111Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 18 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I have recvd. a Letter from Capt. Thompson Commander of the Rawleigh Frigate by which I find the prizes made by the two Ships consisted of 750 hhds. Sugar 325 Puncheons Rum 70 Plank Mahogany 15 Casks of Coffee and the two Ships which Capt. Nicholson tells me are 500 and 800 Tons Burden. This Property was sold for 9700 Sterling, which I take to be about ⅓ of the...
112To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote to you the 9th Inst. inclosing one for M. Chaumont and a draft on him for 400.000 Livres. M. Chaumont mentions the 15th that he has not heard from me. I am therefore very uneasy about the fate of this Letter, and have written a Copy of it to M. C. to day. I now inclose you another draft of the same tenor and date, which if the other arrived safe you...
113Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library The present serves to inform you that Mr. de Sartine has written to the Commissary here relative to the Lion in which he forbids that any munitions of war of any kind be embark’d or that any pretended Clearances be made. I have not nor can I appear in this Business, but I have desired Mr. Peltier to assure the Commissary that no munitions of War shall be...
114To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your favour of the 25 Inst. and immediately destroyed the Contents. The one you wrote a few days before never came to hand. I have sent to my procureur to take the Steps the paper you inclosed advised, but I confess I cannot understand the use it will be of. In consequence of what I need not repeat to you I felt myself a good deal eased of...
115Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 4 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library As it was absolutely necessary to have Ballast for the Ship and neither the Flints or Copper arrived nor any appearance of their arriving (except about 30.000 w [cwt.] of the latter) for some time I have bought 40.000 w of Bar Lead at 23 l.t. Per cwt.[?] and about 30 Ton of Salt. I have in doing this been as saving as I possibly could, and even now shall be...
116To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Prizes are given to the English by Special order of the King, in consequence of which I have stopped payment on their account, and this day turned away a Bill of 945 Livres; but I am grown prudent when too late, and am now very much in advance. The loss of the money is the least inconvenience in this matter, for the pretence of being here to refit and...
117Jonathan 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...
118To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 11 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Favour of the 23d Octo. I did not receive ’till the day before yesterday owing I suppose to M. Montieu’s return to Paris. As to the Prizes I am very much afraid that we are on all hands deceived for while M. C was amused with the Idea of returning them to us orders were absolutely given to confiscate, and after that, when he was again amused with the...
119To 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...
120Jonathan 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...
121Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 29 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Agreeable to the orders of Mr. Dean and Mr. Lee I have the honour to transmit Capt. Adams’s Deposition properly authenticated. I have no american News, there being no Arrivals since my last, but I have just heard a melancholy account of Capt. Wickes having foundered on the Banks of Newfoundland. This I am much disposed to disbelieve, and the more so as I...
122Jonathan 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...
123Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 2 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By my Letter to day I am in expectation of Dispatches for Young which may perhaps be sent off before you receive the last important Express. I take the earliest opportunity to inform you that it will be my wish, in that case, to detain Capt. Youngs dispatches ’till I hear from you supposing you will choose to make some addition to them, and I request that...
124Jonathan 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...
125Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 6 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have kept the Duplicates of the Dispatches to this Time in Expectation of a private Hand, that failing I am now obliged to send a Man on purpose, but in the least expensive way. If you have no further commands for him please to discharge him directly; he is not to return Post unless you order him so to do. The minister lately sent orders to stop the Lion,...
126To 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....
127Jonathan 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...
128Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In expectation of hearing from you I have only at present to inform you that I am just returned from Painbeuf, and have had the pleasure of seeing as fine a Ship as any of her size in any Navy. I am in expectation of seeing Capt. Nicholson soon and if our obstacles are removed I shall soon finish the Expedition; the Ship is all rigged, Guns mounted and...
129Jonathan 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...
130Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 27 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Credit you have been pleased to establish for me at M. Grands being all employed, I have to request you to give me another Letter of Credit on him. I cannot fix the precise Sum that will be necessary but I imagine about 200,000 Livres will be sufficient for the completion of what Business I have at present in hand. Be that as it may the Funds shall be...
131Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 30 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Your Favour of the 27th Inst. was handed to me last Evening by my good Friend Mr. Carmichael. I am extreemly sorry to inform you that all the proposed measures will be useless, as the Ships in Question sailed at least 8 days ago under Convoy of a french and an english Frigate. I went however to M. Montaudouin and from him immediately to the Lieut. General...
132Jonathan 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...
133Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library I have received your Favour of the 3d Instant. I have concluded as the shortest and cheapest way to send a Boat out with a French Officer from this place, who has my particular orders relative to his Business. I find that the person you direct me to consult with is returned to [ blank in MS ] I shall therefore write you from thence in a day or two, to which...
134Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, [19 January 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: American Philosophical Society On my arrival at Brest I went to the Commandant of marine to ask permission for the Ship to go to St. nazare to which I received a refusal for want of orders. I represented to the Commodore (at Quiberon) the inefficacy of the Convoy if we had not liberty to go to St. Nazare. That he said he could not help as the Commander at Painbeuf was not under him...
135Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been for several Days down to the Ship and left her at St. Nazare. I have done with both the French Ships. I beg you will please to apply for an order to wait in Quiberon ’till all the Ships join else I am afraid the Brune will be left. Poor Mr. Morris has finished his affairs in this world. I am much concerned at being absent, but every care was...
136Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have to inform you that Capt. Jenkins is just arrived from Nantucket. His last Accounts from Boston were the 25 Decr., at which time nothing material had happened. He left nantucket 6 Jan. He reports that Gen. Lee was exchanged for Gen. Prescot, the army were in high Spirits, and in want of nothing. Gen. Washington had no Intention of going into Winter...
