31To George Washington from John Laurens, 24 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
Upon my arrival here, I found that our Minister plenipotentiary had received the instructions &ca transmitted to him, and commenced the negotiation with which we were charged—and that he had received the followg communication from the Count de Vergennes. "It is impossible for His Majesty to favor a loan in this kingdom—because it would prejudice those which he has occasion to make himself for...
32To George Washington from John Laurens, 11 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Not to trouble Your Excellency with a detail of writings, conferences, attendances and importunities, I pass at once to the result as communicated to me by the Count de Vergennes—It is His most Christian Majestys determination, to guarantee a loan of ten millions of livres to be opened in Holland in favour of the United States—in addition to the gratuitous gift of six millions granted before...
33To John Jay from John Laurens, 11 April 1781 (Jay Papers)
In thanking Your Excellency for the letter with which you have honored me, I should have to reproach myself for not paying my respects to you hitherto, if the novel and busy scene in which I have been engaged did not plead my excuse, and if I were not persuaded that Your Excellencys letters from America, which I committed on my arrival to the care of Doctor Franklin, will have given you every...
34To John Adams from John Laurens, 28 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency copies of a representation made to me by Commodore Gillon on the subject of the frigate South Carolina—and a memorandum of articles settled and agreed upon between us. My motives for engaging in this business are That the excellence of the conveyance enables me to transmit immediately a part of the Specie destined for the United States, which...
35To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-François de Boy with Franklin’s Note to John Laurens and Laurens’ Response, May 7 [–on … (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Sent to you the Copy of the Certificate, and too that of the Some Sundry papers, from the War Office who Given to me, because I have Lost’d my Comission from the Hble. Congress, when the ennemies have Taken Brunswick, and too Besides all my things. I shall desire to Go again in your Country, if you Can Employ me, as you will please, very much oblige, to...
36To Benjamin Franklin from John Laurens, [before 13 May 1781] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send your Excellency the Estimate of the Board of War with the prices— Your note to Mr de La Rouerie was dispatched immediately— As sunday is the day which the Count de Vergennes has appointed for my taking leave, I shall be deprived of the pleasure of dining with Your Excellency—but shall endeavour to pay you my respects as frequently as possible in the...
37To Benjamin Franklin from John Laurens: Two Letters, 16 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I transmit Your Excellency Gourlade and Moylans account of the Alliances disbursements—to be adjusted as Your Excellency shall think proper— and have the honor to be Your Excellencys most obedient Servant Endorsed: Mr Laurence May 16. 1781 Recd. May 23.—at Night Appear’d to have been open’d. Upon paying my accounts I find that I shall be...
38To Benjamin Franklin from John Laurens, 22 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Upon my arrival here yesterday morning I was informed by the Count d’Hector that the Frigate and Store Ship appointed to transport supplies for the service of the United States were fitted and ready as to themselves—that the latter had begun to take on board part of her Cargo—but that some of the articles which I had designated to be embarked in preference...
39To Benjamin Franklin from John Laurens: Two Letters, 28 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I do myself the honor of acquainting Your Excellency that the Frigate Resolue with the two vessels of her convoy—the Cibelle Store Ship and the Brigantin Olympe—are at anchor in the road ready for sea— my effects are on board and I embark myself this morning—with a probability of sailing— I must confess I was apprehensive of not being...
40To Benjamin Franklin from John Laurens, 29 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; al (draft): South Carolina Historical Society I do myself the honor to acquaint your Excellency that I embarked this Morng early on board the Resolue, that she weighed with the vessels under Convoy—and made an effort to put to sea—but a calm succeeding we were obliged to reanchor— In the mean time an Extraordinary Courier arrived from the Court, in...