13951Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am in impatient Expectations of the Models of the Suit of Cloaths that I may sett the Taylors at work. I met with a Manufacturer from Vire who shew me half a dozen pieces of brown and blue Cloth at 7.10 and 8 Livers. I thought them Little inferrior to what you pay 8 and 8.10 for at Paris. I have therefore made a bargain with him for 60 pieces of the...
13952To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library When I transmitted my last account to the Commissioners I made a memorandum at the Foot showing that when all the demands were paid the Balance would be in my favour. I now enclose the account as it now stands only £2979.19.9. and the Deans anchors, yet unpaid for which Mr. Gourlade this day demands of me amount to £6350..13.— Being under a Cruel accusation & my...
13953To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I write by this Post to the Ministers to which I refer for the reason of my Business here. I assure you I will endeavour to avoid all possible Dispute with Mr. Lees Deputy; but it is not in my power to allow his power to be superiour to those the Commissioners gave me, unless You authorize me so to do. Lieut. Simpson who is under arrest is very desirous...
13954To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library The Marquis de la Fayette is at length arrived at L’Orient & as soon as the Freight she brought round from Bordeaux is delivered she will begin to take in: All that depends on me is ready, & you may depend there will not be a moments Delay that I can prevent.— I have written a Letter to the Minister which I inclose for...
13955Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am sorry to find that poor adams is realy taken I hope the mere Bobie will be more Successfull. I sent the Capt. away yesterday morning she must be therefore now at sea. Capt. Wilson in a Large ship Loaded with 1260 Casks of Rice and a quantity of Indigo on Account of the massachusetts States is Safe arrived from Carolina she has brought nothing Fresh...
13956Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 22 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am favourd with yours of the 19th Inst. and in Consequence have told Capt. Thompson that I should Take his paper. As to the Duc de Chartres She is not yet bought because the persons who are to Sell her have not Received their answer from Paris and till they have power to Sell it is needless to make any more offers. Capt. Nicholson is here and with...
13957To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The inclosed Letter I recvd by this days Post from my House at L’Orient. I am at same Time informed that the Sailors you wrote Williams Moore & Co about are set at Liberty. I refer you to my last which was on the subject of your affairs with Mr de Chaumont. I am as ever with the greatest Respect most dutifully & affectionately...
13958To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have this day received a Letter from Mr de Chaumont, in which he tells me, he has purchased the Breton & that she will be ready to take in at L’orient by the last of next Month, so that what I wrote you by the last Post need not be shewn to him, since the Business is now going on, and you may depend it will on my Side go on...
13959To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I inclose you an Accot of what I have paid to the Custom House for Duty, on Public Goods amounting to £5271.. 13.10.[ l.t. ] I send a Voucher for the principal sum, the two small ones are included in other payments for different Concerns; if it is neccessary I will have other Receipts taken & sent to you.— I have had a deal of...
13960To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 29 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I have not anything worth troubling the Deputies with by this post; the intention of this is only to inform you that Capt. Paddock has applied to me to know if he could get a passage in a French Ship to america and to be her pilot on the Coast. I have said nothing of the Count de Vergennes, but if the Deputies think...
13961To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, 1957) Your kind Favour of the 15. Inst came to hand this morning. I am much obliged to you for your Congratulations on the delivery of Mrs Williams, she has been much troubled with one of her Breasts, but is now getting better fast, & she persists in suckling the Child. I have recvd Mr De Segrays Account approved &...
13962To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 May 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Walker wrote me a Letter and expressed great uneasiness about the welfare of her Son, which I have endeavoured to remove by the inclosed Answer, and as I dont know of any other way to convey it to her hands, must beg you will be so kind as to forward it. With best Respects to Mrs. Stevenson Love to Sally Franklin and all Freinds I remain as ever Your...
13963To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your Favour of the Inst per Mr Witherspoon. I gave it to your good Friend Capt All, who had heard with Pain what I before wrote to you, & who now rejoices at the Opportunity of confounding malicious Tongues. I send you inclosed a Newspaper in order to shew you the inhumane Conduct of Lord Rawdon, now a prisoner in Paris. I do not expect to...
13964To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I beg leave to introduce to your particular notice my Friend Mr Mason of Virginia a Gentleman of a respectable Family & plentifull Fortune by showing him every civility & every mark of Friendship he may have occasion for you will very sensibly Oblige Dear & hond Sir Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman Addressed: The Hon. / Doctor Franklin / Passy...
13965To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have this Moment received your kind Favour of the 14 Instant, in which you ask me to explain the Reason and Utility of my drawing on M. de Chaumont on Accot of the Cloathing. This Arrangement does not originate with me Mr de Chaumont ordered me to do so, and as you refered me to him for the Detail of this Matter I...
13966To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You must have already seen by my Letters how much pains I have taken to keep clear of Dispute, and yet obey my Orders. My last to the Commissioners from Brest will show you that I have ever avoided doing the Rangers Business for fear of disagreeable altercation. Notwithstanding this, I have a Letter from Mr. A. Lee by which it appears that complaints are...
