1From Benjamin Franklin to Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 2 March 1776 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from The Port Folio , III , (1803), 214. I wrote to you lately by Mr. Story, and since by another conveyance. This line will be delivered to you by Mr. Deane, who goes over on business of the Congress, and with whom you may freely converse on the affairs committed to you, in behalf of that body. I recommend him warmly to your civilities. Mess’rs. Vaillant and Pochard continue close...
2From Benjamin Franklin to Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 12 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution ... (12 vols., Boston, 1829–30), IX , 317–18. Last night we received a packet from North America with some advices, of which I send you the substance. I see your letters now and then to Mr. Deane and Mr. Carmichael, and thank you for the kind mention made of me in them. I am so bad a correspondent, that...
3From Benjamin Franklin to Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 8 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; transcript: National Archives It is long since I have had the Pleasure of hearing from you. I hope your Health continues. If Mr Fox, to whom I give this Line, should visit the Hague, I recommend him warmly to your Civilities. He is a Gentleman of good Character, and for whom I have a great Regard, not only as an American and the Son of an old Friend,...
4From Benjamin Franklin to Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 17 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: National Archives It is a long time since I have had the Pleasure of hearing from you. I hope however that you and yours continue Well. The Bearers, Mr. President Wheelock and his Brother go to Holland on a Publick spirited Design, which you will find recommended by many eminent Persons in America. I beg leave to request for these Gentlemen your civilities and best Counsels, as...
5From Benjamin Franklin to Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 4 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives It is so long since I heard from you, that I begin to fear you are ill. Pray write to me, and let me know the State of your Health. I inclose Morgan’s Acct. of his Engagement with Tarleton. If he has not already received it, it may be agreable to our Friend the Gazetteer of Leiden. Everything goes well here, and I am ever, Your...
6From Benjamin Franklin to Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 9 December 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from The Port Folio , II (1802), 236–7; extracts: American Philosophical Society; Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Paris; Algemeen Rijksarchief, the Hague. I received your several favours, of May 18, June 30, and July 8, by Messrs. Vaillant and Pochard; whom, if I could serve upon your recommendation, it would give me great pleasure. Their total want of English is at...
7From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 20 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Abstract: Parke-Bernet catalogue (1963) <Passy, July 20, 1778: Franklin notifies Dumas of the ratification at Versailles of the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and authorizes him to “communicate the Treaty of Commerce to M. le Grand Pensionnaire.” > Session of December 3: p. 19 of catalogue 2235. See the preceding document. Three weeks earlier Dumas had shown the Grand...
8From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 15 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I write this Line just to acknowledge the Recepit of your greable Favours of the 2d. 3d. & 6th. Instant. I hope you are now well with your family, and that I shall soon hear from you what Part your Governement takes with regard to our Little Squadron. I am ever Your’s affectionately
9From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, [12] August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS , AL (draft), and copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives Inclos’d I send you a late Paper rec’d from Rhodeisland. You will see in it the advantages our Troops have gain’d in South Carolina. Later Advices directly from Philadelphia, say, that the Enemy have now nothing left in Georgia, but Savannah; in South Carolina, but Charlestown; nor in North Carolina but Wilmington....
10From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 8 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Anne and Paul Fenske, Rapid City, South Dakota (1981); copy: Library of Congress I received duly your several Favours of Oct. 18. 22. 25. 28. 29. & Nov. 2. Your Reasons for the speedy Depart of the Squadron, are good. I am glad the Affair of the Deserters is so well got over, as appears from your Extracts. I am exceedingly well satisfied with the Conduct of your Government and with the...
11From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 16 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; AL (draft): Library of Congress; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives We have News here that your Fleet has behaved bravely; I congratulate you upon it, most cordially. I have just received a 14. 5. 3. 10. 28. 2. 76. 202: 66. 11. 12. 273, 50. 14. joining 76. 5. 42. 45. 16. 15. 424. 235. 19: 20. 69. 580. 11. 150. 27. 56. 35. 104. 652. 28. 675. 85. 79. 50....
12From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 4 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 14 & 21. past. I communicated to M. De Chaumont what you say in your last relating to your attending the Arrival of our Friend. Inform him as soon as you see him, that he is in Holland to follow the Orders he will receive from the g. Factor . We have just heard something of him that gives every body here abundant Satisfaction. As I have...
