1From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 9 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copy: Library of Congress I wrote to you per last Post, under Cover to M. Moylan. With this you will receive another letter or two for America. I have just received yours of the 4th. I am sorry you waited for the Pacquets by Mr Gourlade as they only contained News Papers; but you could not know that. A Gentleman who says he is to sail with you sets off tomorrow, and...
2From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 4 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : United States Naval Academy Museum; copy: Library of Congress I am honoured with yours of the 24th. past. I have delivered your Letters to the M. de Castries & M. de Chaumont, and shall strongly sollicit the Payment of the Prize money, which I understand is not yet received from the King. I hope soon to see an End of that Affair, which has met with so many unaccountable Obstructions.— I...
3From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 25 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copy: Library of Congress I received the honour of yours of the 17th. Instant. I was dissatisfied with Mr. Moylan’s Proceedings in going on with so great & unexpected an Expence for the Ariel, & never giving me the last Notice of it, till he drew upon me for the Amount, near 100,000 Livres, drawing too before sending the Account; and when the Account on my demanding it...
4From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 1 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received duly yours of Oct. 13 & 20th. I am extreamly sorry for your Misfortune. The Storm was a terrible one, it was well you escaped with your Lives. Since your Departure I have received the Acct. of Messrs. Gourlade & Moylan, and I am astonished to find that I am charged with so heavy a Sum as near 100,000 Livres for the Expences of the Ariel. After having twice...
5From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 21 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received a few Days since a Letter from M. De Sartine which I have mislaid, or would send you a Copy you have however the answer enclosed, by which you will perceive the purport of it. This Day the Captain of the Madame has been with me, and left an account of the Advances, which appeard to me very high, and I proposed to return the Men; but he seem’d not to desire...
6From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones: Two Letters, 12 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : National Archives; (II) LS : National Archives; copy: Library of Congress You are hereby directed to proceed as soon as possible with the Ship under your Command, to the Port you can best make in North America, and deliver the Arms, Powder & other Stores, to such Officers of Congress as are appointed to take Care of such Matters, for which this shall be your Order. I am, Sir, Your...
7From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 22 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 12th. and one preceding. I am glad you took mine of the 5th as it was intended in friendship— It had appeared to me, that you hurt your own Views, and weaken’d your own hands by a censorious [quarellous?] Disposition that obstructed your Acquisition of … … at your Request and to prevent Mischief, the orders were not caried into Execution, I...
8From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 5 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of June 21. with the Papers it inclosed from M. Genet, who had kept them a Day or Two to translate them for the Minister. I approve much of your humanity and Prudence. But am sorry in the Letter to Dr. Bancroft, you Complain of your friends who are in no fault. They spare you, and have not even hinted that if you had staid on board where your Duty lay...
9From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 27 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copy: Library of Congress I have this Minute received yours of the 23d. The Letter you mention having sent me by the last Post, inclosing the necessary Papers to explain Circumstances, is not come to Hand; so that I am much in the dark about your present Situation. I only learn by other means, that the Alliance is gone out of the Port, and that you are not likely to...
10From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 17 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives; two copies: Library of Congress Having been informed by several Gentlemen of & from L’Orient, that it is there generally understood the Mutiny on board your Ship has been advised or promoted by the honourable Arthur Lee Esqe, whom I had ordered you to receive as a Passenger; I hereby withdraw that Order, so far as to leave the Execution of it to your Discretion; that...
11From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 12 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copy: Library of Congress Saturday Morning last, I received a Letter Signed by about 115 of the Sailors of the Alliance, declaring that they would not raise the Anchor nor Depart from L’orient, till they had six Months Wages paid them, and the utmost farthing of their Prize money, including the Ships sent into Norway, and until their legal Captain P. Landais is restored...
12From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 1 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: National Archives; two copies: Library of Congress I have received a Letter from the Board of Admiralty, containing their Orders for the Return of the Alliance, a Copy of which is annex’d for your Government; and I hereby direct that you carry the same into Execution with all possible Expedition. With great Regard, I am, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Sert. Notation: From...
