101To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library Capt McKirdy in the Dove is just arrived From Maryland & by him it appears that Clinton has at last appeared in So Carolina: I send you the only important Papers I have recvd by him. Mr Lewis a Passenger assures me that our People are strong in Force in that Quarter & do not fear the Enemy. I cannot find either by Letter...
102To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., [before 21 September 1773] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives I received your kind Letter inclosing one for Mr. Cowan purser of the Glasgow, who is now at Hallifax, but as the Ship is ordered here in about 3 Weeks, shall keep ’till that time as the most certain way of getting it speedily to his hands. I am sorry to find that the East India Company do not intend to send a Ship to America, but am not the less obliged by your and...
103Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 17 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I have Recvd. your favor of the 12. Instt. and accordingly communicated your Resolution to Mr. Ross. The prises being now Sold and of Consequence no Business to do on that Account Mr. Ross thinks that it is best for all concernd to avoid making a noise here by any Step on my part. I therefore in compliance to his advice have done nothing new. As the...
104To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have not yet finished my algebraic Calculation relative to my proposed Voyage, because two Circumstances are wanting. News from America , & the arrival of Mr de Montieu . The first of these will I believe turn the Balance one way or the other.— If I should hear that my accots. have not been passed by the Committee, and that...
105To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Memorandum, [1779?] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Money like any other Merchandise becomes cheaper (or depreciates) in proportion as the quantity at Market exceeds the Quantity demanded. Suppose the public Emission of Congress paper to be in Dollars. 48 millions If this money is worth but about one quarter its real value it may be concluded that one quarter the Sum is sufficient for the medium of Trade } 12...
106Jonathan 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...
107To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I shall send you on monday next by Mr. Montory Patterns of a Shirt a Hat & a pair of Hose. The Shirt you will find to be made of a strong fine Dowlas or morlaix Linnen exactly as discribed by Congress, and the Workmanship is well executed, I will venture to say better than any Soldiers Shirt in the french Army; you will observe that the puckers at the...
108To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 17 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr de Chaumont informs me to day that the Furniture is to be reduced to 10.000 men & I shall conform accordingly. I informed you some time since that he desired me to draw on him instead of you, and I accordingly sent Bills for his acceptance, he writes me now that he waits for your decision, I beg you will let me have these Bills returned as soon as...
109To 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...
110To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 29 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library In consequence of your Letter relative to the Complaint against Capt. Wickes, I wrote to him and in return have recvd. the inclosed explanation. I have since been with the lawyer and find that these poor silly men have been deceiving themselves with an Idea that they were to make a great deal of money, and that they...
111To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to introduce to you my Friend Mr. Hawkins of Carolina, a Gentleman of Honour and Character for whom I have a particular regard. I am ever with the greatest Respect Your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman Addressed: Doctor Franklin / Passy. Endorsed: Letters answd. or that need no Answr Notation: Jona. Williams Nantes 5 avril 1778 Almost...
112To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: American Philosophical Society, Yale University Library I beg leave to trouble you with the present, which has for its subject the distresses of our Countrymen who escape hither from Prison. I am an Enemy to extravagant supplies, because extravagant People would take the advantage of the public Generisity & indulge themselves in dependant Idleness;...
113Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 8 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; incomplete letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am this Day favoured with Mr. Deans Letter of the 2d Inst. I mean to take measures for purchasing the Cloth for 10,000 Suits of Cloths with all possible Expedition, but shall not put them in hand ’till the Models arrive. I will readily do Capt. Thompson all the Service in my power. Two of his prizes are...
114Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Passy, July 3, 1778: On your verbal instructions I have ordered the repair of arms at Nantes to be stopped and the workmen paid off according to the agreement. Please let me know whether this is satisfactory. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 258. With Mercier more than a year before: XXIV , 100–1. Only a fifth of the old fusils had been repaired:...
115To 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...
116Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have finished my examination of the Mercurys Cargo and have patterns of the several kinds of Goods, which I shall shew you at my return: I have opened in all ten Cases and Bales and find them in good order. The last Lighter Load of Goods will be ready to go to the ship tomorrow morning, and I hope to include in it all the provisions &c.; by the common...
117Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 1 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library Mr. Montaudouin set of this Morning with my Letters relative to the Captures made by Capts. Weeks Johnson and Nicholson since which the prize master who has come in here has arrivd to town. There is but one prize arrived at painbeof and her Cargo is not known her papers being distroyed. She has Cork and hides betwen Decks but we are yet unacquainted...
