251To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library When I made the agreement with Mr de Chaumont about the Ship I thought it was not possible to have any Difficulty; but he & his Correspondents make a strange demand of receiving the Freight before she Sails from Bordx because the words of the agreement are “ frêt acquit avant le depart ” & the Departure they fix to be from...
252To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Yale University Library The Ship Nonesuch is just arrived in 22 Days from Philadelphia. Thinking it of great Importance that the public Dispatches should go forward with the utmost Expedition, and the Post not going out for two Days to come, I thought it my Duty to send off this Express which I hope will be agreeable. I have given the Courier...
253To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 11 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Mr Grand Cannon is a youn Gentleman from Connecticut who passes through paris in his Way to London. He will have the Honour to pay his Respects to you, and I beg leave to introduce him to your kind Notice as a discreet, intelligent worthy young man, and deserving the Esteem of all his Friend; I have this knowledge of him from his...
254To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 25 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : American Philosophical Society; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The present Serves to hand you some Letters brought by my Father who is in my house in perfect Health. When I have arranged my Business so as to be able to leave it I shall wait on you with him & bring home Mrs W in return. I thank you for your Note to Lord Shelburne which I hope...
255To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed is a Letter which I have written to Mr. Holkar. If you think there is no impropriety in it I shall take it as a favour if you will send it him, letting him know at the same time who I am, as perhaps he may not reccollect me. I hear you intend coming here soon to see the Salt works, if so it will be best to make haste as the Season advances fast. In...
256To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Monsieur Tardiveau is connected in Business with Monsieur Tarvouillet Merchant in this place and proposes to settle in Philadelphia. For this purpose, he wishes to obtain a Letter of Introduction from you and in consequence has desired Mr. Montaudouin to write to you in his Favour. Mr Tarvouillet is a Gentleman who has shewn me a great deal of...
257To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd your and Mr. Deanes Favour of the 5 Inst. and wrote a short Letter to Mr. D. by Mr. de Francy this morning. I shall do the best in my power for the Interest of the Concerned in everything that comes under my Direction. I am glad you approve of a Connection with Mr. S. I imagine I can form one in a commercial way, but as I have no capital I must only...
258To 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...
259To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Mr James Moore Brother to Mr Philip Moore of Philadelphia has been some Time in this Town. He came hither from Scotland intending for America, but finding that through his Brothers Connexions he can fix himself advantageously in Business here he has determined to stay & enter into the american Trade. I advised him first to...
260To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Project of going to America has met with a very severe check— One of the richest Ships to my address with her Cargo & upwards of 100 men on board is blown up, & every Soul, Perished & not a Farthing saved.— Mr de Chaumont has lost by this accident upward of 100,000 Livres, & I fear Mr Montieu more than twice as much, by a fortunate neglect, I had nothing...
261To Benjamin Franklin from [Jonathan Williams, Jr.], 3 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I have just heard of an Opportunity by which a Letter may possibly reach you, therefore sit down to acknowledge the Receipt of yours of the 29th March. We are constantly wishing to hear from you again, all your Friends are extreemly anxious to know where you are and how you do: they are all well. You ask me if I am married, I am sorry to say I am not, nor am...
262To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The object of the Present is to inform you that the ship The Count de Grasse belonging to Newbury has arrived here from Guadaloupe with 300 hhds of Sugar, & a prise taken on the Coast bound from Dartmouth in England to Newfoundland; The Ship & Prise I understand are to my Address but as the Captain is not yet up I am not able...
263To 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...
264To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this day sent to the Marquis of Castries a Plan of An Enterprise which if undertaken cannot fail of being very distressing to England, and of high Importance to France & America,— what this Plan is I cannot at present tell you because I have left the Communication entirely to him, & in all probability he will lay it before you; When he does please to...
265To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft): Indiana University Library, Bloomington In consequence of your Desire to be informed what Facilitys or Disadvantages the American Commerce enjoyed or suffered in this Place, I sit down to give you a few outlines on the Subject, which may serve to give you a general Idea, and what Questions you may have to ask afterwards, I will...
266To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Inclosed is a Packet & two Letters which I received by the Mercury Capt Samson. This Ship is fitted out by the Massachusetts State to carry over the Stores it was expected Mr Austin would have been able to provide; but in consequence of his failure (for I do not understand he has in the smallest Degree succeeded) she is here...
