatches for Congress, and request yours for those to New England. Mr. Bondfield...
23From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 5 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress The Chevalier de La Luzerne sat out Yesterday for L’Orient, and will be with you perhaps before this comes to hand. You will find him a very agreable sensible Man, and a hearty Friend to the Cause of America. As you may land in Boston and are not certain of going directly to Philada: I have put under his Care my Dispatches for...
24To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 21 April 1780 (Adams Papers)
The Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me Yesterday, gives me the first Information of the Resolution mentioned as taken by the State of Maryland relating to their Money in England. If there is no Mistake in the Intelligence, (which I apprehend there may be) and such a Power as is supposed should come to my Hands, I shall then take your Excellency’s Recommendation, (which...
25From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 21 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress The Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me Yesterday, gives me the first Information of the Resolution mentioned as taken by the State of Maryland relating to their Money in England. If there is no Mistake in the Intelligence, (which I apprehend there may be) and such a Power as is supposed should come to my...
26To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 26 June 1780 (Adams Papers)
M. Adams, after having perused the inclosed Papers, is desired to give his Opinion on the following Questions. 1st. Whether Captain Landais, accused as he is, of Capital Crimes, by his Senior and late Commanding Officer, after having apparently relinquished the Command of the Alliance frigate, by with drawing his Effects from the same, after having asked and received money by Order of the...
27To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 2 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
By all our late Advices from America the Hopes you expressed that our Countrymen, instead of amusing themselves any longer with delusive Dreams of Peace, would bend the whole force of their Minds to find out their own Strength and Resources, and to depend upon themselves, are actually accomplished. All the Accounts I have seen, agree, that the Spirit of our People was never higher than at...
28From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 2 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress By all our late Advices from America the Hopes you expressed that our Countrymen, instead of amusing themselves any longer with delusive Dreams of Peace, would bend the whole force of their Minds to find out their own Strength & Resources, and to depend upon themselves, are actually accomplished. All the Accounts I...
29To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 8 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
I received the letter you did me the Honour of writing to me by Mr. Andrews, and shall render him every Service I can in his Application. Your Books and Trunks have been lodged here by Mr. Thaxter, and will be taken care of. They are of no Inconvenience to me. We begin to be in pain for Mr. Laurens who was to have sailed 3 Days after M. Searle. If that took place, he has been out 10. or 11....
30From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 8 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress I received the letter you did me the Honour of writing to me by Mr. Andrews, and shall render him every Service I can in his Application. Your Books & Trunks have been lodged here by Mr. Thaxter, and will be taken care of. They are of no Inconvenience to me. We begin to be in pain for Mr. Laurens who was to have sailed 3 Days...
31To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 20 October 1780 (Adams Papers)
Understanding that in Case of Mr. Laurens’s Absence, you are charged with the Affair of procuring a Loan in Holland, I think it Right to acquaint you, that by a Letter from Mr. Jay of the 12th. Instant, from Madrid, we are informed that the King of Spain has been so good as to offer his Guarrantee for the Payment of the Interest and Principal of a Loan of Money for the Use of the United...
32From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 20 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress Understanding that in Case of Mr. Laurens’s Absence, you are charged with the Affair of procuring a Loan in Holland, I think it Right to acquaint you, that by a Letter from Mr Jay of the 12th Inst, from Madrid, we are informed that the King of Spain has been so good as to offer his Guarrantee for the Payment of the Interest and...
33To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 13 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
I am honour’d by your Excellency’s Letter of the 4th Instant, relating to the Bills drawn on Mr. Laurens. I recommended their being presented to you, as I understood you supply’d his Place during his Absence, and I thought it more reputable to our Affairs, that they should be accepted by you for him, than that their Credit should depend on the Good Will of a Dutch Merchant, who, except a few...
34From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 13 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress I am honour’d by your Excellency’s Letter of the 4th Instant, relating to the Bills drawn on Mr Lawrens. I recommended their being presented to you, as I understood you supply’d his Place during his Absence, and I thought it more reputable to our Affairs, that they should be accepted by you for him, than that their Credit should...
35To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 30 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have had a severe Fit of the Gout which has confined me six Weeks; but it is now going off, and I flatter myself that it has done me a great deal of Good. I have just received a Letter from Dr. Ezra Stiles, of which the inclosed is an extract. Please to communicate it to Mr. Searle, and then give it to M. Dumas if you judge it proper for Publication. I have also a large and particular...
36From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 30 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress I have had a severe Fit of the Gout which has confined me six Weeks; but is now going off, and I flatter myself that it has done me a great deal of Good. I have just received a Letter from Dr Ezra Stiles, of which the inclosed is an Extract. Please to communicate it to Mr Searle, and then give it to M. Dumas if you judge it...
