301To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd your kind favour of the 14th and 20th Inst. the first reccommending M. de Bretigny &c. to whom I will show every possible assistance and civility as far as is consistent with my orders, the last informing me of Mr. Deans absence and of the necessity of waiting his return. I hope he will be by this time at paris and that I may have some orders...
302Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 19 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library Since my last I am not favoured with any of yours. The Goods are all gone to the Ship and I hope by the begining of the Week will be all Stowed away. I find there are here a number of Americans, two or three vessells that have lately come in being for Sale; If you think proper to encourage any operation of a Warlike...
303Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 17 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I have drawn on you in favor of Mr. Montaudoin at 8 days date for 3.000 Livers which please to honor. I drew this bill to have a Small fund in my hands to answer any sudden small Demands and not for any immediate purpose. I have also drawn on you in favor of Doctr. Franklin for 1257.3 l.t. as it is to be appropriated to my private Concerns. I mean it as...
304To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 17 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this is Mr. Frerot a Cannon Founder in this place; his Business at Paris is to obtain permission of the Ministry to make what quantity he pleases which it seems can’t be done without such leave. Mr. Montaudouin reccommends him to me and in consequence I beg leave to introduce him to you. If on examining his plan it should be agreeable to you,...
305Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library Soon after my last was seal’d I heard of the arrival of the Annonyme and yesterday morning went to painboeuf with Capt. Hynson to examine her. He will write you particularly on this Subject and by his Letter you will be better able to form a judgment, but so far as I am capable of giving an opinion I must say this...
306Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am in impatient Expectations of the Models of the Suit of Cloaths that I may sett the Taylors at work. I met with a Manufacturer from Vire who shew me half a dozen pieces of brown and blue Cloth at 7.10 and 8 Livers. I thought them Little inferrior to what you pay 8 and 8.10 for at Paris. I have therefore made a bargain with him for 60 pieces of the...
307Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 10 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Wind still continuing to the Eastward the annonyme is not yet arrived. I hope to hear of her tomorrow. In answer to Mr. Deans favour relative to adams’s Capture I inclose an account I have got from Capt. Porter who is just come to Town. He seems to be a very clever intelligent Man and as I thought my duty to do to a Countryman suffering in the Cause, I...
308Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 10 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Intention of this is to ask your Interest in favour of a poor american Sailor who I am afraid will otherwise be executed for Murder. The Fact as it was related to me by his Captain is this. The deceased and the prisoner were going asshore in the Boat with only one oar which the Deceased was sculling with, and being a little in Liquour he fell overboard...
309Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 7 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library Inclosed are the Accounts of the Dolphins out fitts the amount of Mr. Peltier’s you’ll find answerable to the Bill I drew on you. By the other you will find how the money paid to me (mention’d in Mr. Peltiers Account) has been appropriated. Those sums paid for Capt. Nicholson Orders will appear in his Ships account. I also Inclose Count Polouskies Bill...
310To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; incomplete copy: Yale University Library Agreeable to my Intention I plainly told Mr. S that the Conditions of partnership which he proposed would not answer. He again told me that he thought that Sum would be sufficient for the purpose, but that the Goods being in hand any Funds in his power to raise should not be wanting. He said however he would agree...
311Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 5 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library The Books upon Cavalry did not arrive till to day, they were therefore too late for the Mere Bobie. I shall now put them on board of the Massachusetts, where, as she has 14 Guns and is a very good sailor, I imagine they will be equally safe. Count Polouski and his two companions will also embark in this Ship, the...
312Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am sorry to find that poor adams is realy taken I hope the mere Bobie will be more Successfull. I sent the Capt. away yesterday morning she must be therefore now at sea. Capt. Wilson in a Large ship Loaded with 1260 Casks of Rice and a quantity of Indigo on Account of the massachusetts States is Safe arrived from Carolina she has brought nothing Fresh...
313Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 31 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I arrived here late last Evening. The Mere Bobie has not taken in the Bales I ordered, on account of a difficulty which the Custom House Officers have made relative to the Duties, but on application to the Directeur des Fermes I have so succeeded, that I am in hopes to have them aboard this evening, and wind permitting, she...
314Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 7 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I recvd. your favour per Courier with the several packets mentioned in the List. I thank you for the honour you do me in committing your dispatches to my Care and I will do my best endeavour to execute the Business to your satisfaction. Had the Wind been fair Capt. Adams would have sailed immediately but it has been...
315To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library Some time since I received a Letter from Mr. Dubourg offering to interest me in his Contract, my answer to that I inclosed to you: Mr. D has not since written a syllable in return. Several Letters have passed between Mr. Alexander and me and from him I have received the outlines of the plan; the conditions I...
316To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Monsieur Tardiveau is connected in Business with Monsieur Tarvouillet Merchant in this place and proposes to settle in Philadelphia. For this purpose, he wishes to obtain a Letter of Introduction from you and in consequence has desired Mr. Montaudouin to write to you in his Favour. Mr Tarvouillet is a Gentleman who has shewn me a great deal of...
317Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 1 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library Capt. Nicholson is by this time alongside of Capt. Wickes under his american Colours. I have not yet collected all the Bills but I imagine this armament will cost you upwards of 300 Louis exclusive of what we were obliged to pay to the french Sailors from Havre and advance Wages to the present Crew which may amount...
318Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library The Thérese sailed as I wrote last and was at St. Nazare the 26th, the Wind continuing fair she has no doubt continued her route. You may date the Departure of Capt. Hammond at nearly the same time as the Therése overtook him at St. Nazare. I have a Letter from Mr. Rumsey which says he expected to sail the next day....
319To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I have spoken to the Gentleman who gave me the plan. Mr. Anthus the second in the House has thoughts of going into that Country soon, in the mean time they will make the necessary enquiries relative to Seamen. I understand the place they propose to build in is not in the Government of Sweden but of prussia. I have...
320To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You reccommended Mr. Hood to my Civilities and assistance in getting a passage to america. The assistance he wants is Cash, which you say nothing about. Mr. Dean gave me orders to pay his passage &c. but he since writes angrily about him. I am however trying to get him a passage in the first Vessell to america, he wants to wait for a Phila. Ship but I do...
321To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am fearfull you will think me too troublesome in so often diverting your attention from other important concerns, but I can’t help requesting your opinion on the inclosed articles before I consent to them, as when I am once engaged I must continue, and it is too important on my side to agree without the necessary...
322Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library When I wrote last the Cutter was arrived tho’ I did not know it. As soon as I received your orders I lodged the necessary ones at painbeuf for the Capt. when he should arrive. He had then come up to town and of course did not receive these orders ’till he returned to his Vessell. This little accident has been...
323Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library Since writing by this days post I have received the inclosed plans and Memorandum from Messr. Jean henry Wilfelsheim & Compy. who wish to be employed to build in some port in the Baltic Sea ships of war on account of the Congress if they or you for them will give orders. They say that they can do this in a very advantageous manner that being the Country...
324To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am obliged to you for mentioning the welfare of my Friends which gives me great satisfaction. The many Instances you give me of your friendship demand my warmest gratitude and lay me under indispensable obligations to endeavour to merit your Favour by my conduct, which is the only return I can make. The...
325To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I thank you for your kind favour of the 30th Ultimo and am happy to find that you are recovered from the Gout. I will observe your alterations in the circular Letters which please to return as expecting them again we did not keep Copies. Whatever Business you please to throw in the way of Williams & Co. shall be...
326Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 2 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I had the pleasure of writing to you yesterday since which Capt. Adams is arrived express for [from] Boston and now setts off with his packets for Paris. If I did not think myself absolutely obliged to stay here untill I have orders to return I should be tempted to set off with him, as a few hours Conversation might...
327Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 1 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I received your favour of the 27 ultimo advising of the purchase of the arms &c. in Mr. Montieu’s magazine, which as soon as possible shall be all counted and the real quantity of each kind with the Tools &c. &c. exactly asscertained. In looking over your Letters I observe you have made a mistake of the pen in...
328To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 29 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I have not anything worth troubling the Deputies with by this post; the intention of this is only to inform you that Capt. Paddock has applied to me to know if he could get a passage in a French Ship to america and to be her pilot on the Coast. I have said nothing of the Count de Vergennes, but if the Deputies think...
329Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 27 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library When the Count de Vergennes was bought it was thought that she would be much too large for her Cargo, and you in consequence ordered purchases sufficient to fill her. In determining what would be sufficient, we had only for our guide the goods that were left here, and those advised from orleans, and we made our...
330To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I received a Letter from Mr. Dubourg desiring me to be concerned in his plan. I have given such an answer as any one who knows not what the particulars of the plan are would naturaly give. I refer him to you, and if any rational Scheme can be made out I will under take as far as you advise, but must first request...
331Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 25 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am still without any of your Favours which I confess gives me great uneasiness as I am apprehensive that my Letters have miscarried. The last I received from Mr. Deane which was 23 days in coming encreases this Suspicion: if you have not received one by every post this must be the Case as I have written by every one. I have the pleasure to inform you that...
332To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am extreemly uneasy at not hearing from you particularly in answer to mine relative to Mr. Shweighaussers proposals which seems to surprise him, and I am fearfull it will make some impressions unfavourable to the notice and Friendship you have hitherto honoured me with. I who know how many things you have to attend to and being conscious of not having...
333Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 18 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In answer to my Express, Capt. Wickes informed me that he should set off the next morning for Paris: his Letter is dated the 16th. The inclosed was this day received from Mr. Lee under Cover to Mr. Shweighausser; please to deliver it. Capt. Young still remains windbound. A Ship is arrived in the River from america, but as the Capt. is not yet come up we do...
334Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have began to load the Ship. The salt is at Painbeuf and we are here loading the first Lighter with some Bales and the Cordage which is near all made, the Bales that were here are all reduced, and tomorrow the workmen will begin to reduce those that are just arrived from orleans; the Letter from thence informs us that about 50 more will be ready to come...
