1Barbeu-Dubourg: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, [after 21 December 1776] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society M. D. propose a Messieurs F. D. et L. de leur faire des avances soit de draps, soit de fusils (du modele de 1763, controllés et tirés des propres magazins du Roy) pour la valeur de trois cent mille livres tournois, a condition que ces Messieurs lui fourniront en retour des tabacs de Virginie et de Mariland pour pareille somme, bien entendu que les achats...
2Charles-Julien de Longchamp(s) [de la Blutière ?] to the American Commissioners, [March? 1778]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <[Versailles, March ?, 1778,] in French: In 1774 I was a second lieutenant in Guadeloupe, with no prospect of quick advancement. An Englishman persuaded me and my family that I should go to America, and provided letters of introduction; I went gladly because I had long wanted to learn English and to advance in my profession. On arrival I was well received by...
3Jonathan 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...
4Intelligence from Brest and Paris, 6–13 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
D : National Archives We summarize here, according to our practice, the other intelligence reports that fall within the period of this volume. There are only two, both in French and in the hand of the chevalier de Kéralio. The first is from Brest on April 10 with an added letter of the 16th. The report lists 25 French ships of the line that are expected to be ready within ten days; 17 more are...
5Dumas to the American Commissioners, 13 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (incomplete draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief The intelligence reports that make up all but the conclusion of this letter are interesting enough to be printed in full, as a sample of the news that the commissioners received from their principal informant in the Netherlands. He is here supplying every possible tidbit of information because Europe was in...
6John Ross to the American Commissioners, 12 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library I did myself the honour to address you on the 26th. and 28 Ultimo. Being since without the favour of any of Your’s, Permit me to repeat my request of being informed by you Honorable Gentlemen What has been done with those books and papers carryed off from hence by Mr. Wm. Lee. Yesterday I heard, and not before , of a very timely precaution he took on the day of...
7Jonathan 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...
8William Lee to the American Commissioners, 6 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Autograph copy: Virginia Historical Society; two transcripts: National Archives In conformity to the general instructions of the secret committee that you should be consulted and advised within all important cases relative to their commercial affairs, and Mr. Thos. Morris joint commercial Agent with me being now dead and as I am just on the point of setting out for Germany, I think it...
9Dumas to the American Commissioners, 6 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Algemeen Rijksarchief J’ai reçu l’honneur de la Lettre de Mr. Deane. Comme il dit fort bien, de grands événemens sont à la porte; et ici, comme par toute l’Europe, nous ne sommes pas peu en suspens à cet égard. Je suis charmé, mais nullement surpris, du plaisir que lui fait le personnage avec lequel il a plusieurs fois diné: similes similibus...
10Jacques Rocquette, T.A. Elsevier & Pieter T. Rocquette to the American Commissioners, 6 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS or ALS : American Philosophical Society We begg leave to referr you to our last respects of the 2d. of past month. Since are deprived of your much esteemed Letters, this will be principally to inform you, that there are laÿing at Amsterdam two vessles in Loading for our Colonies, the one for Curacao, and the other for St. Eustatia. The first Shall Shut his bagg for letters the last of this...
11William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Not being favor’d with any of your Dispatches since the Arrival of Doctr. Franklin (except a few Lines under Date of the 7 June) I have become very apprehensive of the Fate of the many Letters that I have from Time to Time done myself the honor of writing, and which have generally been addressed under Cover to Messrs. Delaps at Bordeaux. Your not...
12Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I intend to set out, as soon as my Gout and the weather will permit me, for the Court to which I have the honour of being appointed by Congress. It will be proper for me to be acquainted with such parts of your proceedings at the Court of France as will be of any assistance to me in fulfilling the objects of my Commission. You will therefore be pleased to...
13Gérard to the American Commissioners, 4 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library J’ai recu la lettre dont vous m’avés honoré. Comme je ne pourrai prendre que demain les ordres du ministere sur son contenu, je vous prie de trouver bon que je differe ma reponse jusqu’à ce que je les aye reçu. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec respect et estime Messieurs Votre tres humble et très obeissant serviteur In response to the preceding note. On the morning...
14Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas to the American Commissioners, 3 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Algemeen Rijksarchief Ma derniere étoit du 21e fevr. Elle vous portoit, outre les Extraits et dépêches ministrales de Lisbonne, Ratisbonne, Vienne, Berlin, Dantsic et Petersbourg, un autre Extrait de la Lettre de mes amis d’Amsterdam, sur lequel j’espere que vous me favoriserez d’une prompte réponse, par rapport à son double objet, surtout quant aux listes et directions qu’ils demandent,...
15J.-D. Ramier de Raudière to the American Commissioners in Verse, 3 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We publish this rhymed letter as a sample of the tributes that poets—or poetasters—were showering on Franklin and his colleagues during the period. Others were as fulsome as Raudière; but he, perhaps because he was the neediest, was by far the most prolific. This brief stanza was part of a bombardment. With it came four massive enclosures: (1) a twenty-one...
16Jonathan 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....
17Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 2 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honnor of writing to you the 14th. ultimo by Mr. Jonathan Nesbitt, to which I take the liberty to refer, being since deprived of your respected favours, this cheafly serves to inform you of the arrival at this place of Capn. Henry Johnson, late Commander of the Continental Brigantine Lexington, and Eliazad Johnson Capn. of the Brigantine Dolton...
18Jonathan 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...
19——— Boux to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous avez appris par mon oncle les raisons qui me font rester a terre et l’imposibilité qu’il y à que je puisse partir sur le lion comme vous me l’avez ordonné par votre derniere. Vous avez aussi sçu les petites mortifications que j’ai eu avec le Capitaine Nikleson. Je ne vous cacherai pas que je suis aise qu’il ne se soit pas trouvé de place pour m’y...
20John Ross to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Extract and transcript of extract: National Archives The Ship three friends ownd by Mr. Williams & Co. being detained still here owing principally to the want of hands, will am in hopes from the assurances of the Capt. and owners depart tomorrow . . . I have since advisd them (the Committee of Congress) of the change of property in the Ship La Brune in Consequence of your accepting of the Ship...
21Jonathan 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...
22Jonathan 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...
23Dumas to [the American Commissioners], 21 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les Extraits des dernieres Dépêches de Petersb. Dantsic Stockh. Berlin, Vienne, Ratisbonne, Paris et Lisbonne. Item l’Extrait de la Lettre importante de Messrs. Delalande & Fynje d’hier 19e d’Amsterd. sur laquelle je demande prompte réponse. &c. Jacob de la Lande and Hendrik Fynje were Dumas’ business associates in trading ventures...
24Millin de La Brosse to the American Commissioners, 20 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a deux mois que vous m’avés promis une réponse au mémoire que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous présenter; je l’attends encore. J’ai bien appris de Monsieur le Comte de Maillebois que vous aviés dessein de terminer mon affaire, mais comme vous n’avés point fixé de terme, je me vois obligé de vous demander quelque chose de plus positif. Suivant une de vos...
25Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you the 12th Inst. from this Place at which time I thought we were all Happy on board, but fortunately I believe I may Venture to say, Capt. Corvisen[?] and my self had some small difference, on account of which he and his Officers have done all in their power to throw every thing into Confusion, but very fortunately Mr. Williams Came on board the...
26Dumas to the American Commissioners, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les nouv[elles] de Hambourg du 10e, le Mercure de Janvier et l’article de Nantes 6e fevrier dans la gazette de Leide Suppl[ément] No. 14 &c. The news from Hamburg was doubtless another report from his correspondent in Berlin; the one in his letter of Feb. 10 came via Hamburg. The issue of the Mercure is impossible to trace. The news...
27Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 12 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will informe You of my Arrival here this Day with only the Duke De Shasell and Brigg two Friends of our Convoy, the other ships not being ready, but I am in hopes the greatest part of them will Joyn us here in the course of this Week; on my Joyning the Fleet I Salluted the Commodore and Imediately Waited on him with my French Captn: to whome he gave...
28Isaac Van Teylingen to the American Commissioners, 12 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Le Navire le Chester, et sa Cargaison, dont la proprieté sans aucune restriction ou dubieté quelquonque appartenoit aux Negocians Hollandois, aiant eté pris par un Corsaire Americain, et conduit à Charlestown, Les proprietaires ont pris La Liberté de s’addresser le 30me. d’octobre a vous Messieurs, et aiant eté Honorés d’une Reponse Claire et satisfaisante...
29Jonathan 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...
30Dumas to the American Commissioners, 10 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (incomplete draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Je crois vous avoir dit déjà que je donne aussi copie au Su[bstitut] des Extraits que je vous envoie, et que cela lui fait grand plaisir. Jamais on ne m’a parlé avec plus d’ouverture, qu’après avoir vu l’Extrait ci-joint de Paris. On m’a avoué enfin, que toutes les apparences sont pour une guerre...
31John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 10 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Harvard University Library, National Archives (two) I had the honor of writeing to you from Nantes the 27th ulto. The affair of Quiberon (which I did not then know of) is now in every Brokers mouth. Strange! that nothing can remain Secret. Should I find that Force likely to depart within a few days I will Avail myself of its protection, especially...
32The Commerce Committee to the American Commissioners, 9 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress The Honorable William Lee Esqr. having been appointed a Commissioner to the Court of Prussia, and Mr. Thomas Morris having been removed from the Commercial Agency, Congress have empowered and directed us to write to you, desiring you would appoint one or more suitable Persons to be...
33John Ross to the American Commissioners, 6 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I had the honour to address you on the 29 Ulto. on the business of Mr. Thomas Morris late Commercial Agent now deceast, and tho not as yet favoured with your answere, doubt not Your attention to those measures, Proper to command possession and a liberty of Inspection into those Books and papers now under Seals. The Ship La Brune under the direction and command of...
34Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 5 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When Congress did me the honour to send me a Commission, and Instructions for the Court of Tuscany, they did not inform me to whom I was to apply for money to bear my expenses. I therefore think it proper to apply to you, to know if you have any money belonging to them in your hands, and if it is agreeable to you for that purpose to give me a Letter of...
