501George Finlay, Thomas Anquetil, Wm. Allan and Brown Bencor to the American Commissioners, 22 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Ancenie, August 22, 1778: We are prisoners taken by Capt. Tucker of the Boston . From Nantes we were sent to this town. We beg you to grant us liberty or supplies, since we have done nothing different from other captains who have been freed. Commanders of American vessels have gained their liberty.> Published as “British Prisoners of War to the...
502John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 23 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since the Letter I had the Honor to write you the 17th Inst. the Liberty Captain Reed arriv’d at this Port from Edenton which place he left the 7 July. He brings no confirmation of the French Fleets arrival such report prevaild but gives it only as french report. As per my last the Cutter General Arnold is all ready and attends the arrival of your...
503Musco Livingston to the American Commissioners, 24 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, August 24, 1778: My illness since Capt. Tucker’s departure prevented my writing you concerning three prizes he sold to M. Puchelberg of Lorient, for Mr. Schweighauser’s account. Puchelberg advised Tucker of the high duty on the prize cargo of fish. Consequently Tucker permitted sale of the fish and the three vessels for 30,000 livres, a sum far...
504Puchelberg & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 24 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lorient, August 24, 1778: We are herewith forwarding a letter given us yesterday by Mr. Lee, living at Schweighauser’s. Please acknowledge its receipt. As associates of Schweighauser in this town, we offer our services and would appreciate your patronage.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 388. Thomas Lee, identified in Berubé de Costentin’s letter...
505James Smith to the American Commissioners, 24 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, August 24, 1778: When I reached Calais on May 4 the customs officers detained part of my luggage, consisting of household linen and plate, as contraband. Soon after arriving in Paris I mentioned the matter to Mr. [Arthur] Lee, who told me that I had no remedy; his brother, though a public minister, had had to pay fifteen guineas. Public officials...
506The American Commissioners to Ralph Izard, 25[–27] August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: National Archives (three), South Carolina Historical Society; two transcripts: National Archives <Passy, August 25[–27], 1778: We will propose tomorrow to the count de Vergennes the subjects of the loan in Genoa and the interposition of His Majesty with the powers of Barbary. P.S.: The count de Vergennes gave us no encouragement in the...
507Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 25 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives, South Carolina Historical Society; two transcripts: National Archives <Paris, August 25, 1778: I lately received a letter from Florence recommending we attempt to involve the French court as security in any attempt to procure a loan in Genoa. Should I apply to the count de Vergennes on the subject or do you believe the...
508Thomas Read to the American Commissioners, 25 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, August 25, 1778: I received yours by Capt. Barnes. I am recovering from an illness, and should be ready for sea in a few days. I request leave to sail for three months; I have sufficient provisions for that long, and, having brought thirty-one men, need only two more, for whom I request expenses. The men belonging to my vessel are willing to...
509From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, [c. 26 August 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society If you write to this Mr. Barnes, please to acquaint him that the Reason he had no Answer from me to his Letter was because he did not send word where he lodged. I agree to the 5 Guineas. Written on the back of Thomas Barnes’s letter to JA of Aug. 25, which had been sent care of “Monsieur Franquelen a passis.” That letter, now missing, was written on Aug....
510John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 26 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, August 26, 1778: Last evening arrived one of Captain McNeill’s prizes, the brig Archangel , taken at latitude 72° N. longitude 25° E. while en route from Archangel to London. A boat from Boston belonging to Basmarein & Co. has arrived but brings no news. Captain Ayres continues to decline; I have sent him to the country but the doctor believes he...
511James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 26 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <L’Orient, August 26, 1778: Capt. Daniel McNeill arrived here yesterday on the General Mifflin , privateer. He left Portsmouth May 8, cruised the north seas, and captured thirteen prizes there and at the mouth of the Channel. Five he sunk, the rest he sent to America or France; one [the Isabelle ] arrived here. He also has some fifty prisoners. Can they be...
512Puchelberg & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 26 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <L’Orient, August 26, 1778, in French: We refer to our letter of the 24th and to the arrival of the General Mifflin , Captain Daniel McNeill. McNeill wishes to sell the recaptured French ship [ Isabelle ]. Since his commission and those of his officers conform to Captain Tucker’s, it may be necessary for him to report his captures to Tucker and divide the...
513The American Commissioners to John Bondfield, 27 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have before us yours of the 23d Inst. and are very sorry that Capt. Ayres is so indisposed as to prevent his return to America in the General Arnold. We wholly refer the appointmt. of a Master for this Vessel to you and Capt. Ayres and doubt not you will find a good Seaman and a person in whom you can confide. We...