118To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., [1 March] 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I wrote you some time since & sent under Cover a Letter to Mr Necker relative to the Freight Duty demanded on the Aurora but as I have not yet received any answer I take the Liberty of sending a Copy which I request you to send to Mr Necker, if the Original has not come to hand. The Payment of this Freight Duty will much affect this kind of Commerce, &...
119To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27(?) February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed Letter was given me open by Capt Jno Foster Williams who is lately arrived here from Prison. As you may have the Receipt mentioned or an authentic Copy of it I think it my duty to forward this Letter and I hope in consequence 53 of our poor Countrymen will be liberated. I am as ever Yours most dutifully & affecty Notation: Williams Feby. 2....
120To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. de Chaumont has written to me consenting to the appropriation of the officers Cloathing to the public Accot agreeable to your desire and I have accordingly paid the amount of the Invoices £25970.6 by my 2 drafts on you—Viz. 23810.19.10 @ 10 days sight to the order of M Chaumont & 2159. 6. 2 @ do to my order both marked HO 25970. 6. 0 which please to...
121Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 6 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library I am just returned from Painbeuf where I have been with Capt. Nicholson to quiet a Discord between the french and americain Sailors, which we have in a great measure effected; and I hope the Steps agreed on between the Commissary at Pain beuf, the Commander of a french Vessell of War, and ourselves, will soon put an end to it. We have offered free Liberty...
122Jonathan 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...
123To 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...
124To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, 1957) I was most sensibly affected this morning to see one of my Bills on Mr de Chaumont return protested, I was obliged immediately to reimburse 4100 Livres and I find I am to expect at least 30,000 l.t. more tomorrow: I was therefore under the necessity of raising Cash, & accordingly have negociated Bills on you...
125To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have just received your kind Letter of the 23 Inst. My preceeding Letters will have explained the Affair of the Bills. They were drawn to fall due at 2.. 3.. & 4 Usances because M. de Chaumont so directed, & I suppose he directed so because he imagined it would facilitate the negociation. I can however avoid negociating...
126To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your agreeable Favour of the 8th Instant per Mr Adams, who did me the Favour to send for me immediately— I pressed him very much to accept a Bed at my house, which he declined, I however had the pleasure of his Company to dine with me the Day after his arrival with several Gentlemen of this place. We went together on Sunday to Painbeuf, &...
127To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library As It is proper for every prudent Man to know on what Ground he proceeds before he engages too far, and as now we have a general Peace there can no longer be a Reason for keeping the Terms of it Secret, I beg you will kindly resolve the following Questions. 1 Does the Prohibition of English Goods in America cease, on Britains...
128Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 24 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library M. Boux has been on board the Lion for a passage. Capt. Nicholson wished to accomodate him as well as he could, but on account of the many am[erica]n Passengers who have escaped hither from England he has not been able to make such provision as he desired and as M. Boux expected. He therefore returns to Nantes, and seemed rather disgusted with his...
129Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 6 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library In the Extracts from Mr. Deans Letters to me, which I had the honour to give in to you some time since, I refered to the whole Letters of the following Dates, June 27. July 19. July 28. Augt. 1. Augt. 7 and Nov. 15, all in 1777. I have now the honour to inclose Copies of the whole of these Letters, and shall be happy if they are of any use to you. I propose...
130To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library In the Newspapers which Mr. Johnson sent you last post you will see an Extract from one of my Letters to Mr Dean in which the word Connection is mentioned and represented as a proof that I had some commercial Concerns with Mr Dean. I send you enclosed a Copy of the whole of the Letter & you will see that the Paragraph has no...
131Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 8 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Having carried to your Credit all the drafts I drew on Mr. Dean payable at M. Grands, and the Letter of Credit I gave, for the first purchase of the Lion, in favour of Peltier Du Doyer; I have desired M. Grand to observe the same Regularity, that our accounts may agree, and Since your Letter of Credit of the 18th Sept. I have drawn directly on M. Grand, and...
132To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I arrived here last evening, with Mrs Williams, she is not well enough to be left immediately or I should have paid my Duty to you in Person. I beg Billy will let me know by a Line how you are, & I hope in a few days to be able to see you, in the mean time I remain as ever Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman Addressed: A monsieur / Monsieur Franklin /...
133To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library As the Process which Mr Mercier thought fit to make against me is decided in my Favour, I according to the promise I made in my answer to the Memorial he presented to you herewith transmit his acct against the late Commissioners of the United States with the Vouchers exactly as I received it. I take the same Opportunity to...
