51To 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...
52Jonathan 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...
53Jonathan 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...
54To 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...
55Jonathan 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...
56To 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...
57Jonathan 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...
58To 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...
59Jonathan 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...
60To 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...