335To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 11 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In consequence of your advice and kind offer of reccommendation, I have conversed with Mr. Shweighausser relative to a plan for establishing a House here to transact american Business. His proposition is to take the Firm of J Williams & Co. myself being the ostensible person and he the acting partner, thereby keeping it wholly seperate from his other...
336Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 8 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I don’t hear farther relative to the purchase of Mr. Montieu’s Fusils I conclude that you do not intend to put any on board the Count de Vergennes, so propose to put in her as much salt as will answer for Ballast. I have lately been looking over some Memoires about Mr. Montieu’s process and find that these Fuzils cost him at the rate of 25 sous each for...
337To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We are informed here that a Canadian with a commission from the Congress has fitted out a privateer at Dunkirk, and after cruising sometime in the Channel has taken a very large prize and carried her into Ostend; this News seems to occasion great eagerness in some people here to fitt out privateers in the same way, if proper commissions can be obtain’d and...
338Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 6 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library The principal occasion for troubling you at present is to inform you that on account of the great Demand for Government every large anchor in this place is engaged. We shall find the other sizes easy enough, but unless you can obtain from the minister 2 Anchors of 2400 wt. and 2 of 2200 wt. our purchase I fear will be by so much incompleat. By advice from...
339To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Major Luttelock arrived here a few days ago and I have since endeavoured to get him a passage via St. Domingo, together with the 4 Engineers, but when he found it necessary to pay his passage he told me he expected to go free and had not provided sufficient money; I can’t make his passage free without paying for it myself and that I have no orders to do. He...
340Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 4 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library My two last contained the necessary Information relative to the Fuzils &c. which upon a second View I have seen no reason to alter; I am assured that there are a full number of Bayonetts Locks &c., rather more than less. There must be many new Ramrods which will cost about 12 sous each at the manufactury. If you make this Bargain please to be very...
341To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am highly pleased to find that my Inclination to settle in France meets with your approbation, and I will do my best endeavours to preserve the good opinion you are pleased to honour me with. This place seems to me the best calculated for carrying on the american Trade, especially in time of war. I understand that all vessells that come on this coast are...
342To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed are two Letters to the Deputies, one of which you will find on a particular subject, which I leave to your wisdom whether to communicate or not. I wrote it because I feared it might be thought neglectfull if I should hereafter be known to have omitted such information. I am highly obliged by your kind offers of assistance and must determine in...
343Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honour of your Favour of the 25 by Mr. Francis. As I have but a moments time I must beg leave to refer you to tomorrows post for a more particular Answer, the principal intention of this is to inform you that Mr. Morris has sold four of the prizes (all except the packet Boat) Vessells Cargoes &c. &c. for about 90,000 Livres, all risque of reclaim...
344Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 27 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society That you may be able to judge of the Quality of the arms when remounted I have ordered one of each to be sent by the messagerie which will come directed to Mr. Carmichael in the same manner as the samples of those sent by the Mercury did. The workmen are constantly at Work upon the Ship, and Shipackers are also at Work on the Bales, all is going on as fast...
345To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd your obliging Favour by the post to day, too late to answer it with mine to the Deputies. I am happy that you approve of my desire to settle in france, and I intend to prosecute the Scheme with Vigour. As yet I know nothing of Bordeaux so of course must give the preference to Nantes I am charmed with the place and like the people, besides I think...
346Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 22 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor of your Favours by Messrs. Portail &c. There is no opportunity for them to embark exceept via St. Domingo, unless the packet Boat should be sent. I say nothing to them of the Count de Vergennes as you do not express an Intention that they should go in her. They do not seem to like to go in a Ship under american Colours least they should be...
347To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed is in answer to Mr. Deanes Favour relative to the Arms in Mr. Montieu’s Store. It has been observed to me that Prizes instead of being brought into french ports might be sold with secrecy and can, by landing the Goods on an Island near the mouth of the Loire, where french Vessells might come and take them; and perhaps in this way it might be...
348Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 19 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I went to Painbeuf on Sunday and returned hither last Evening. Mr. Peltier and myself went on board the Count de Vergennes and gave the necessary Directions. As I consider Dispatch of the utmost Consequence, I desired that as many Workmen as could be procured should be immediately employed. These are at present Scearce, but as a little more expence is no...
349To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am very sorry to hear that you have an attack of the Gout, but I hope it will soon be over. As to Business I must refer you to the inclosed. As I suppose I am to stay here some time longer, I shall be glad to hear from you what my future Line of Life is to be, for I take it for granted that I am not to return to England again. Mr. Lee mention’d that you...
350Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 16 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed is from Mr. Lee who set off this Morning, for Bourdeaux. The Dispatches &c. went with Mr. Morris to paimbeuf yesterday and are I hope by this time on board. I have the pleasure to inform you that an american Frigate supposed to be Capt. Weeks has sent a prize laden with Codfish into l’orient; This news comes by a Gentleman who arrivd from...