13From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received duly yours of the 3 inst. My Indisposition seems to be wearing off; and I hope will permit me to go abroad in a few Days. Mr. Neufville’s first Propositions were so much out of the Way, that I could not accept them. He required a fifth Part of the Loan to be sent over to him annually during the first 5 years in the Produce of America for Sale, & the Money...
14From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 29 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I have just receiv’d yours of the 24th.—which I read with Pleasure. This serves to recommend to your Notice and Civilities the Bearer Dr Foulke, a young Physician of Philadelphia, of excellent Character, who travels for Improvement in his Profession. I recommend him earnestly to your Civilities, and request you would introduce him to...
15From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 19 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Haverford College Library; AL (draft) and partial copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I duly received yours of the 7th. per young Mr. de Neufville, enclosing the Pamphlets, of which I gave one the next Day to M. Beaudoin. It was so long since we had heard from you, that we feared you were sick. I inclose sundry American News-papers, out of which perhaps some thing may...
16From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 29 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received duly yours of the 19 inst. You have my free Consent to communicate the Letters you mention (and any others that I have written) to M. L. Ambr. de F. He is a wise Man & our Friend, and his Opinion & Advice, when he may think fit to give it, cannot but be useful in our Affairs. As to that M. Str. I saw him twice with Mr. de Ne. when I was ill with the Gout;...
17From Benjamin Franklin to [Dumas], 31 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Boston Public Library; transcript: National Archives I wrote to you yesterday relating to the Affair of your Letter to Mr Carmichael that you might know exactly the Truth of the Transaction. On Reflection I think it proper to add, that what I wrote was for your Satisfaction only; and that as the making it publick would give infinite Pain to a very worthy Man, Mr. F. Grand, who would then...
18From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 27 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives, Library of Congress I received yours of the 10th. Instant. I Shall be glad to learn how the taking of the Dutch Ships has been accommodated. We have yet no News of the alliance: but suppose she is cruizing. We are more in Pain for the Confederacy, who Sailed the 28th Oct. from the Capes of Deleware. There is some Hopes that She went to Charlestown to take in Mr....
19From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 23 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I am Much pleased with the Account you give me, of the Disposition with which the Proposals from the Empress of Russia have been received, and desire to be informed from time to time of the progress of that interesting Business. I Shall be glad to hear of your perfect Reconciliation with the Because a Continuance of your Difference will...
20From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 9 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I received yours of 29th. Sept. & 3d. Oct. It is a very good Addition you made to your Memoire for the Ministers of Russia & Sweden. I am glad to find you are again on such good Terms with the Ambassador, as to be invited to his Comedy. I doubt not of your continuing to cultivate that good understanding. I like much your Insertions in...
21From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 7 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Library of Congress Inclosed is a Letter for Capt. Jones, which you are desired to deliver him yourself as soon as possible, after his Arrival.—It will be well to keep secret that you expect him there. I hope you had a good Journey home. I am with great Esteem Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant. In WTF ’s hand. See Chaumont to Dumas,...
22From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 6 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS , AL (draft), and copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I have receiv’d several Letters from you lately inclosing others for the President of Congress; and for Spain, all of which are sealed & forwarded, except the last for the President containd in yours of the 26th. past, which shall go by the first Opportunity. The Reading of those Letters gave me much Information, and...
23From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 9 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; copy: Library of Congress I received yours with a Copy of the Resolution of the 26th past which gave me a great deal of Pleasure. If one Nicholas Davis, who lodges in the Warmoes Straat Amsterdam, at the House of Jan Hendrik Consé, should apply to you for Assistance as an American, I desire you to take no Notice of him for he has already cheated us of considerable...
24From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 14 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Hendershott Museum Consultants, Inc., Little Rock, Arkansas (1996); copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I have duly receiv’d your late Letters and thank you for the Intelligence they contain’d. Your three Letters to the President of Congress, will go by different Ships, and I hope you will succeed in your Application for a farther Allowance, which I think you merit....
25From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 7 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I thank you for the Information you give me of Mr. Lee’s Proposition. I do not think he has any Powers to borrow Money for the United States distinct from ours but he may have Power to borrow for Virginia. I think you acted very discretely in the Business; and I am sorry that such a Proposition should be made, as, if known it might have bad Consequences....