13From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 1 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Library of Congress; transcript: American Philosophical Society Enclosed is the Order from the Prince de Montbarey, for the Delivery to you of the Arms and Gun powder mentioned in Mine of Yesterday, which you will receive per Post.— This Courier carries also from me a Pacquet directed to you from Mr. Dumas, enclosing one for Congress to your Care.— By the Post M. de Chaumont has...
14From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 31 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
L and copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 14th by Mr Dryburugh. I had also another from Mess. Gourlade and Moylan acquainting me that they had received the Ransom Money about 200£ sterling, as paid to me, agreable to the Bill of Ransom; and had given my Acct. Credit for that Sum. This lays me under a Difficulty, for I am thus become accountable for that Sum to the People of the...
15From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 18 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
L : National Archives; incomplete copy: Library of Congress I received your Letter relating to the Bullets of the Engineer in Denmark, and shall write thither accordingly. I have also just received yours of the 13th. Mr Ross writes to me, that he finds a Difficulty in passing the Goods to you, from l’Isle Noirmoutier. I do therefore now desire you, if practicable, to call at or off that...
16From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 8 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives; copy: Library of Congress I received your Favour of the 3d Inst. I find the Arms are to be sent in one of the Kings Ships. I inclose an Order for the Cannon which you say You can take as Ballast. The other Particulars of your Letter I shall endeavour to answer to morrow. With great Esteem I am, Dear Sir, your most obedient & most humble Servant. A muster...
17From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 3 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library This is to authorize & require you to receive & accomodate in your Ship as Passengers the honourable Arthur Lee & Ralph Izard, Esquires, late Ministers of the Congress at the Courts of France & Toscany. I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant Notations in different hands: Dr. Franklin’s order for our Passage / March 3d. 1780 Two weeks earlier BF had agreed to...
18From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 1 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; two copies: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the Honour of writing to me the 25. & 28th past. I am glad to learn that you can take a Quantity of the Cloathing and Arms: and that you can accommodate the 4 Gentlemen I had mentiond to you. M. De Sartine desires also a Place for a Passenger that goes on some Business from him: I make no doubt of your...
19From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 19 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; two copies: Library of Congress I received yours from Corogne of the 16th past, and from L’Orient of the 13th Inst. I rejoice that you are safely arrived in France, malgré all the Pains taken to intercept you. As to Refitting of your Ship at the Expence of this Court, I must acquaint you that there is not the least probability of obtaining it, and therefore I cannot ask...
20From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 16 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I last Night heard of your arrival at Groa, But have no Letter yet from you. I write this line to acquaint you that I propose to send the alliance out again as soon as Possible that she may be prepared accordingly. As to sheathing her with Copper, I have not the Cash necessary. I have now only time to add, that I am with great Esteem Dear sir, &c. Bancroft apparently...
21From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 6 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives As the Arrangements that M. Le Duc de la Vauguyon, Ambassador of the King in Holland, must make with the States General, for the free Departure from the Texel of the French and American Vessels assembled there, may require that the English Prisoners taken in Merchant Ships, and at present on board the Alliance,...
22From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 8 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: National Archives; copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I wrote to you on the 15th past, since which I have not had the Pleasure of hearing from you. I have just received a Letter from M. De Sartine, of which the inclosed is a Copy. You will see in it that the Cruise is ended; and the Ship Alliance dismissed, with an Injunction that none of the King’s Subjects...
23From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 15 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress (two), National Archives (two); extract: National Archives I received the Account of your Cruize & Engagement with the Serapis, which you did me the honour to send me from the Texel. I have since received your Favour of the 8th from Amsterdam. For some Days after the Arrival of your Express scarce any thing was talked of at Paris and...
24From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 7 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copy: Library of Congress This will be delivered to you by M. Dumas, Agent of the United States of America residing at the Hague, who has Instructions to render you any Services in his Power. Inclosed I send you a Copy of a Letter I have just received from M. De Sartine. You will do your utmost to render the Service therein mentioned effectual, which will in the present...