514The Commissioners to Vergennes, 28 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
There are several Subjects, which we find it necessary to lay before your Excellency; to which we have the Honour to request your Attention. At a time when the Circumstances of the War may demand the Attention of Gouvernment, and without doubt call for great Expence, we are very sorry to be obliged to request your Excellency’s Advice respecting the Subject of Money but the Nature of the War in...
515The American Commissioners to James Smith, 28 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We received your Letter dated Paris Hotel de Saxe Aug. 24. and, altho We are altogether of a different opinion from yours respecting your Right of passing with your Effects Americans being intituled by the Treaty, no more than the Subjects of any other state in Europe in Amity with France, to pass with their Effects...
516The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 28 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, August 28, 1778: We have several subjects that we must lay before you. One, unfortunately, is money. The nature of the war has necessitated far more emissions of paper currency than would ordinarily have been wise; to limit them Congress has borrowed...
517John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 28 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; draft: National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, August 28, 1778: M. de la Prévalaye, who commands here in the absence of the comte d’Orvilliers, has just told me that he can no longer furnish a guard for the Ranger prisoners detained aboard the Patience . Unable to depend on the Ranger ’s officers, I had arranged for a guard with...
518John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 29 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, August 29, 1778: I have received your letter of the 19th commissioning the purchase of 56 pieces of cannon. I suspect it will be November before I can collect them. I presume they are for naval use; let me know where to send them. I am without instructions for the General Arnold ; the delays cause very heavy expenses which are charged to me....
519The American Commissioners to Sartine, 30 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have just received a Letter from Brest relating to the insecure State of our Prisoners there a Copy of which We inclose and request your Excellencys Aid in Securing them more effectually, till they can be exchanged. We also beg Leave to remind your Excellency of the Passport we desired for the English Cartell ship...
520John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 30 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; draft: National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, August 30, 1778: My friend M. de la Porte, intendant, has now agreed to furnish a vessel and send the Ranger ’s prisoners to England, if you consent. This offer is too generous to refuse. The guard will be discontinued unless you procure an order from the minister. As for the...
521The Commissioners to Horneca, Fizeaux & Co., 31 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Nous avons profité de l’Occasion de Mr. Whitall pour vous faire parvenir un Livre relie en Burane Basane con tenant deux cent cinq promesses de mille Florins chaque ce qui forme, un Capital de deux cent cinq mille Florins Argent Courant d’Hollande payable le premier Janvier mil sept cent quatre vingt huit a votre Domicile, garnies de dix Coupons de cinquante Florins d’Interet pour Année le...
We take the opportunity of Mr. Whitall’s visit to convey to you a leather-bound book containing 205 promissory notes, each worth 1,000 florins, making a capital fund of 205,000 florins lawful money of the Netherlands, to be paid on 1 January 1788 at your residence with, in addition, 10 coupons of 50 florins in interest for the year, the whole payable to the bearer and signed by us. You will...
523The American Commissioners to Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie., 31 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two), University of Virginia Library <Passy, August 31, 1778, in French: We send by Mr. Whitall a book of promissory notes and interest coupons, for 205,000 florins payable on January 1, 1788. You will fill in the blanks in each with the number and date of delivery, likewise the counterfoils, and keep an exact record. Sell the notes...
524The American Commissioners to Musco Livingston, 31 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We are favoured with yours of the 24, and are not able to give you any certain Directions concerning the Duties upon C. Tucker’s Prizes. We have heretofore taken a great deal of Pains concerning the Subject of Prizes, and the Duties which must be paid upon them. Mr. Schweighauser of Nantes has obtained, as We...
525The American Commissioners to James Moylan, 31 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, August 31, 1778: We are pleased to hear from you of the good success as well as the adventurous and patriotic spirit of Capt. McNeill. When the prisoner exchange we have been promised is accomplished, his prisoners can be exchanged for a like number of our suffering countrymen. We will inform you when the...
526Vergennes and the American Commissioners: An Exchange of Declarations, 1 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) D (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; two transcripts: National Archives; (II) D (draft): Harvard University Library; copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania; two transcripts: National Archives; (III) AD (draft): Cornell University Library; two transcripts: National Archives On August 3 the commissioners finally received the anticipated permission to delete articles 11...
527Philip Hancock to the American Commissioners, [after 2 September 1778] (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; (II) AL (draft): American Philosophical Society On the supposition that these memoranda were written on the same day, we are publishing together the petition of Philip Hancock to the American Commissioners and the version Franklin rewrote for him in clear, forceful English. Franklin, like Georges Grand, was moved by the plight of this man of good...
528Penet, D’Acosta freres & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 3 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, September 3, 1778, in French: We are enclosing a letter for you brought from Boston by our ship Le Courier de l’Europe and renew our offer of services.> Penet’s new partners in Nantes. D’Acosta frères were a Nantes merchant firm which was engaged to a significant degree in transatlantic trade: Villiers, Commerce colonial , p. 405.