13967To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Situation of the american Merchants in France is not the Effect of the ill Conduct of any one but a general Consequence of the Peace, and I believe there is no Exception. Mr Grubb is one of us, and with a full Intention as well as Capacity to pay all, intends to apply for Letters of Surseance to prevent any little Creditor arresting his Property as it...
13968To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 11 December 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed is a Letter from the Revd. Doctr Mather which he desired me to send to you. I am much obliged by your kindness in procuring the Organ as desired which came out in good order, except the omission of one Pipe the 11th from the lef side in the second (leaden) Stop, which I suppose the [maker?] forgot: I shall be obliged if you will please to send me...
13969Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, [19 January 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: American Philosophical Society On my arrival at Brest I went to the Commandant of marine to ask permission for the Ship to go to St. nazare to which I received a refusal for want of orders. I represented to the Commodore (at Quiberon) the inefficacy of the Convoy if we had not liberty to go to St. Nazare. That he said he could not help as the Commander at Painbeuf was not under him...
13970Jonathan 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...
13971To Benjamin Franklin from [Jonathan Williams, Jr.], 23 November 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Public Record Office I have already written to you by this Ship, since which I have come to a Conclusion with Mr. Blunt and shall engage in my new Business next Week. The Terms are to be as follows. I am to be ’till next July on probation; at the End of that Time I shall be able to judge of the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Connection. We are then to begin our Partnership, my share...
13972Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library When I wrote last the Cutter was arrived tho’ I did not know it. As soon as I received your orders I lodged the necessary ones at painbeuf for the Capt. when he should arrive. He had then come up to town and of course did not receive these orders ’till he returned to his Vessell. This little accident has been...
13973Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the pleasure to inform you that the last Lighter went to the Ship yesterday afternoon on board of which are all the provisions &c. except live Stock, which will be bought at Painbeuf. She is cleared at the Custom house and I hope will have all ready to heave up her anchor by monday. I shall go to her on sunday morning to give a last look and hope to...
13974To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Yale University Library I beg leave to solicit your kindness in forwarding the inclosed to the Marquis de Castries and to add a Line in addition to my Request. You will see it is no Favour out of the common Line I therefore ask without hesitation. If I had 100 Tons of the public Stores here I could put them on board the Cato & land them in Boston...
13975Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In consequence of the Remittance made to me by Mr. Delap of Bordeaux I have written the inclosed Letter to the officers and people of the Ranger, which if you approve please to return to be copied and forwarded. I have the honour to be with great Respect Your most obedient Servant Notation: J. Williams 16 July 1778. to Commrs At the request of the...
13976To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed is just come to hand from Phila. Capt Cunningham arrived the [ torn ] of Septemr last, I suppose you have other Letters which will give you all the news if there is any.— I am as ever most dutifully & affectionately Yours. Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieru Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats / Unis de l’amerique Septentrionale /...
13977To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 11 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Favour of the 23d Octo. I did not receive ’till the day before yesterday owing I suppose to M. Montieu’s return to Paris. As to the Prizes I am very much afraid that we are on all hands deceived for while M. C was amused with the Idea of returning them to us orders were absolutely given to confiscate, and after that, when he was again amused with the...
13978To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this Mr Natl Nelson is the son of a particular Friend of mine now here, & his Object is a Visit to the other parts of his Family in Ireland. This young Gentleman lately arrived from Philadelphia whither he will probably return after having seen his Friends & reestablished his Health, which is another motive for his present Journey. I beg sir...
13979Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 4 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since I last had the pleasure of writing to you I have been employed in collecting information relative to shipping, and am sorry that I cant give you any expectation of procuring a Vessell ready built and fitted that will answer for a packet Boat. I have already mentioned two that are here but I apprehend you will think them too large. I have since seen a...
13980Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library The present serves to inform you that Mr. de Sartine has written to the Commissary here relative to the Lion in which he forbids that any munitions of war of any kind be embark’d or that any pretended Clearances be made. I have not nor can I appear in this Business, but I have desired Mr. Peltier to assure the Commissary that no munitions of War shall be...
13981Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 15 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With the inclosed I recvd two large Packets, one for Congress the other for Gen. Washington, which cost 10 livres Postage. I shall send them forward by next opportunity unless you forbid it, but I think proper to inform you of it. I am with the greatest Respect Gentlemen Your obedient Servant Addressed: To / The Honble Silas Deane Esqr / Paris Notation: Mr....
13982To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have in Company with a Friend just bought an exceeding fine new Brig, calculated for a remarkable good Sailor, never yet at Sea. I have called her the Spry and given the Command to Capt Robeson. My Intention is to send her immediately to Boston, and I hope to get her away under the Convoy of the Alliance, for this Purpose I...
13983Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 24 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library The absolute prohibition against taking passengers on board the annonyme containd in Mr. Deans Letter of the 29th of May, obliged me to insist that two passengers who came round in the Ship should go on shore, since which orders have arrived from Mr. Beaumarchais and Mr. Montieu that these two officers and Mr. De...
13984Jonathan 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...