25From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 28 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress (two) I have just received yours of the 25th. I was Yesterday with M. De Sartine at Versailles who appear’d uneasy at some Accts. he had received of a mutinous Disposition in your Crew. He desired me to acquaint M. De Chaumont that he wished to see him that Evening. This Morning M. De Chaumont sent me a Note, of which I enclose a Copy: I...
26From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 19 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copy: Library of Congress I have before me your Letters of the 5th. 9th. & 12th of this Month. I received all the Papers relating to Capt. Landais Prize. That Matter is now under Consideration. I am sorry for the Communication of Plans that you mention, but hope no ill Consequences will attend it. I think the Instruction of Congress which you mention should be observed;...
27From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 14 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Delaware In compliance with the within Recommendation of M. de Sartine, I do hereby desire you to admit M. Chamillard de Varville to the Command en second of the French Voluntiers on board the Bonhomme Richard. Wishing you every kind of Success and Prosperity, I have the Honour to be, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant
28From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 8 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress (two) I received your Favours of the second and 4th Inst. I am sorry for the Accidents that have obliged your little Squadron to return & refit; but hope all may be for the best. Some Days since, Mr Chaumont handed to me the Substance of a Letter in French, which contained heads of the Instructions that M. De Sartine wish’d me to give you. I...
29From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 30 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: National Archives, Library of Congress Being arrived at Grois, you are to make the best of your Way, with the Vessels under your Command, to the West of Ireland; and establish your Cruise on the Orcades, the Cape of Dirneus, and the Dogger Bank: in order to take the Ennimies Property in those Seas. The Prizes you may make, send to Dunkirk, Ostend, or Bergen in...
30From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I know no more than you the Reasons of the Change respecting the Marquis But suppose they are good ones. I have no new Instructions to give. Perhaps you will receive some Instruction of the King’s Pleasure. I can only wish you Health and success, being ever, with great and Sincere Esteem Dear sir y. &c. In response to Jones’s May 26 letter. New plans for Jones’s...
31From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 28 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress You may remember I once Spoke to you concerning some young American Gentlemen, who had come to France with Views of being employ’d as Mid Shipmen in three Ships of War which Commodore Gellon of S. Carolina was sent to procure in Europe. Tho’ That Design is not likely to Succeed, they continue to have as I understand, the laudable Desire of improving themselves in...
32From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 19 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 14th, & communicated to the Marquis what related to him. I send you enclosed two more Commissions, which I have found since your Departure. It is difficult to revoke Commissions once given, and there might be some Inconvenience in French Officers retaining those Commissions unrevoked after the occasion of giving them is past; I therefore...
33From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 9 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: National Archives, Library of Congress I received your Favour of the 1st Instant, I have made the Application you desire in behalf of the Officer who wishes to have leave to go with you, and for the Americans who are come from Senegal, and I hope for a favourable Answer. I need not tell you that I wish you a good Voyage, and all the Success that I am sure you...
34From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 27 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, Archives de la Marine I have at the Request of M. De Sartine postponed the Sending the Alliance to America, and have order’d her to proceed immediately from Nantes to L’Orient, where she is to be furnished with her Complement of Men, join your little Squadron and act under your Command. The Marquis de la Fayette will be with you soon. It has...
35From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 14 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I yesterday recd. your favor of the 6th inst. I did not understand from M. Alexander that Lord Selkirk had any particular Objection to receiving the Plate from you. It was general, that tho’ he might not refuse it if offer’d him by a public Body, as the Congress, he cou’d not accept it from any private Person whatever. I know nothing of M. Alexander’s having any...
36From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 24 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: Library of Congress Mr Alexander call’d here this Morning to deliver a little Message, to be communicated to you, from Lord Selkirk. The Purport was, that his Lordship had written an Answer to your Letter, which Answer, after having been detain’d many Months in the Post Office, had been sent back to him. That as to the Proposition of returning the Plate, if it was made by Order...
As your Separation from the Ranger, and the Appointment of Lieutenant Simpson to the Command of her, will be liable to Misinterpretations and Misrepresentations by Persons who are unacquainted with the real Causes of those Facts. We hereby certify, that your leaving the Ranger was by our Consent, at the express Request of his Excellency Monsieur De Sartine, who informed Us that he had occasion...