37To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 22 February 1781 (Adams Papers)
I received the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me the 15th. Instant, respecting Bills presented to you for Acceptance, drawn by Congress in favour of N. Tracey for 10,000 £ Sterling, payable at 90 Days sight; and desiring to know if I can furnish Funds for the Payment. I have lately made a fresh and strong Application for more Money. I have not yet received a positive...
38From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 22 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft), copy, and press copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me the 15th Instant, respecting Bills presented to you for Acceptance, drawn by Congress in favour of N. Tracey for 10,000 £ Sterling, payable at 90 Days sight; and desiring to know if I can furnish Funds for the Payment. I have...
39To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 7 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
Among the late intercepted Letters from London, is one from the Army Agent there to the Traitor Arnold, by which it appears that his Bribe was 5000 £ Sterling, in Bills drawn on Harley & Drummond, who are the Contractors for furnishing the Army with Money. Inclos’d I send you a Copy of that Letter, and shall send you others by next Post. The English Papers tell us, that you have succeeded in...
40From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 7 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress Among the late intercepted Letters from London, is one from the Army Agent there to the Traitor Arnold, by which it appears that his Bribe was 5000£ Sterling, in Bills drawn on Harley & Drummond, who are the Contractors for furnishing the Army with money. Inclos’d I send you a Copy of that Letter, and shall send you others by...
41To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 21 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
Agreable to my Faith I have obtain’d a Promise of Money sufficient to pay the Bills you have accepted, and shall accordingly accept those you draw on me for that purpose. I request only that you would send me immediately a List of the Bills, and of the Times of their becoming due, that I may be always provided, and that as the Money will come gradually into my hands, you would not draw upon me...
42From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 21 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress Agreable to my Faith I have obtain’d a Promise of Money sufficient to pay the Bills you have accepted and shall accordingly accept those you draw on me for that purpose. I request only that you would send me immediately a List of the Bills, and of the Times of their becoming due, that I may be always provided, and that as the...
43To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 29 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
I received the Letter you honour’d me with of the 16th. Instant. I had written to you on the 21st. which I hope you have received, that I would accept and pay your Bills, only desiring you to furnish me a List of them with the Times of their becoming due, and that you would draw, not for the whole at once, but for the Sums as wanted, and thro’ the House of Fitzeaux & Grand. Since the receipt...
44From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 29 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I received the Letter you honour’d me with of the 16th. Inst. I had written to you on the 21st. which I hope you have received, that I would accept & pay your Bills, only desiring you to furnish me a List of them with the Times of their becoming due, & that you would draw, not for the whole at once, but for the Sums as...
45To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 11 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 27th. past, acquainting me with your Appointment as Minister Plenipotentiary to the States General, on which please to accept my Compliments and best Wishes for Success in your Negociations. We have just received Advice here, that M. la Motte Picquet, met with the English Convoy of Dutch Ships taken at St. Eustatia, and has retaken 21. of...
46From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 11 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress I am honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 27th. past, acquainting me with your Appointment as Minister Plenipotentiary to the States General, on which please to accept my Compliments and best Wishes for Success in your Negociations. We have just received Advice here, that M. la Motte Piquet, met with the English Convoy...
47To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 19 May 1781 (Adams Papers)
I received the Honour of yours, with an Account of the Bills you have to pay. I have accepted your Drafts for 77,000 Crowns, at 15 Days Date. The Shortness of the Term is inconvenient; and as our Money comes to hand by Degrees, and these unexpected Demands from Holland and Spain oblige me to anticipate our Funds, for which Anticipation I pay an Interest of five Per Cent, I wish you would for...
48From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 19 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft), press copy, and incomplete copy: Library of Congress I received the Honour of yours, with an Account of the Bills you have to pay. I have accepted your Drafts for 77,000 Crowns, at 15 Days Date. The Shortness of the Term is inconvenient; and as our Money comes to hand by Degrees, and these unexpected Demands from Holland and Spain oblige me to...
49To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 5 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have received the honour of your Letter dated the 25th. past, advising me of your Drafts for Forty Thousand Livres payable to the Order of Captain Joiner, which I shall accept when they appear. No specific Sum having been mentioned to me by Col. Laurens, as what would be wanted to fulfil his Orders in Holland, I think myself obliged to acquaint your Excellency that I fear my Funds will not...
50From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 5 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I have received the honour of your Letter dated the 25th. past, advising me of your Drafts for Forty Thousand Livres payable to the Order of Captain Joiner, which I shall accept when they appear. No specific Sum having been mentioned to me by Col. Laurens, as what would be wanted to fulfil his Orders in Holland, I think...