11Jonathan 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...
12To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd the Catalogue of the Marquis de la Fayettes Cargo only last Night—and I now return it with marks & a note on the other side which I hope may answer your Purpose. I have been very uneasy on accot of your Illness but a Letter from Billy this morning has relieved me, & I hope by the Time you receive this you will be perfectly recovered. I am as ever...
13To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have received your Favour of the 22 Instant with the Judgement of the Mifflins Prize Goods, and Mr Coulougnac’s Proposals about furnishing Cloth &c. Agreeable to your desire I have conversed with him and find that he realy can furnish at good Prices, but he has no great Quantity by him at present. I have taken some Patterns...
14To 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...
15To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I received your favour of the 12th. inst. after I had written my Answer to yours of the 2d: & 4th. so I let that go as it is and you have it accordingly inclosed— Immediately on the arrival of Monsr. de Chaumonts Courier with his and your Packets Mr: de Montaudoin sent for me to Answer his Interrogatories & justify my cause,—I...
16To 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...
17Jonathan 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...
18To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 31 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer is the Honble. John Wheelock President of Dartmouth College, who has come to Europe with a Deputation from the Trustees, supported by strong Recommendations from the first Characters in America, in order to obtain Donations for an Institution for the propagation of Knowledge & Virtue. The respectable Recommendations Mr. Wheelock has with him make...
19To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library The present serves only to inform you that agreable to the permission contained in Billy’s letter of the 23 June I have this day drawn on you for my advances to Prisoners in favour of Mr Grand as per accot on the other side amounting to £1697..10..0 which please to honour I inclose the original Vouchers to each charge.— I am as ever &c &c JW had first requested...
20To 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...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The present serves only to hand you a small Dft which Messrs De Segray & Co sent me for a little Balance due to him on the Dolphin Capt Nicholson in Decr 1777, being for some Charges after the Accots were closed, As it is a trifle I paid it & have charged it to the public please therefore to return me the note with your...
22Jonathan 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...
23To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since writing you the 3d Instant, M Montieu has voluntarily offered to take all my Affairs on himself. He wants no Security he says for my probity, but only in Case of my Death, for which he says he will take my Drafts on you at 18 or 20 months date that you may see him paid from my Effects, these Bills he does not expect you will ever be obliged to pay, if...
24Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the pleasure to announce the return of the mere Bobie Packet Boat who delivered your dispatches in Safety but by the inclosed Copy of a Letter that I have received from the Captain you will see he has not been so fortunate with those he was charged with in return. As there were no Dispatches and the news only a confirmation of what you already have...
25To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I informed you in my last that the Marquis de la Fayette would sail the next day, accordingly on thursday the 29 of March I saw her & the Alliance under Sail and the Wind has since continued exceeding fair, so that I imagine they are now 150 Leagues of. I have the pleasure to assure you that the great ship sails remarkably well & I realy believe the...
26Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 16 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library My last to Mr. Dean in answer to his of the 8th. informed you that I intended to go to Painbeuf, to give you a fuller account of the Lion, but various affairs have prevented. I have now ordered every article that relates to that Ship to be collected and sent on board with the utmost dispatch and by the end of this Week I intend she shall be compleat in...
27Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 16 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The present serves to inform you that Capt. Brown who has the Dolphin wishes to be excused from taking her as his owners have directed his return in the Mars which belongs to them; Capt. Brown hopes you will not misinterpret his Desire, and says that if you choose he will continue, but if the change will not displease you he wishes she may be given to some...
28To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Phillip Mazzei Esqr is lately arrived here from Ireland after having been captured on his passage from Virginia hither, and long confined by the Enemy. He tells me he is charged with public Business of an important Nature on the Subject of which he is ordered to consult with you. Being under some Embarrasement on accot of the Refusal of the Merchant on whom...
29To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Count Sarsfield having obligingly offered to take Charge of a Packet for you, I embrace the Opportunity to send you ten of your Cards which I found among my Papers. Capt. Le Maire the officer appointed by the State of Virginia for the Inspection of military Stores, is frequently complaining to me of his hard treatment, and requests me to represent his...
30Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 17 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library <Passy, July 17, 1778: I appreciate your confidence in approving my drafts on Mr. Grand, and am ready to account for them up to May 30; the expenses since I left Nantes will go on a new account. Might you not appoint some one to compare the bills and receipts with the charges, subject to your later approval? > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 304....
31To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The american Captains that are here have applied to me to draw up a Memorial to the american Ambassadors to obtain a Convoy off this Coast, which I have accordingly done, and in addition beg leave to request your favourable attention to their Request, for it is realy the most mortifying of all their Misfortunes to be taken as many have on the Day of their...
32To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library My Trial comes on tomorrow at 9 oClock.— As your Letter impowering these Gentlemen to examine my accot was addressed to all, and as according to the old saying “what ought to be taken care of by many is generaly taking care of by nobody” I apprehend this Letter is either mislaid, or perhaps left in the Hands of some one of the...
33Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 24 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I this Day compleated the Inventory of the magazine of arms and presented it to Mr. Schweighauser for him to sign the Receipt at the Bottom. We are agreed as to quantity and number but he declines engaging to receive the articles for Reparation remaining to be supplied without your orders. I therefore request you to give your Directions accordingly that I...
34To 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...
35Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Since writing this morning by Capt. Nicholson I have been with Monsr. Peltrier, who informs me that the Vessell is at the mouth of the River, where it seems all Vessells of Burden are obliged to load. She is not yet loaded but there are several Cases of Fusils gone from hence to the Ship, and Monsr. Peltrier expects a Barge loaded with Bales to come down...
36To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library I arrived here safe the day before yesterday and found that the Ship Marquis de la Fayette Capt Buffington had arrived to my address from Salem with a prize which was bound from New-york to London with 50 hhds of Tobacco. In this Ship are several Brittish Officers some of whom were in Cornwallis’s Army & are under parole from Genl Washington. Some others are...
37To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The two Boxes for Mr Watson came to hand a few days since and I shall embrace the first opportunity to Ship them. I would do it by the Alliance if I could, but Capt Landais does not think himself justifiable in taking any Goods, Types however (being of public Utility,) may perhaps be an exception.— I am Dear & hond Sir Most...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library The last Post from Bordeaux brought me my Letters from america brought by Mr Adams and among them I recvd one for you which you have inclosed. I likewise inclose you a Letter from Capt Manly who is now in Mill Prison, it is addressed to Mr William Bradford but that Gentleman being now in america & having desired me at his...
39To 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...
40Jonathan Williams, Jr., to Franklin and John Adams, 31 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: University of Virginia Library; transcript: National Archives I am well informed that two Indorsements have been made on the Accots I have had the Honour to present to the Commissioners, one of which contains Accusations as injurious to my Reputation as they are false & malignant. The first of these Indorsements is on my Accot dated Sept. 10 1778 and...
41To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I received in course your kind Favour of the 29 Jan. & would have answered it by return of Post if Mrs Williams’s Situation had not required my constant attention. She is now thank God much better & I hope soon to see her recover fast.— Notwithstanding you heard on the 29th that the marquis de la Fayette was sailed. I am...
42Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 7 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library The Day my last was written I purchased the Ship in question for 55500 Livres and by her excellence and fitness for our purpose, I hope she will sufficiently make up for the Loss of the Duc de Chartres. I have this Day drawn on Mr. Grand in 6 different Drafts for 15000 Livres and have advised him accordingly, which please to desire him to honour; this makes...
43To 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...
44To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library As you have always given me Reason to believe that it is agreeable to you to hear of whatever is an addition to my Happiness, I trust you will be pleased to know that Mrs Williams has given me a very fine Girl who was born yesterday at noon. The Mother & Infant are as well as it is possible to be and I have the most flattering prospect of seeing my...
45Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 26 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library My last inform’d you that I had purchased the Duc de Chartres. I have sent a french officer on board to take charge of her and make every preparation for heaving down which I shall order to be done immediately after the post on Tuesday. Mr. Nickels a Townsman of mine has been taken and has escaped hither. He has...
46Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 5 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I omitted mentioning in my last that I had Drawn on you in favor of Messrs. Montadoiun for 1500 Livers at 8 days date which please to honor. Capt. Hynson and myself will go to painbeof tomorrow to Examine the Duc De Chartres. I mentiond to you that her price was 68,000 Livers but that is the price offered for her the Owners ask 70,000 for her. This is a...
47Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 23 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS and copy: University of Virginia Library; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society Capt. Nicholson is gone to Painbeuf to see his Ship. I inclose a Letter he has written to Mr. Dean, since which I find the expected orders are arrived and we are now to meet no Difficulties. Your orders relative to M. Montieu’s Cloaths are too late as they are already gone on board. I had not your...
48Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 26 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library Agreeable to the determination I mention’d in my last every operation relative to the annonyme remains suspended. I have notified Mr. Peltier that I would not consent to any alteration of your orders and that he might take his ship and do what he pleased on Mr. Montieus Account but nothing on Yours. She lays at Paimbeauf with part of her Cargo on board...
49To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I send inclosed Copy of a Letter I have just recvd from Brest to which I request your kind attention. There cannot be a doubt but the Prize in Question belongs to the Captors, or at least that whatever the Rigour of the Law may be, the Custom in such Cases is to give them up. The Ordonnances of the Marine confiscated all...
50Jonathan 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...
51Jonathan 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...
52Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 30 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am happy in sending you the agreeable News of Genl. Bourgoynes surrender with his whole army to our victorious arms. Mr. Austin will give you all particulars. His being charged with the delivery of the dispatches, as well as the importance of many verbal accounts he may furnish, are the reasons for my not desiring the Dispatches for a less expensive way...
53To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I informed you in my last that the Farmers insisted on the payment of the Duties, & even made a merit of not seizing the Goods. I am sure this is because they do not understand the nature of my Request for it is not an exemption from any Duty which I ask, but I ask not to pay a Duty which I am only liable to by having...
54To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed will inform you how matters are here. I feel myself uneasy least my Conduct should not be approved yet I think it is precisely according to orders. You will perhaps have representations from these officers to my prejudice as the part I act cannot but be offensive to them all, but however I may succeed I depend that you will believe my motive...
55To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have been applied to by Capt Thomas Molloney an english Prisoner whose Case seems a hard one and in consequence of his earnest Sollicitations and the Desire of Messrs Galleweys of this Place I have promised to lay it before you. He was taken by Capt Jones off Ireland in a little Brig which he commanded, & he owned half...
56To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As perhaps the inclosed accot of Genl Sullivans Successes against the Indians & Tories has not yet reached you I thought it worth the Postage.— I am in haste (Post agoing) ever your dutifull & affectionate kinsman Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin ministre / plénipotentiaire des / Etats unis de l’amerique / septentrionalle / a Passy / près Paris...
57To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 13 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I recvd your Favour of the 8th Instant per this days post.— I am surely the most unlucky of all accused Persons for all my Endeavours to bring on a Trial are unsuccessfull. Of the Gentlemen named there remains here only three Mr Johnson Mr Gridley & Mr Schweighauser the two last are so ill as to make their attendance...
58To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your Favour of the 30th Ultimo and am glad the Bill is accepted. I imagine the Words added are not of much consequence, if the Customs here are as they are in England. I have in consequence given an order to Bilboa to supply Babson taking care however not to exceed what the Balance in my hands may be. I shall be able to judge of M....
59To 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...
60To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recd. your Favour by the Count d’Attems. I should be happy to procure him a Passage on the Terms desired but know of no way of doing it unless he goes on board one of the Frigates at L’orient; but even there it will not be without expence as he has not any money for his daily subsistence. I cannot say anything of the Lion to him, as I must even deny...