267To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Four Letters, 22 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library; (III) and (IV) ALS : American Philosophical Society Since writing you on the 13th Instant in which I informed you that the Privateers complained of by the Spanish Court could not be american ones, I have made more particular Enquiry, and in order to satisfy the Ambassador in the fullest manner I return you the...
268To 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...
269To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have just heard that the Captain of the Marquis de la Fayette is gone to Passy. I cannot guess his Business, but I hope it will not occasion Delay. My Clerk has been at L’Orient some time & the ship is not yet ready to take in, You may be assured that not an hours delay will be on my side as all is ready. As I imagine there...
270To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received last Post a letter from Mr Moylan of L’orient in which are these Words. “If you wish to be deputy Consul of your district I have good Reason to imagine Mr Barclay would willingly authorize you to the Office, let me know your mind privately.” I have answered thus. “I conceive myself highly obliged to Mr Barclay for his Intention & much indebted to...
271To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, 1957) I have received your esteemed Favour of the 20 Inst and see with great Concern your Position with regard to M. de Chaumont.— In order to act with legal propriety with regard to the Marquis de la Fayette, I have thought it prudent to take the advice of Council, and in consequence of it I have this day written...
272To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have received your kind Favour of the 18 Instant. You may depend that not a Moments Time shall be lost in sending all the Goods to L’orient; the Cloathing that I made up is already there & the Goods you took of M de Chaumont will be on the Road as soon as I can find Roulliers sufficient which I hope will be in a few...
273To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be presented you by Mr Wilkinson the ingenious Director, and indeed the projector, of a very fine Foundery on this River.— I am under particular obligations to this Gentleman for his Civility to me and many americans I have conducted to see his Works, the last was Mr Adams, who was much pleased at the Simplicity & Ingenuity of his Machinery. I beg...
274To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library The Bearer is Mr George Moore son of Mr Phillip Moore in Philadelphia, He has been near two Years under my direction in this Place but is now written for by his Grandfather in the Isle of Man who wishes to see him; His Intention is therefore to pay his Duty to his aged parent & probably will return to America. I beg leave to introduce him to your Notice...
275To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I hear that my Friend & Correspondent Mr French of Bordeaux is now in Paris & intends to wait on you. I therefore beg leave to reccommend him to your Friendship & Civilities and I shall consider your Notice of him as an Obligation on me. I long to hear of the great Ships being at L’Orient as I am ready for her, & you may...
276To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 29 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I wrote you per last Post since which your Case of wine has been sent to the Messagerie. M de Francis arrived in Town from Rochelle last Evening he came passenger in the Fier Rodrigue which arrived at Isle de Rhe after first seeing her Convoy of 18 Sail safe in the Bordeaux River. M Dean is a passenger in the Fier Rodrigue. M...
277To 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...
278To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I wrote you last Post relative to the Claim I had made of Prisoners from this Cartel. The Subject of this is the Reception these Prisoners have met with and their Present Situation.— I beg leave to ask your perusal of my Letter to you of the 7th of April last.— I am sorry if you think me too importunate but I have some of the...
279To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library My Examination is begun & goes on very well, my Judges are compleat Merchants and their apparent Satisfaction pleases me. We have found the Letter I wrote you for last Post so you need not trouble yourself about it, but as you have incoporated Mr. Lees Answer to your desire, that he would “support his accusations, or give his...
280To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have the pleasure to inform you that the dispute between M. de Chaumont & me is terminated (as I was sure it would be) in my Favour. Two Gentlemen of his own appointing (M. Rozée & M. Montaudouin) have decided the Freight to be payable only after the Goods are loaded at L’Orient, & Messrs Jeauge & Co (Mr de Chaumonts...
281To 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...
282To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: E. Marie Lorimer, Melrose, Pennsylvania (1957) I am sorry to trouble you with my Difficulties, I know you have Friendship enough for me to be afflicted at my misfortunes, & I am doubly distressed by being the Cause of any uneasiness of mind to you; but I cannot avoid telling you myself what you must hear from others, because you might have a partial...
283To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I have the pleasure to inform you that the Marquis de la Fayette is now loaded & ready for the Sea. I sent on last post my Letters to Congress & the Agent for supplying the Army informing them of all that is necessary relative to the Cargo, so that the Ship now only waits for your final Orders. My Presence at L’Orient has not been necessary for had I...
