751Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 17 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives Par la Lettre Messieurs que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 28 aoust dernier, vous avez demandé la main levée de la saisie faite à Calais d’une partie des bagages du Sr. Smith. J’ai pris à cet egard les informations les plus exactes et il en...
752Vergennes: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, [between 1 and 12 March 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Benjamin F. Stevens, ed., Facsimiles of Manuscripts in European Archives Relating to America, 1773–1783 (25 vols., London, 1889–98), XV , no. 1451. 1) On ne peut prendre connoissance des Operations de Commerce que des particuliers peuvent faire. On ne gêne personne à cet egard, lorsqu’on s’est renfermé dans les bornes de la Circonspection. Mais il n’est pas possible de...
753Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: American Philosophical Society, Archivo General de Simancas, British Library, Harvard University Library, Library of Congress, National Archives (two), South Carolina Historical Society This letter announced to the commissioners a shift in French policy toward Wickes’s ships. The government, in response to British...
754Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 30 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Library of Congress (two), National Archives, Massachusetts Historical Society; transcript: National Archives J’ai reçu Messieurs, la réponse que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’adresser concernant les arrangements a prendre avec les regences barbaresques pour la sûreté du pavillon américain dans la méditerrannée. Je pense...
755The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners, with a Contemporary Translation, 27 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Dans la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire, Messieurs le 28 du mois dernier vous avez rapellé la promesse que le Roi a faite par l’Article 8 du Traite d’Amitie et de Commerce Signe le 6 fevrier dernier de S’emploïer auprès des Regences Barbaresques, pour procurer aux Sujets des Etats unis toute Sûreté dans la Mediterranée pour leur Commerce et leur navigation. J’ai communiqué...
756[Vergennes] to the American Commissioners, 17 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai rendu compte au Roi, Messrs., de l’assûrance que vous me donnez que le Boston, qui se trouve dans le port de Bordeaux, est une frégate appartenant aux Etats-unis et armée par les ordres du Congrès. S. M. a décidé en conséquence que ce vaisseau éprouveroit le même traitement qui est d’usage à l’égard de ceux de toutes les autres...
757The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners, 9 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la Lettre, Sans datte, que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire. Ne doutez pas que nous ne prenions son contenu en Consideration, Selon que les Circumstances le permettront: Vous en avez un sûr garant dans l’interet Sincere que le Roi prend à la prosperité des Etats-Unis. J’ai l’honneur d’etre tres parfaitement, Messieurs, vôtre très humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
I have communicated to M. Sartine, gentlemen, the letter that you did me the honor to write on the 24th of last month. This minister has replied that it is not now possible to promise you that he will provide special escorts for the vessels bound for the United States all the way to the North American ports, nor even beyond the meridian of the Azores, but that your vessels will be escorted,...
759Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 18 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives, Library of Congress (two) <Versailles, December 18, 1778, in French: Dr. Smith’s effects have finally been found in the customs at Calais. They are a packet containing twelve tablecloths, twelve knives, and twelve iron forks with silver ferrules. He must pay the usual charges...
760The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners, 9 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
J’ai communiqué á M. de Sartine, Messieurs, la Lettre, par la quelle vous demandez qu’il soit donné escorte aux Batimens en partance qui Sont destinés pour les Ports des Etats Unis. Ce Ministre vient de me repondré qu’il n’est point possible d’accorder cette Escorte pour toute la traversée, mais que les Batimens en question seront conduits jusqu’aux parages qui pourront les mettre a l’Abri des...
761Jno. Walke to the American Commissioners, 17 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Misfortune to Inform you that the Dispute Between Mr. B. and my Self was only Determind 15th Inst. After a Detention here of three Months and upwards. The Determination of the Parliment was that I had Leave to Depart Bourdeaux with my Vessell and Each party to pay for what Ever Expence we have been at for the Sute which has made the Matter faull...
762Joseph Wharton Jr. to the Commissioners, 26 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
You need not I presume be informed of the difficulties which the People of the United States continue to suffer through the great scarcity of Salt. To lessen these difficulties, and at the same time to benefit myself, I propose during the present Winter to send several Cargoes of that necessary Commodity to our Countrey, and I wish to do it from Portugal rather than any where else, on account...
763Joseph Wharton, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 26 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, September 26, 1778: In order to lessen the scarcity of salt in America and to benefit myself I propose to send several cargoes of it from Portugal this coming winter. As you informed me there is no congressional resolution against direct trade from Portugal to the United States, I ask passports for the vessels I may load there. Because of the...
764Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 27 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; variant copy: Yale University Library <Nantes, June 27, 1778: In my last letter I told you that I could take aboard some of the goods which, Captain William Jones informed me, you wish to send. In that case I should be glad to know so that I may load the ship accordingly. Masts are so expensive that I have repaired the lower ones, and believe they will...
765Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 19 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <On board the Providence , Brest, August 19, 1778: I wrote you from Paimboeuf on July 31; since then the Boston joined me and on Aug. 8 we proceeded in company to Brest, delayed by unfavorable winds until the 14th. I found here that Lt. Simpson had obeyed my orders of July 24th in quickly preparing for sea. But I was surprised to...
766Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 15 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library <Paimboeuf, June 15, 1778: I should be glad of orders about my prisoners. The old masts are being repaired; new ones are very expensive, and I shall be as frugal as possible. I could carry home clothing and arms if I knew the quantity and size of bales; the ship will be graved and ready in twelve days. My midshipmen have...
767Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 5 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library This Oppertunity by a French Vessel permits me to Acquaint you, that I am at present on my passage with the Boston and Ranger, have Captured a Brig laden with Provisions for the British forces at Pensacola, Ordered her for America Cargo, Beef Pork Flour, Butter &c. &c. The Ships Crews are in general healthy and Officers and Mens in high Spirits. Capt. Hinman who...
768Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 2 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library <Nantes, July 2, 1778: I received your letter of June 23 on the 30th; my orders are all that I could have wished. Officers and men are working with a will to get the ship ready, which she should be by the end of this month. I have space for more than the fourteen bales of blankets that Mr. Schweighauser has for me, and should...
769Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 31 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Have the pleasure of acquainting you, that my Ship has been in readiness for the Sea ever since the 25 inst. only wait for a favourable wind, the wind has been to the westward this fifteen days past, which makes it absolutely impossible to get out. These winds blowing directly up the River added to this the water is so...
770Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 15 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This letter speaks of preparations for a major American naval move, Wickes’s cruise in the Irish Sea. The commissioners had summoned him to Paris in mid-March, and out of their consultations had come the plan for the cruise. The tiny squadron was to consist of the Reprisal and a cutter, renamed the Dolphin , which had been intended for a packet and was now...
771Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 12 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be handed you by Mr. Joseph Fichet Armeture De Le Scarboucle of 22 Guns 6 pounders, which is now at this port and is thought to be one of the fastest Sailing Ships belonging to France, she is now out of repair or would answer our purpose very well. She is very Old and will want a very heavy repair. As the Gentlemen intends rebuilding said Ship...
772Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 4 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you the 28th. June Advising of my Safe arrival at this port, also informing of the success of our late Cruize and have now the pleasure to Acquaint you of the Safe Arrival of Captain Johnston in the Brig Lexington at Morlax. I have wrote him and desired if he is not well Situated there, to get a good Pilot and Come up here. I should be very Glad if...
773Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 19 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Wrot you Last post Informing you of the Suckces of my Last Cruize and take this Opertunity To Inform you of the Safe Arrival of All my Prizes. I Am in Great hopes youl be Able to Obtain Leave for me to heav Down and Repair my Ship at this port As that Will be Absolutely Necessary prior To my Departure from this As I Recd. a Shott in [ torn ] Bottom When...
774Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 27 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your esteemed favor of the 22d by Mr. Beaugear, and shall pay due Attention to the Contents, part of which is already answered as I have inclosed the prices of Canvis, Cordage &c. also an Inventory of the Prince of Conte, her rigging, Sails, Stores &c. with my opinion of her Value according to the best information I could Obtain of the Value of...
775Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 28 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will inform you of my Safe Arrival at this Port Yesterday, in Company with Captain Samuel Nicholson of the Sloop Dolphin. We parted from Capt. Johnston the day before Yesterday a little to the East of Ushant. Now for the History of our late Cruize. We Sail’d in Company with Captains Johnston and Nicholson from St. Nazair May 28th. 1777, the 30th fell...
776Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 18 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclos’d you have a letter and Inventory of the Frigate the Count of Maurepat. It is the same Vessell that I saw at L Oriont and Calld the St. John. I think her Inventory is very short and will want a Large Addition if fitted for a Ship of War. The Defishencys I Hope will be pointed out by Capt. Nicholson When translated into Inglish. I hope Capt. Nicholson...
777Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 11 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Immediately After the Receipt of your favr of 26th Decr. 1 Set out for L Orient and have Executed the Businss you Desird there in the best maner The time and Surcumstances Would Admitt. I have no Great Appinon of the 60 Gunn Ship As Shee is an Oald Ship and A very Slow Sailer. Another Very Great Objecktion is her Draft Water being to much for our American...
778Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 3 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recd. yours of the 23d Feby. by Mr. Defrancy which I am Sorry Come so late, as the Vessels are all gone. He will soon return, when I shall give you as full an Answer as I Can to all your proposals. We have got up to place of Carreening and are now prepairing for that Bussiness; time is now our Own and you may order or dispose of us as you think proper....
779Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 31 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be handed you by Monsr. Le Baron De Cadignun, whom I beg leave to introduce to your Acquaintance and hope you will render him all the service in your power, as he has been very kind and ready to render me every Service in his power for which I am much obliged, as he has been very Buissy in preventing the Paris orders from being rigorously executed...
780Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received two of yours of the 25th. by Mr. Defrancy who I am sorry Came so late, as our Sales were compleat before his Arrival. I have strictly attended to your proposals and shall give you as full an Answer as in my power. As to Cruizing in the sound for the Baltick Ships I am afraid that will not do, as neither me nor my officers are acquainted with...