137Jonathan 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...
138Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library All the Vessells have now I imagine joined the Fleet. The wind therefore will only prevent its immediate Departure which I expect every Day to hear of. I cannot find another Vessell on any terms here. I would give as high as 150 Livres, but none are to be had. I have to day heard of a Ship which is at L’orient. I have written about her. If I can get her on...
139Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; copy: University of Virginia Library The Fleet sailed from Quiberon the 25th Instant, but the Winds have since been rather unfavourable. I am extreemly sorry to inform you that the Duchesse of Grammont is according to appearance left behind. This Ship sailed three Weeks ago to join the Fleet, but being badly stowed was obliged to put back. She has since been...
140Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, [3 March 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of the 28 Ultimo I have recvd. advice that the Duchesse of Grammont still remains at St. Nazarre. I hear that two Ships of War which were designed to join the Fleet are returned to Rochfort, we have therefore judged proper to detain the Grammont ’till further orders, in hopes that you will be able to obtain these Ships for a new Convoy: Mr....
141To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 3 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd. your Favour of the 28th Feb. on my return from Quiberon, after it had been laying some time waiting for me. The one Inclosed had no Direction, I was therefore obliged to break the Seal to know for whom it was intended. I did this because I thought it was for some person about to Depart which would leave no Time to obtain your answer, and because I...
142To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd. your obliging Favour of the 28 Inst. and am much rejoiced at Mr. Chaumonts success; I hope he will retain a Dedomagement for his Trouble and Kindness. If this Money is to be paid in America how am I to be reimbursed my Expences and paid Commissions? But I suppose the 50,000 Livres will be paid here; I beg Sir you will obtain this for me, for a...
143Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 7 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Duchesse of Grammont is still waiting your permission to proceed to sea. I have been trying several people to get a Ship to carry out what Goods remain, without success. The Ship at L’orient I mentioned in my last does not turn out to my Satisfaction. M. Gruel has a Ship here which is a good Sailor. I know her to be such because she lately came from...
144To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you last post and am still without anything from Mr. C[haumont] relative to the Prizes, but as I find the Courier has been stopped I expect to hear per next post. Mr. C. you say has obtained an order for the payment to the owners in America. If Government absolutely stipulate that the money should be paid in America I should be extreemly Glad to...
145To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As Mr. Chaumonts Servant is here I embrace the opportunity to convey to you two of your Bankers Books which I found among my papers. I impatiently wait to hear from you relative the subject of my last. I have no news but am very respectfully and affectionately Your dutifull kinsman
146Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am still without any of your Favours which gives me much uneasiness the importance of several of my last being very considerable. I am again informed by Mr. Grand that my Bills remain unapproved which I am sure must be only owing to the hurry of Business, but I beg you to attend to it, as Delay may hurt the Credit of my Paper. I have the honour to be very...
147To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd. your Favor of the 2d Instant recommending Mr. Fontevieux, who waits to hear from Paris to obtain Mr. Montieu’s Permission to embark in the Duchesse de Grammont. I hear to day that Mr. Deane is recalled, and it is told as matter of Joy by those who seem best informed on the Subject; This Circumstance cannot affect me as to what relates to...
148To 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,...
149Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 21 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd. your favour of the 16th Instant too late to answer it by the return of Post. I shall observe your Directions relative to shipping on board the Grammont. I hope she will be able to take all the Cloaths and Hose that remain, but I shall not get a single Case of arms on board and I have at least 300 in the magazine ready to ship. Inclosed is the...
150Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 24 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Since my last of 21st Instant I have nothing to inform your Excellencies relative to Business, the weather having been such as to prevent any operation. The last post from Brest brings accounts of the Return of Monsr. la motte Picquet with his Fleet. He left our Ships in Latt. 42 Longd. 17 with a fine wind which continued fifteen Days. After Seperation...
151Jonathan 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...
152To 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...
153To 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...
154To 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...
155Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Pleasure to inform your Excellencies that the Duchesse de Grammont sailed the 7th Instant, and that the Wind has since continued very favourable. The french Sailor who escaped from Prison after being taken in the Lexington appearing to have a just claim for his Wages, I have paid him up to the time of Capture. I am informed that the Congress...
156Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 18 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, April 18, 1778: I have received yours of the 13th, and will make no new commitments without your orders; you will I hope, honor my drafts for those already made. The workmen are repairing the less damaged weapons; repairing them all would take at least two years. If the operation were stopped, and the men sent back to Liège, the remaining arms...
157To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library As I have never had any recall of the powers the Commissioners gave me, I was in Duty bound to signify to Mr. Schweighauser that I should oppose those of his powers from Mr. Lee that should interfere with mine. Mr. A. Lee is informed of this and demands of me Copies of the Powers I hold from the Commissioners, which I have accordingly made out, but as I do not...
158Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, April 28, 1778: I have received a consignment from M. Grand, which he tells me was shipped on your account; what do I do with it? I have also received 196 swivel guns for which you paid Mr. Merckle; they are the worst I ever saw and should be sold for scrap. From the same source come muskets and parts for them. Of the clothes, arms, etc., remaining...
159To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd. your Favour of the 18th Instant and immediately wrote to a Friend in England to convey some necessary supplies to Capt. Collis drawing on me for the amount. The Prize Money I refer’d to in my Letter was what was carried to the Commissioners Credit at Morlaix and L’orient, which will be found to be so much Deduction, from the Lexington and the...
160To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed Letter was given me by Capt. Cumstock who has lately escaped from Prison. Capt. Cumstock as well as Mr. Chandler who is arrived from Paris are in want and I shall give them both such necessary assistance as I have hitherto given to our unfortunate Countrymen. The former of these Persons has continental loan office Bills for the amount of about...