26From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 3 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I have before me yours of the 9th. & 16th. of November, which I think are the last I received from you. With regard to Augmentation of your Salary, I would not have you place too great a Dependance on it, lest a Disappointment should thereby [ be ] rendred more afflicting. If a good Peace were once established, we should soon be richer...
27From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, [22 September 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Extracts (two): American Philosophical Society We have, as you know, made Overtures to the Grand Pensionary. We took that to be the regular Course of Proceeding. We expect an Answer. If he gives us none, we shall naturally conclude that there is no Disposition in their H. H. M. M. to have any Connection with us, and I believe we shall give them no farther Trouble; at least that would be my...
28From Benjamin Franklin to Charles-Guillaume-Frederic Dumas, 1 October 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères I have just time to acknowledge the Receipt of your two Packets, A and B. with the Pamphlets enclos’d, the Contents of which are very satisfactory. You will hear from me more fully in a little time. With great Esteem I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant See Cornelius Stevenson to BF above, Aug. 22, 1776....
29From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 27 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favour of the 21th. and one before acquainting me with your Safe arrival, which gave me great Pleasure. You Shall have the Treaty and my few Remarks very soon. I inclose four of our latest Newspapers, which contain some Intelligence from Carolina, the Particulars of the taking of the fort at Stony Point, and the Devastations made by the Enemy in...
30From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 4 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Haverford College Library It is not a pleasant thing to be called upon for one’s Sentiments of Persons & Characters; but when Matters of Importance to our Country, our Friends or ourselves, depend on a true Judgment of Men, it is right to ask one another’s Opinions & to give them frankly in confidence that no inconvenient Use will be made of them. Mr. S. has always been a Friend to the...
31From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 4 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I take this opportunity by Col. Hope of sending you some Papers , which you may occasionally make use of to Show the upright Conduct of the Congress, in the Affair of Captures &c. if they have not been already—publish’d— I send also a Copy of my general letter relating to Cap. Cook, which you may show to any american Cruiser that may happen to put into any port near...
32From Benjamin Franklin to [Dumas], 23 December 1776 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from The Port Folio , III (1803), 294. I have only time to say that I am arrived here well, and happy to learn, by your favour of the 17th, that you are so. I enclose a letter to you from the committee, and I shall write to you more fully in a few days. With great esteem, I am ever yours, affectionately, BF mislaid this note and enclosed it with his below, Jan. 28. The letter from...
33From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 22 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania On considering the Affair of presenting the Copy of the Treaty, it is thought best to postpone it till the Arrival of the Ratification, which is now daily expected, as we have Advice of the Arrival of the Treaty at the Congress, and that the News of it had been received with Universal Joy. We have also the News, that our little Fleet, which was convoyed...
34From Benjamin Franklin to [Dumas], 28 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress My dear Friend may be assured that the Omission of writing to him for so long a time either by Mr. D. or myself, was not in the least owing to any Want of Respect or Change of Sentiment towards him; but merely from the extreme Hurry we have been engag’d in ever since my Arrival, which has prevented our Writing to many other of our Correspondents. I now enclose several...
35From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 7 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Boston Public Library; copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I received yours of the 29th past, inclosing one for the President of Congress, which I shall take care to forward.— I send you herewith a Sermon, which I fancy will give you Pleasure.— Your last seem’d to me to have been broke open, and seal’d again with a larger Seal than yours. I know not by what...
36From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas: Two Letters, 22 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) copies: Library of Congress, National Archives I received duly yours of May 23. June 2, 6. 8. and 15.— Inclosed you have a Letter for the Gentleman you recommended to me. He seems to be a man of Abilities. The Words before I leave Europe , had no Relation to any Particular immediate Intention, but to the General one I flatter myself with, of being able to return and spend there...
37From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 3 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: National Archives I receiv’d yours of the 15th past and perus’d the contents with great Pleasure. I had before receiv’d your Pacquet by Mr. Boers, and forwarded it immediately. Inclos’d I send you a few copies of a Paper that places in a striking Light the English Barbarities in America, particularly those committed by the Savages at their Instigation. The Form may perhaps not be...