13985To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., [13 December? 1771] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer hereof Mr. John Milliquet, is my esteemed Friend and Intimate, and being particularly acquainted with Josiah, he will be happy to see him in London. Therefore hope you will pardon the Liberty I take of introducing him to You. Any Civilities shewn him will be esteemed a great Addition to the Obligation I am already under. I am Your dutifull and...
13986To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have by order of M. de Chaumont embraced every opportunity I could to send Cloathing to Brest to be thence exported by M. Bersolle to America, and what I have hitherto sent amount to as follows … Vizt. 3260 Coats. 3260 Waistcoats 975 Breeches. 3300 Overalls 4530 pr Shoes 2022 Hatts 13032 Shirts 11000 Ells of Linnen for...
13987To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I recd your Favour of the 6 Inst. desiring to know if there are any American Vessells here that want freight to go to Brest to take in. There are in this Port two American Vessells only, the Favourite Capt Buchannan, & the betsey Capt Gallagher, the former a new ship of twenty Guns armed by Mr. Johnson, the latter an armed Brig...
13988Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 25 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am just informed that the amphitrite is at last gone, she sail’d yesterday morning at 7 oClock. I have recd. Letters from Monsieur Du Coudray of the 22d and 23d Instant, by which I find he has sent me 7 officers and their Baggage; He names 4 for the 3 I agreed to take, and afterward 3 more, two of which he says are more necessary than even the Fusils and...
13989To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10–11 August 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am just arrived, and this instant favoured with yours of 25th July. I can’t express my obligations for the obliging Letter enclosed, and you may depend Sir that as far as my abilities extend, I will never do wrong to your reccommendation. I am determined that all my undertakings shall be honest ones, for but upon that principle I will undertake nothing. I...
13990To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have written the inclosed to Mr. Blunt because I thought it my duty so to do. If you don’t think so, please to keep it. The one to Mr. Vaughan does not contain a word of a public nature. Please to forward it. I have not answer’d Mr. Alexander, because I want your assistance to know how it should be answered. I shall be infinitely obliged if you will...
13991To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I came hither on the Business of our House having 5 rich Jamaica prizes to our address, with upwards of 2000 hhd Sugar & 400 hhds Rum. The Alliance is just arrived with 4 more, & she has sent 5 into America, two have got into Nantes so we know of 16 taken; I have another privateer which I hourly expect will bring in 2 or 3 more.— I have advice from my...
13992To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library The Courier having passed by L’orient I did not receive your Favour of 31 March ’till yesterday. The Permission I ask of Mr Paulze is no exemption from a Duty which is a Right and if the Farmers choose to understand the Matter they will see it is not. I have declined Mr Bondfields proposition & shall send Goods to Brest as...
13993To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library This serves to inform you that I have this day Settled with Mr. Gourlade for the Deans Anchors in the following manner agreeable to your order Vizt: The anchors amount to as per bill 6445.18.— I have pd. the ballance due from me to the Commrs £2799.19.9 I have drawn on you at this date in favr. M Gourlade 3 days do. 3645.18.3 £6445.18.
13994To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Please to read the inclosed Letters to Lord shelburne & Mr Vaughan then please to deliver them to Mr Vaughan if with you or forward them to him if not.— The subject appears to me worth a national Claim if you think so please to add a Line to my Letter to Lord shelburne, if you think an official Claim not consistent & you in...
13995To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 October 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Although you will be but a very little Time absent, I can’t refrain from communicating the News I have just received from America, as it discovers a Firmness, and Resolution, which I think do honour to our Countrymen; therefore must give you Pleasure. In a Philadelphia Paper of the 21st of September, which comes via Liverpool, is an Account of the...
13996To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit me to express my sincere Wishes for your Health & Happiness with every other possible Blessing for this and many succeeding Years, and at the same time to renew my gratefull Thanks for the Friendship & assistance you have so long & so often honoured me with, which I assure you it shall always by [be] my utmost Endeavour to merit by a steady...
13997Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library The Thérese sailed as I wrote last and was at St. Nazare the 26th, the Wind continuing fair she has no doubt continued her route. You may date the Departure of Capt. Hammond at nearly the same time as the Therése overtook him at St. Nazare. I have a Letter from Mr. Rumsey which says he expected to sail the next day....
13998To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 22 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society To recommend Mr Barclay to your Civility & friendship would be superfluous because his public & private Character are both known to you & both entitle him to your Notice. I however think it my duty to congratulate you on the late Glorious News & to assure you that I am as always Your dutifull & affectionate...
13999To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is current on Change to day that the Americans have declared War against Portugal. I can not conceive how this accot can come yet every body seems certain it is true. I beg if there is anything in it that you will let me have a Commn for the Spry to cruise against the Portuguese. She may pick up a rich Prize on her Way home. I shall be obliged to you if...
14000To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 1 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library; (II) ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library Since my last I have a ship loaded with Sugar & Cotton from Port au Prince (but belonging to Boston) arrivd at L’Orient to my address. I have written a Letter to Mr Necker which I inclose, you will see the subject by reading it, & if you approve...