134To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 11 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I am informed by the Admiralty here that I cannot have the Condemnation of the prize Goods taken by the Mifflin untill they receive from you the Papers & the Judgment by the Conseil des Prises at Paris. I therefore request you to return the said Papers with the Judgment that I may be able to transmit the Accot Sales to my...
135To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library This serves to inclose an Accot furnished by Mr DeSegray & Co for the Expenses which have attended the Saltpetre, which please to return me with your Approbation at the Foot of it & I will pay accordingly. I also inclose Extract of a Letter I have receivd from the Commr of the Genl Mifflin Privater with Copy of his Prisoners...
136Jonathan 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...
137Jonathan 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...
138To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Three Letters, 13 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society; (III) ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library In answer to the two papers inclosed in your favour of the 9th. Instant, the first containing a Detail of Insults offered to the Spanish Flagg by three american Vessells of War called the Resolution the...
139Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 4 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library I have at present to inform you of the arrival of the Frigate Ranger Capt. Jones with the Duplicates of the Dispatches I sent you by Mr. Austin. This Ship left portsmouth the 1st of November but brings not a syllable in addition to what we have had, and as Capt. Jones tells me that his Dispatches were on board before Mr. Austin sailed, I conclude that the...
140To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 29 May 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have but just Time to acknowledge the Receipt of yours per my Brother, whose Arival we had been long wishing for, but our pleasure was greatly damped by seeing him in such a state of Health; he has not been out since he first entered the House, and is at present very low, we are all fearfull he is consuming fast. I received per him only three 2d Volumes...
141Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 31 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Gabarre which is to carry down the Goods to go on board the Duchesse de Grammont is now loaded and will set off to day unless the weather prevents. I am obliged to take out 92 lbs. of the Salt to make room, yet cannot get all on board. I shall have about 2600 Suits of Cloaths remaining, besides the arms and 55 Cases of Sabres. I must beg leave to...
142To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library This will be presented to you by Mr Foster March Penny the son of one of my Friends in Boston. His Fathers Estate lies in the Island of Jamaica and He desires me to send this young Gentleman to London whence he is to embark for that Island. I take the Liberty of reccommending Mr Penny to your friendly notice while in Paris, and I request you to assist...
143To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Sensible Frigate is arrived in Corogne in Spain & by her I have a Letter from an intimate & well informed Friend dated 14 Nov. the day she put to sea. He tells me that Mr Adams is on board & with Credentials as minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of London. This extraordinary piece of Intelligence I have thought proper not to give out in public, for...
144To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd a Letter for Mr Moylan relative to the Bills payable to Mr Dennie, & therefore request you to make no opposition to the Payment of them.— It is said that a Cartel with the american Prisoners on board is arrived in the River— I am not sure of it, but have no reason to doubt it.— The american Gentlemen are almost all of them near their Departure—...
145To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have received your kind Favour of the 9th Inst. and thank you for the Employ you are pleased to give me. I will endeavour by my Conduct to do honour to your obliging preference. I shall conform to your Orders in drawing for Funds, I would observe however that Bills at 15 Days sight lose in general half Per Cent on the...
146To 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...
147To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., [21?] January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed is for the Deputies. I propose to expedite Monsieur Le Chevalier de mauduit du plessis in the mercury, for I know of no better way and the warmth of his Reccommendation requires the best. Altho’ I can say nothing in alteration of what I have written to the Deputies about Mr. P, yet I confess it creates an uneasy Reflection, for I hope it is no...
148To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have only time before the departure of the Post to inform you of the Arrival of the Brig Betsey from Philadelphia & to forward the inclosed for you.— I am as ever most dutifully & affectionately Notation: Jona. Williams Nantes. 19. Janr. 1782. Commanded by Bernard Gallagher (b. c. 1751), the ship had eight guns and twenty-seven men. Gallagher had received...
149To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I arrived here last Evening & agreeable to my Expectation found every thing that I had to do relative to the Marquis de la Fayette very well executed by my Clerk & the ship in the Stream all ready for Sea, as she has been some Days. I have no Instructions relative to the final Departure of this ship & I should suppose your Dispatches necessary, it is for...
150To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did not intend to trouble you any more about Capt. Wickes’s Sailors, but the only obstacle to the Settlement, now is whether they as deserters are intitled to their prize money, and Capt. Wickes does not think (as you will see by his Letters inclosed) that he can do it without an order from you; the Fact is that Capt. W has given these men a sort of...