38From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 2 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I should have sent the Treaty sooner, but that I imagin’d it would have been printed by the Court; As that has not been done, I have had a Copy made out in Manuscript, which you will receive with this. It is for the Grand Pensionary: But you will take the Advice of M. le D. de la V. [duc de La Vauguyon] as to the propriety of delivering it at present, &c. Your...
39From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 1 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: National Archives The Bearer of this, Mr. appleton, is lately arrived from Boston. He is recommended to me as a young Gentleman of excellent character, & as such, I beg leave to introduce him to your acquaintance and Civilities. With great Esteem, I am Dear Sir your most obedient & most humble Servant. John Appleton had been recommended to BF by Samuel Cooper: XXXII , 109. While he...
40From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 11 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I receiv’d duly yours of the 25th Past. The Matter it contain’d was so unexpected & surprizing that I have been at a Loss what to answer till I could make some enquiry & Observation; and I find much Embarassment in the Business. One of the Persons concern’d I am acquainted with. He always appear’d to me a Person of Honor & his friendship has been very Serviceable to...
41From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 29 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 18th. and 22 & communicated them to Mr. Chaumont as you desired.— I am glad to Learn that the affair of firing at the Deserters has had no worse Consequences. I wish to know whether Letters I sent sometime since to Comme. Jones and Captain Landais under your Cover, came to hand as you Expect they will sail by the End of this Week. I do not now...
42From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 2 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I received duly your several Letters of the 12th. 15th. 17th. 19th and 21st of September. I am much pleas’d with the Intelligence you send me, and with the Papers you have had printed. Mr Searle is a military Officer in the Pensilvania Troops, and a Member of Congress. He has some Commission to...
43From Benjamin Franklin to [Dumas], [between 17 and 19 May 1779] (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete copy: Library of Congress in a Week. The Business has required a longer [ remainder of line missing ] is the Only cause of the Bills not being paid according to the Acceptance. But whatever the Cause, I do not See why that Should as your friend Supposes faire beaucoup de mal au credit des Americains . M Holker is not an American but a Frenchman lately arrived in America. If a...
44From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 27 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 15th with Letters from Commodore Jones and Capt. Conyingham. I would write to them and send to Capt. C. a Letter I have from his wife for him, but suppose the Ship has left Holland. I Send you one of our latest papers from America containing an Account of the Conquest of the Iroquois County by our army under general Sulivan, and some other...
45From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 19 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Since mine of the 11th inst. I have receiv’d an Appointment from Congress to be their sole Minister Plenipotentiary at this Court, my former Colleagues having or being likely to have other Destinations. I have had frequent conversations with your friend concerning a Loan in Holland. A fit of the Gout has interrupted them these two Days, but his Demands appearing to be...
46From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 5 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives The Gentleman whose Name you wish’d to know in one of your late Letters, is M. Westhuysen Echevin & Conseiller de la Ville de Harlem. I shall probably [send an order?] to that Place for some of the Types, of which you have sent me the Prices, before I leave Europe. I think them very good and not dear....
47From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 12 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Henry E. Huntington Library; copy: Library of Congress I lately received yours of Oct. 18. recommending Mr Huet Du Plessis, He left it at my House when I was not at home; and having been these three Weeks past much confined by the Gout, I have not been able to look for him.— I have also received yours of Feb. 23. 26 & March 1. The Informations they contain are very Satisfactory. Mr Deane...
48From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas: Two Letters, 29 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) Copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I did receive the Letter you mention to have enclos’d for Mr. Carmichael in yours of the 25th. of february. I had before received a Letter from him Dated at Cadiz, acquainting me that he was just Setting out for Madrid, and desiring I would send him a Credit there for 200 Louis. Mr. F. Grand, our Banker here had undertaken...
49From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 18[–20] January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Henry E. Huntington Library; AL (draft): Library of Congress; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives Since my last I have been favoured by yours of Decemr. 1, 7, 14 21, 25, & January 1. by which you have kept me constantly well informed of the State of Affairs. Accept my Thanks. You may depend on my mentioning your Diligence & Services to Congress, in the Manner they merit. Tho’ I...
50From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 26 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I wrote to Mrs: De Neuville by the last Post in answer to theirs of the 14th. I hope they received my Letter. It signified that I would accept the Bills drawn on M. Laurens. I find by a Vote of Congress on the 4th of March, that they then stopt drawing, and I am informed no more Bills have been issued...