111To 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, &...
112To 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....
113To 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...
114Jonathan 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...
115Jonathan 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...
116To 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...
117To 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...
118To 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...
119To 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, &...
120To 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...
121Jonathan 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...
122Jonathan 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...
123To 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...
124Jonathan 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...
125To 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 /...
126To 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...
127To 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...
128To 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...
129Jonathan 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...
130Jonathan 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...
131To 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...
132Jonathan 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...
133Jonathan 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...
134To 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...
135To 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...
136To 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—...
137To 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...
138To 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...
139To 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...
140To 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...
141To 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...
142To 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...
143To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your Favour of the 17 Inst and should be happy immediately to execute your Orders, but the Frigate Alliance has not only fled and deprived us of her Assistance but the Bonhomme Richards men are in her & are loaded with Irons because they want to join their old Commander. Thus does this Fool & madman sacrifice the dearest Interests of our...
144To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 11 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Sollicoffre of whom you have already received recommendations will soon sail to settle in our Country, I believe in Virginia. He requests a Letter of Reccommendation from you to some person in that part of the Country and desires me to write to you for that purpose. I have been acquainted with him from the time of my first coming to Nantes and have...
145To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On looking over some Papers I found a Congress Commission & Warrant, which remaind after filling up those for the Dean. As it is probable you may want them for Capt Jones, and as they ought to be at your Disposal only, I herewith transmit them and request you in the next Letter you write me to do me the favour to mention the reception of them. A Dutch...
146Jonathan 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...
147To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library When I transmitted my last account to the Commissioners I made a memorandum at the Foot showing that when all the demands were paid the Balance would be in my favour. I now enclose the account as it now stands only £2979.19.9. and the Deans anchors, yet unpaid for which Mr. Gourlade this day demands of me amount to £6350..13.— Being under a Cruel accusation & my...
148To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I write by this Post to the Ministers to which I refer for the reason of my Business here. I assure you I will endeavour to avoid all possible Dispute with Mr. Lees Deputy; but it is not in my power to allow his power to be superiour to those the Commissioners gave me, unless You authorize me so to do. Lieut. Simpson who is under arrest is very desirous...
149To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library The Marquis de la Fayette is at length arrived at L’Orient & as soon as the Freight she brought round from Bordeaux is delivered she will begin to take in: All that depends on me is ready, & you may depend there will not be a moments Delay that I can prevent.— I have written a Letter to the Minister which I inclose for...
150Jonathan 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...
151Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 22 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am favourd with yours of the 19th Inst. and in Consequence have told Capt. Thompson that I should Take his paper. As to the Duc de Chartres She is not yet bought because the persons who are to Sell her have not Received their answer from Paris and till they have power to Sell it is needless to make any more offers. Capt. Nicholson is here and with...
152To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The inclosed Letter I recvd by this days Post from my House at L’Orient. I am at same Time informed that the Sailors you wrote Williams Moore & Co about are set at Liberty. I refer you to my last which was on the subject of your affairs with Mr de Chaumont. I am as ever with the greatest Respect most dutifully & affectionately...
153To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have this day received a Letter from Mr de Chaumont, in which he tells me, he has purchased the Breton & that she will be ready to take in at L’orient by the last of next Month, so that what I wrote you by the last Post need not be shewn to him, since the Business is now going on, and you may depend it will on my Side go on...
154To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I inclose you an Accot of what I have paid to the Custom House for Duty, on Public Goods amounting to £5271.. 13.10.[ l.t. ] I send a Voucher for the principal sum, the two small ones are included in other payments for different Concerns; if it is neccessary I will have other Receipts taken & sent to you.— I have had a deal of...
155To 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...
156To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, 1957) Your kind Favour of the 15. Inst came to hand this morning. I am much obliged to you for your Congratulations on the delivery of Mrs Williams, she has been much troubled with one of her Breasts, but is now getting better fast, & she persists in suckling the Child. I have recvd Mr De Segrays Account approved &...
157To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your Favour of the Inst per Mr Witherspoon. I gave it to your good Friend Capt All, who had heard with Pain what I before wrote to you, & who now rejoices at the Opportunity of confounding malicious Tongues. I send you inclosed a Newspaper in order to shew you the inhumane Conduct of Lord Rawdon, now a prisoner in Paris. I do not expect to...
158To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I beg leave to introduce to your particular notice my Friend Mr Mason of Virginia a Gentleman of a respectable Family & plentifull Fortune by showing him every civility & every mark of Friendship he may have occasion for you will very sensibly Oblige Dear & hond Sir Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman Addressed: The Hon. / Doctor Franklin / Passy...
159To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have this Moment received your kind Favour of the 14 Instant, in which you ask me to explain the Reason and Utility of my drawing on M. de Chaumont on Accot of the Cloathing. This Arrangement does not originate with me Mr de Chaumont ordered me to do so, and as you refered me to him for the Detail of this Matter I...
160To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You must have already seen by my Letters how much pains I have taken to keep clear of Dispute, and yet obey my Orders. My last to the Commissioners from Brest will show you that I have ever avoided doing the Rangers Business for fear of disagreeable altercation. Notwithstanding this, I have a Letter from Mr. A. Lee by which it appears that complaints are...