301To 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...
302To 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...
303To 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...
304To 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.
305To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 December 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This being the last month in the Year, I have been ’till now busily employed in casting up and settling my affairs, and as I never form’d very great Expectations, I find myself very content with the result. It appears that I have good enough to pay all I owe, and £300 Sterling left being the clear profits of last years Business. In the last Account I gave...
306To 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
307To 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...
308To 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...
309To 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...
310To 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...
311To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 January–30 March 1774 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I received your much esteemed favour of November 1st 1773, and immediately delivered the Letters that were inclosed to the Gentlemen to whom they were directed. I thank you for your readiness in procuring the organ I recieved per Hall, which was much admired. I shall ever think myself happy when in my power to render you any services on this side; as far as...
312To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 29 July-4 August 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was desired to send Mrs. Stevenson 6 Boxes of Sperma Ceti Candles, but as they will not admit a less quantity than 22 lbs. [?] to be shipt, was obliged to send her 9: which I have shipped on board the Lydia Capt. Hood directed to you as per the inclosed Bill of Lading. Mrs. S will appropriate the amount to the Payment of an Organ I desired you to procure...
313To 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...
314To 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...
315To 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,...
316To 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...
317To 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...
318To 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...
319To 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...
320To 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...
321To 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 &...
322To 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....
323To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, 1957) I have before me your two Favours of the 28 Ulto and 1st Instant.— I understand as little as you do the Reason of drawing on M. de Chaumont, but he ordered me to do so and you had previously put me under his Orders about the Cloathing; the only Reason I ever heard was a supposed incompatibility between your...
324To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, 1957) I have just received your esteemed Favour of the 22 Inst. I see your Intention to take the Officers Cloathing on Accot of Congress & to pay the Bills drawn for HO accordingly; I must observe however that it will be necessary to have an order for Mr de Chaumont for the Delivery of these Officers Cloathing to...
325To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 23 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Yale University Library Before I recvd your Favour of the 16th Instant I saw yours to the American Gentlemen of the 13th, and as some of the Persons named were gone to Painbeuf, I sent an Express immediately with your Letter & one from myself of which No 1 is a Copy.— The next Day I was honoured with your above mentioned Favour and I...
326To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library On the other Side is an Extract from the last letter I recvd. from Mr. Alexander. I send it to you that you may read his Sentiments relative to the proposed partnership, tho’ I confess I am afraid of troubling you too much with my affairs. You will see by my Letters to the Commissioners the part I have taken...
327To 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...
328To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library You some time since advised me not to meddle in the Affairs of Prisoners, and I have endeavoured to follow your Advice because in fact not being the agent it does not belong to me.— I cannot however as a private Man help feeling for Distresses I see, and as a private Man I am always willing to contribute my Share, but it is...
329To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Yale University Library Onboard of one of the prizes lately arrived at L’Orient to the address of my House Williams Moore & Co, are part of the Crew of his Brittanic Majestys ship Ramilies which sunk at sea. One of them being an Officer has desired to know if he & his Comrades are to be prisoners of War or not, having fallen into our Hands in...
330To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Three Letters, 9 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library; (III) ALS : American Philosophical Society The Procureur du Roi of this Place seeing my Servant Mark Anthony passing the street took it into his Head to order him to Prison because he is black; He has been two Years with me and is well known by everybody in the Town, yet is to day taken up on an Edict of...
331To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 17 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have already mentioned to you the Arrival of the Massachusetts State Ship Mars & I suppose both Mr Austin & Capt Samson have told you her Situation; I need not therefore make any further Introduction to this Letter, which I shall confine to that Subject. It seems the State expected Mr Austin would have succeeded in...
332To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have just received a Letter from Mr De Segray of which he tells me he has sent you a Copy. You will see by it that it is not the Regisseurs des Poudre but les Fermier Genereaux that must give the permission desired. Please to obtain this & send it to Mr De Segray as soon as possible, in the mean time I have desird him to...
333To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed is brought by my Cousin & Namesake Jon Williams who comes passenger in my Ship three Friends: I also inclose you a Paper.— I congratulate you most sincerely on your late sole appointment, not as being advantageous to you, for I do not know how Honour could be added to your Character, but on accot of my Country whose I am sure all the advantage...
