101Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 13 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Upon examination of the Concord, her Inventory was found very deficient, those things which we thought would be a diminution of her price of at least 5000 Livres were not in her. It seems the owner has lately fitted out a large Ship for the Coast of Guinea and has taken from one to supply the other. This determined Mr. Peltier to purchase the Count de...
102Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this day drawn on you two drafts the first in favor of L Escuyer at one usance for 3801.15. the second in favor of Peltier Du Doyer at four Usances 2764.7: 6566.2. The first of these drafts is in payment for some Lining for the Soldiers Cloaths, and the last in payment for some Sail Cloth for the Lions Sails. I have recvd. part of the Soldiers...
103Jonathan 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...
104Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 2 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I have just received your favour of the 28th Ultimo and shall take care to observe all your Directions with the greatest Exactness, but I must first inform you of a most vexatious turn our Affairs relative to the Duc de Chartres are about to take unless we can sufficiently oppose the Design. When I bought this Ship...
105Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 25 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library M. Peltier has recvd. his Instructions from M. Montieu, but they are not exactly similar to yours, M. Montieu intending to put all his Goods on board the Chalotais, and I prefer putting as much of yours as I can on board of this Ship, which by the tenor of your agreement it appears I have liberty to do. However rather than have any further Difficulty or...
106Jonathan 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...
107Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library I send inclosed the agreement made with the proposed Captain of the Lion which I request you to sign your approbation of and return by the next post. The Sum is as small a one as I could possibly agree for, and I hope you will not think it too much. When 5 and 6000 Livres has been given, this does not seem very extravagant. The articles relative to the...
108Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library Inclosed is a Letter from Capt. Nicholson by which you will see the number of prizes is much less than the prize master here told me. I hear that one is Arrived at Dunkirk I have as yet heard nothing of the other Six. Mr. Morris Returnd from Bordeaux the day before yesterday. I sent the prize master to him Explained the reason of my Conduct and gave up...
109Jonathan 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...
110Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 24 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I have bought the Duc de Chartres for 70,000 l.t. payable at 4, 5 and 6 months but I was obliged to Submit to a Conditional Sale that if before the day of my purchase she should be ready sold in Paris the bargain is Void but if Accounts of Such a previous purchase do not Arrive by next Tuesday the bargain with me to be good and as the time betwen this...
111Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 10 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I drew on you yesterday in favour of Messrs. Montaudouin for 3000 Livres. I have to pay for the Reparation of what arms have been hitherto purchased and being liable to some small demands I wish to keep a little sum in my desk. Agreeable to your order about making preparations for the Cloaths, I have purchased 300...
112To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 8 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd. the inclosed from Capt. Collis who is a prisoner in England, you will see by it an account of his Misfortune and desires of Assistance, which I should be happy to be the Instrument of affording him. It is perhaps needless to tell you that Capt. Collis is the Husband of Jenny Mecom. I also inclose another Letter which by the address I...
113To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library As the English News Writers have been endeavouring to hurt us by giving bad News, I think it my Duty to give you Copy of an Account contradicting their Publication which I received from L’Orient the 4th Inst & which I wish may give you as much Pleasure as it has me. I am with much Respect Your ever Affectionate Kinsman Addressed: a monsieur / Monsieur...
114To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 13 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Inclosed are 2 Letters from Major Franks one for you & one for Mr Jay. The Bills mentioned I have sent to Mr Grand.— What is to be done about sending out the public Stores? There are here two large american Ships now here which will want Freight one of them the Cato of 300 Tons to my address, but these Ships belong to the...
115To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearers Capt. Dun and Mr. Curlis have lately arrived here from Georgia, and may possibly give you some Information relative to the affairs of our Country. I beg leave to recommend them to your civilities and am with the greatest Respect most dutifully and affectionately Yours Addressed: A monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / LLD / a / Passy Samuel Dunn,...
116To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1957) I wrote you last Post a particular Letter relative to Mr de Chaumonts affairs since which I find they are publicly known & the alarm is general. Every man who has taken my Bills on him in this Place have mentioned to me his stoppage of payment, but I am happy to find they have great Confidence...
117To 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...
118To 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...
119To 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...
120To 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...
121To 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...
122To 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...
123To 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...
124To 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...
125To 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...
126To 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...
127To 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...
128To 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...
129To 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...
130To 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...
131To 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...
132To 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...
133To 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...
134To 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...
135To 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...
136To 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...
137To 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...
138To 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...
139To 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...
140To 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...
141To 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...
142To 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...
143To 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...
144To 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...
145To 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...
146To 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....
147To 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...
148To 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...
149To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library Mr Louis Tardy informs me that he could obtain an advantageous protection for his Brother who is lately gone to St Domingo if you would kindly signify a favourable opinion of him. I therefore do not hesitate to assure you that the person in question Mr Gabriel Tardy has been near 5 years with me and I can with truth declare him to be an honest, industrious &...
150To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Since writing you about the Prisoners on Parole and others who wanted their Parole, I am informed by the Officer of the Garrison here that if I will add these Prisonners to those now in Rochelle a Cartel may be immediately procured to send them off together, specifying the Distinctions of the Flags under which they were taken...