35Jonathan 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...
36Gérard to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Translation reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution . . . (revised ed.; 6 vols., Washington, D.C., 1857), I , 472 I have acquainted his majesty’s ministers with the fresh demand respecting the 11th and 12th articles of the treaty of commerce. The king having approved these two articles, agreeable to your unanimous wishes, they can not be...
37Henry Johnson to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yesterday I arrived here from England after effecting my escape from Mill Prison. I have in Company Capt: Eleazer Johnson of the Dalton. I am going on to Dunkirk as fast as possible. Shall be Obliged to your Honours if you’d let me know whether it will be necessary for me to come to Paris. I shall wait at Dunkirk for your answer. I shall not now endeavour...
38The Navy Board for the Eastern Department to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress Having presumed to draw a Bill on you in favour of Mr. William Dennie a merchant of this Town for one hundred pounds Sterling, it becomes necessary to Appologize for this Step by Explaining the reasons of our Conduct, which otherways must Appear very extraordinary, as we have neither the Express Orders of Congress for it or have...
39Gérard to the American Commissioners, 30 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai recu avec la lettre dont vous m’avés honoré, la traduction que vous avès bien voulu me faire remettre. Je rendrai compte du contenu de votre lettre et je travaillerai sans delai à l’examen de la traduction. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec une consideration respectueuse Messieurs Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur Addressed: A Messieurs /...
40James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 30 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am not honor’d with the receipt of any of your favors since my last to you of the 23d. current. I am this day informed, that Government has order’d 2,000 Seamen to be raised in Nantes and 2,500 more in St. Malo, besides a number of Bakers of this Town, which are all to proceed immediately to Brest; likewise, that there are positive directions in all the...
41John Ross to the American Commissioners, 29 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; two copies: National Archives The present unhappie situation of Mr. Thomas Morris American Commercial Agent, now dangerously ill, and according to the opinion of his Phisician not likely to recover, oblige me to address you Honble: Gentlemen, that the necessary step may be adopted immadiately, to prevent the Worst of consequences to both Public and Private...
42Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 27 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The letter I had the honnor of writing to you the 20th. instant, was dictated with that Eagerness I feel myself prompted to communicate to you every occurence which comes to my knowledge, and which I imagine may be agreable to you; the report it contain’d of an action between Genl. Gates and Genl. Cornwallis was then currant here, and was confirm’d to me by...
43Dumas to the American Commissioners, 27 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague La présente est une suite de celle que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire vendredi passé 23e. à l’adresse de Mr. A. Lee à Chaillot près Paris, rue bataille No. 5. Depuis ce temps j’ai fait d’autres découvertes, que j’ai communiquées au Substitut, qui m’en a su gré; et je n’hésite pas de vous en faire part aussi, parce que ce qui se passe en Baviere...
44John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 27 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor to inform you that from Paris I reached this place in 56 hours. As I have in my possession repeated Orders from Congress to Afford Aid and protection to the American Commerce, I conceive it to be my duty to give my best protection and safe conduct to the Squadron with Supplies now nearly in readiness to sail from hence, until they are at...
45Dumas to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Le Morceau de la Gazette de Leide d’aujourdhui, que je joins ici, vous fera voir que vos ordres, reçus par la Lettre de Mr. A. Lee, du 12e., ont été remplis conformément à vos desirs. S’il avoit dépendu de moi de prévenir absolument toute sortie de recrues Allemandes, il n’en seroit certainement pas parti un seul...
46James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since I had the honor of writing you the 7th. Inst. I am deprived of the receipt of any of your favors. There are letters this day in Town from Morlaix advising the arrival there of a vessel from Baltimore, which place she left the 10th. of December last, and the Capes of Cheasapeake the 14th. Dec. the Captain of which (it is said) reports that New York and...
47The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We mean in this letter to give you a succint view of the state of our military affairs. You must long before this reaches you have been made acquainted with the signal success of the american arms in the northern department, particularly the several Engagements in that quarter previous to the surrender of...
48Gourlade, Bérard frères & Monplaisir to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society In Consequence of your letter of 12th: Instant we have acquainted Mr. Beaumarchais we were ready to account with him for the whole Proceeds of the Cargo of the amphitrite of which we have already remitted to him part of the amount and Shall continue. If our accounts of disbursements for the two frigattes have exceeded your expectations you cannot with any...
49Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 20 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honnor to address you my last the 15th. inst. advising you the arrival of Two wounded Seamen taken in the Lexington, and by a former I inform’d you on a Seperate slit [slip] of paper of the Taking of the Brigantine l’aimable Reine Capne. Paul Berthelot, bound from Martinico to this port, by the Swan Capn. Wm. Meadows, which carry’d her to New...
50William Lee to the American Commissioners, 20 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Virginia Historical Society As you have now furnish’d me with the copy of the Treaty, I do not know of any reason for remaining here any longer, therefore propose setting out for Vienna in two or 3 daies to execute my appointment at that Court, provided you will supply me with the necessary funds to bear the expence of my Commission. The money will not be immediately requisite, as a...