334To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 31 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Captain Thompson Commander of the Gen Lee who sent an Express to you from Brest is arrived here by land, and on his arrival he gave me news which I immediately made Public supposing the particulars to be sent you from Brest; But as Mr de Chaumont who arrived here to day tells me no mention is made of it in your Dispatches, I set down to give it to you as I...
335To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Major Sherburne who will deliver this has already several Introductions to you, I cannot however let him go away without adding my assurances that I think him a Gentleman worthy of your Friendship & Civility & I therefore request you will honour him with your particular notice. I am as ever most dutifully & affecy Your Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor...
336To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The present serves to introduce to your Acquaintance Doctor Mason Weems and his Companion Mr Manifold; these Gentlemen mean both to go to Britain, the former to pursue the study of his Profession in Edinburgh, and the latter for some affairs which will make his stay but short. I request you to honour these Gentlemen with your kind Notice, and to favour them...
337To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be presented to you by Mr Samuel Bradford a young Townsman of mine, warmly reccommended to me by my Friends, & by his deportment & agreeable Manners, he appears to deserve all they have said of him. I take the Liberty to introduce him to your notice & am with the greatest Respect Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman Addressed: The Honourable /...
338To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 June 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Agreeable to a Message from Lord Shelburn, I waited on the Prince de Masserano spanish ambassador, for a Book which his Lordship informed me was for You. After my Name was sent up, his Secretary came and asked if I spoke French, and answering in the affirmative I was immediately admitted into the Princes Chamber, where he was dressing. He then told me that the...
339To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I understand Mr. Schweighauser has informed the Commissioners of a Dispute that has happened between us relative to the Ship Drake which I have lately bought of him, and as you, being one of the Commissioners will of course hear the Story on his side, which may not be much in my Favour, I hope you will excuse the Trouble I give you by a Relation of the...
340To 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...
341To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am highly pleased to find that my Inclination to settle in France meets with your approbation, and I will do my best endeavours to preserve the good opinion you are pleased to honour me with. This place seems to me the best calculated for carrying on the american Trade, especially in time of war. I understand that all vessells that come on this coast are...
342To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society, copy: Yale University Library I received a Letter from Billy per last Post in which he tells me you desire to know the general run of the Orders I have recvd from America. Bohea Tea composes much more than half, and the remainder is assorted— The articles are too numerous to give an exact accot of them, but in general they run on what is called necessarys...
343To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Farmers General notwithstanding they had exempted the Cloths employed in the Cloathing from the Duties of Consumtion, have now demanded of me the payment of the whole Duties, which if paid will amount I suppose to 30 or 40,000. In the first Place these Duties are not due because the Goods have been exported; it is only the Form of the Business that can...
344To Benjamin Franklin from [Jonathan Williams, Jr.], 19 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I am happy to convey to you two Letters which I think must give you pleasure because they come from your old Friends. I wish I could convey to you as many more as (if it was thought they would arrive safe) your other Friends wish to write. I know of no material alteration among them, all I have lately seen are well. The good Bishop with his amiable Family...
345To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have Received your Favour of the 15th Inst. by Mr Paradise and Mr Jones who arrived here last evening. I am astonished Mr de Chaumont should persist in such ridiculous as well as unjust Demands, he surely is much altered, for I think I can remember when he would have despised the same conduct in another; Our Defence is so...
346To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library This document alludes to Jonathan Williams, Jr.’s, relationships with two key figures in Franklin’s life: Jacques Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont and Edward Bancroft. All three men were involved individually and with one another in private business ventures, Williams arranging for the shipping of thousands of livres worth of...
347To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I beg leave to reccommend to your kind Notice Mr Purviance son to a Respectable Merchant in Maryland. This young Gentleman proposes to make a Tour to Ireland with a View of reestablishing his Health & visiting some Relations. I shall be much obliged by your giving him the necessary passport, and whatever Civilities you may think proper to show him you...
348To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 April 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am highly obliged by your Favours of the 13th and 14th Janry, with which I received the Gum, with the Amount of which please to charge my Father and I will pay him here, as it will be needless to keep open 2 Accounts when one will be sufficient. After I have made the Rubbers I will take the liberty to inform you of their Success. I am obliged by your...
349To 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...
350To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Capt Collas is now ready to sail in a little Brig which Mr Johnson has given him & in which I have a small Share.— At His request I gave him the Privateer Commission which was made out for his intended Cruize last Spring in the Mediterranean, and in order to put the matter on a regular Footing I inclose you a new Bond in...