38Franklin and John Adams to John Paul Jones, 10 February 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two) <Passy, February 10, 1779: As the change in command of the Ranger might be subject to misinterpretation, we hereby certify that your leaving that ship was with our consent and at the express request of M. de Sartine, who desired to employ you in some public service. That Lt. Simpson...
39From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 6 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives I received your Favours of the 24th and 31st of August. I am told by Mr. C. that Mr. S. is sorry you did not go with M. D’Orvilliers. He had sent Orders for that Purpose, and your staying at L’Orient occasion’d your missing the Opportunity. Your Letter was sent to the Prince de Nassau. I am confident something will be done for you, tho’ I don’t yet know what. Dr....
40Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to John Paul Jones, 10 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
We do not think ourselves authorized to give any Orders concerning the Deductions to be made from the Seamen’s Price money or Wages, of what was advanced to them. The Resolutions of Congress must be complied with as to your Stores and Furniture, we suppose there can be no Difficulty, but that M. Simpson will as he ought to deliver you your private Property upon Request. We are not informed...
41The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 10 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, August 10, 1778: We are not authorized by Congress to allow deductions from the seamen’s prize money or their advances. As for your stores and furniture, M. Simpson will undoubtedly deliver your private property upon request. We cannot advise you regarding your indemnification, but we...
42The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 16 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, June 16, 1778: You will return to America as soon as possible, meanwhile keeping your destination secret. Embrace any opportunity to take prizes or harass the enemy, even if it means going out of your way; the Newfoundland fisheries are one objective, and another is transports on the coast or returning to...
43The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 10 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) <Passy, June 10, 1778: Please send us a return of your prisoners, with ranks and names, for an exchange proposed by the British court. We have your account of the disagreement among your crew, and will shortly give you our opinion.> Published in Butterfield, John Adams Diary , IV , 135; for the...
44From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 10 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; draft: Library of Congress I received yours of the first Inst. with the Papers enclosed, which I have shewn to the other Commissioners, but have not yet had their Opinion of them. I only know that they had before, (in Consideration of the Disposition and Uneasiness of your People) expressed an Inclination to order your Ship directly back to America. You will judge from...
45The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 3 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: National Archives <Passy, June 3, 1778: We have had numerous letters from Lieut. Simpson, and certificates from officers and others about him; although we do not wish to judge him, the certificates are most favorable to his character. Confining him anywhere except on the Ranger seems to us unjustifiably severe. We desire you to release him on...
46From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 1 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): National Archives I have the Pleasure of informing you that it is propos’d to give you the Command of the great Ship we have built at Amsterdam. By what you wrote to us formerly, I have ventur’d to say in your Behalf, that this Proposition would be agreable to you. You will immediately let me know your Resolution: which that you may be more clear in taking, I must inform you of...
47From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 27 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress I received yours of the 18th. inclosing one for the Countess of Selkirk which I forward this Day via Holland as you desire. It is a gallant Letter, and must give her Ladyship a high and just Opinion of your Generosity and Nobleness of Mind. The Dirty Insinuation you mention is of a Piece with many others...
48The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 25 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: Library of Congress; AL (draft) and copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: National Archives <Passy, May 25, 1778: We congratulate you on your success and safe return. Until we hear about an exchange of prisoners we advise you to keep yours securely confined. If we can get an equal number of American seamen to man the Drake she will add to your strength, whereas sending...
49The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 23 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: National Archives A pilote being wanted to conduct an Advice Boat to America, if you have in your Ship a suitable Person that can be spared, the Commissioners request, that you would permit him to go on that Service. We have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servants. Endorsed: from the American...
50The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 17 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress We have heard of your arrival at Brest with a prize, and are surprisd that you have not given us an Account of that and of your other proceedings. We desire you will not take any measures relative to the prizes and prisoners you may have made except in securing them, nor incur any considerable expence without our orders. Upon the receipt of this you will...