284To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 17 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg Leave to introduce to your particular Notice and Friendship my Friends Mr Nat Barrett and Mr Frazer, the former of these Gentlemen is the son of an old Friend of yours and the Latter is particularly reccommended to me. Mr Barrett has many Letters for you, and I have given him the one you sent to me for Mr Paradise that Gentleman being returned to...
285To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Opportunity by a private Hand to return you Capt Folgers Bond & Oath, in order to save the postage. I will write by the Post. I am in haste yours most dutifully and affectionately Notation: J. Williams 24. Fevr. 1782. See JW to BF , Nov. 10, and BF ’s reply of Nov. 19.
286To 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
287To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; incomplete copy: Yale University Library Agreeable to my Intention I plainly told Mr. S that the Conditions of partnership which he proposed would not answer. He again told me that he thought that Sum would be sufficient for the purpose, but that the Goods being in hand any Funds in his power to raise should not be wanting. He said however he would agree...
288To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I herewith send you a Letter which I have written to you and Mr Adams in consequence of a piece of Information which I had from Billy. I send it to you first in order that Billy may not think himself exposed by having communicated the Matter to me; It is for this Reason that I have not said how I came by the...
289To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 29 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your kind Letter of the 18 Inst. and thank you for your Advice which I shall always follow. I have had a Consultation with my Creditors here which has terminated in the most favourable Manner possible. Instead of meeting men Angry from disappointment I found myself in the midst of compassionate Friends, & they unanimously offered me 2 Years...
290To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I arrived here late last night and had only Time to see Capt Jones depart for Paris. He will inform you of the extraordinary Revolution which has happened on board of the Alliance, which from what I can learn is principaly owing to the pernicious Councils of a certain industrious Genius near here who I believe would...
291To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Since my Return from Passy I have not received a Line from Mr de Chaumont relative to the Breton although I have frequently written to him on the Subject; I have received Letters from him on other matters but not a word of the Breton. I am at a loss to account for this & I wish you would please to put him in mind of the...
292To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library The Brig Sally Capn. Worth arrived Yesterday from Rhodisland to my address and brings the inclosed Letters for Your Excy. which I take the earliest oppertunity of forwarding. She brings advise that the French Ship Segitaire with 10 Transports had arrived with troops who join’d the Count of Rochambeau’s Army— & no other Newse of consequence. I am ever...
293To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 17 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this is Mr. Frerot a Cannon Founder in this place; his Business at Paris is to obtain permission of the Ministry to make what quantity he pleases which it seems can’t be done without such leave. Mr. Montaudouin reccommends him to me and in consequence I beg leave to introduce him to you. If on examining his plan it should be agreeable to you,...
294To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I hope you will not think me troublesome by requesting you to forward the Inclosed to Mr de Fleury with a short Letter informing him who I am and your Opinion of my Capacity & Probity.— I have the maintenance of my Family to think off and I wish by my own Labours to rise in the World. It is not therefore extraordinary that I should seize every Occasion...
295To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I received your Favour of the 27 Sept too late to answer it by the last Post. The Accot of Bills and the other Cloathing Accounts are making out as fast as possible, they are very long so I cannot send them by this Post but you shall have them in a Day or two. I am glad to hear you are likely to get a Pasport for the Salt...
296To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have written the inclosed because I feel myself very uneasy least I should be liable to the charge of double dealing but if you do not think a longer silence will be construed to my disadvantage, I confess it appears best that the Letter should not go. You know my only motives, and can best judge of the probability of my return or stay, I therefore beg...
297To 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...
298To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have received a Letter from Mr DeSegray at St Malo of which I send inclosed a Copy. You will see by it the Difficulties that will attend the Transportation of the Saltpetre; That relative to Mr Schweighauser I have obviated by desiring him to write & relinquish his Pretentions, which he has promised in consequence of a...
299To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 13 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library The Bearer of this Mr Wanton Casey is the son of Mr Silas Casey of Rhode Island, he came hither about 2 Years ago warmly recommended to me by Aunt Mecom & has been ever since in my Counting House. I beg leave to introduce him to you as a very worthy Young man & request you will honour him with your Notice & Civility. I am as ever most dutifully &...
300To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Agreeable to my promise I send you two of your Chapters. I have but 3 & take the Liberty to keep one for myself which hope you will permit.— The wind & weather has been the best possible for outward Bound Ships these 15 Days past, had I been under Sail I should be at least onehalf the Distance between this & America. I impatiently wait the arrival of Monsr....