529C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 4 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Notre ami et moi nous nous proposons de faire faire un nouveau pas à sa Ville, plus grand encore, que les derniers qu’elle a faits; et nous espérons, s’il plait à Dieu de le bénir, et à vos ennemis de continuer à maltraiter cette Republique pour faire notre jeu bon, qu’il pourra nous conduire au grand et dernier, qui opereroit l’union parfaite des deux Soeurs. Pour cet effet, il faut garnir...
530C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 4 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Our friend and I propose to undertake an initiative in regard to his town more ambitious than any yet attempted. With God’s help and that of our enemies, who further our strategy by continuing to mistreat this Republic, we hope that it will lead us into the final, great phase of establishing a perfect union between the two sisters. To achieve this we must give our friend additional material,...
531Berubé de Costentin to the American Commissioners, 4 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, September 4, 1778, in French: In accordance with your request of August 15, Thomas Wilkinson left yesterday for St. Pol de Léon. I await your orders regarding the prisoners here.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII .
532Dumas to the American Commissioners, 4 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, September 4, 1778, in French: Mr. van Berckel and I propose an ambitious initiative for which we need supporting papers. Please send either a proposal for a general treaty of amity and commerce or a declaration that you desire the Netherlands to conclude with the United States a treaty similar to the American...
533René-Etienne Henry Vic Gaiault (or Gayault) de Boisbertrand: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, 5 September … (Franklin Papers)
ADS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Harvard University Library; copies: University of Virginia Library, National Archives <September 5, 1778, in the third person, in French: At the beginning of May, 1776, Dubourg and Penet asked him to join the U.S. army; he was then a lieutenant colonel in the French cavalry. He would carry dispatches about the ministry’s attitude toward the...
534Abraham 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...
535To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, [6?]–13 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society <Passy, September [6?]–13, 1778: In order to understand our affairs and to be able to account to our constituents we should decide which expenses we will pay jointly and which separately. I think we should pay jointly for the rent of the house and furniture, hire of coachman, horses, and carriage, wages of maitre d’hôtel and cook, and table...
536From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 6 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
It seems to me necessary, that each of Us may understand our affairs, and be able to render a clear and Satisfactory account to our Constituents, that We should settle two or three Questions that at present are undecided. It should be understood by each of Us, what Articles of Expence, are to be paid by Us both, jointly and what are to be discharged by each Separately. I will venture to give...
537Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 6 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ay recu, Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 30 Aout derniere. J’ai envoyé a M. de Vergennes le Passeport necessaire au navire Angloise chargé de l’Echange des Prisonniers de l’Angleterre et des Etats-Unis, et je vais donner les ordres necessaires pour que vos Prisonniers Soient mieux Surveillés à Brest, jusqu’au Moment de l’Echange. J’ai l’honneur d’etre, avec...
538Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 6 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have received, gentlemen, the letter that you did me the honor to write on 30 August. I have sent to M. de Vergennes the necessary passport for the British vessel charged with the exchange of the prisoners held by England and the United States, and shall give the necessary orders to ensure that your prisoners at Brest will be more closely watched until the moment of exchange. I have the...
539Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 6 September 1778: résumé and letter (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society; (II) copies: Library of Congress, National Archives <Versailles, September 6, 1778, in French: I have received your letter of August 30 last, and have sent M. de Vergennes the passport for the British ship involved in the exchange of prisoners; I shall order your prisoners at Brest kept under closer surveillance until...
540Horneca, Fizeaux & Co. to the Commissioners, 7 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Nous venons de Recevoir par M. Withalle, le Livre contenant les Promesses du Congrés, Revêtües de leur Coupons et de Vos Signatures. Il ne nous manque, pour entamer, leur Négotiation; que vos ordres et Vos Instructions Relativement aux fraix, et aux alloüances que nous devrons accorder aux Preneurs en Sus de L’Interet Stipulé à 5 pour Cent. Nous avons l’honneur d’etre tres Respectueusement...
We have just received from Mr. Whitall the book containing the promissory notes from Congress, along with their coupons and your signatures. Now all we require to begin their negotiation is your orders and instructions relative to the expenses and allowances that we may grant the buyers in addition to the stipulated 5 per cent interest. We have the honor to be, very respectfully, gentlemen,...
542Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 7 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Amsterdam, September 7, 1778, in French: We have just received by Mr. Whitall the book of notes and coupons. To begin the negotiations we need only your orders about the expenses and allowances above the stipulated five-percent interest. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII . The commissioners’ covering letter of Aug. 31 apparently had been separated.
543John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 8 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
This morning Arrived the Privateer Schooner Success—Attwood Master from Virginia. She left Cheasapeak Bay 13 July. The Captains inteligence consists that the ninth Comte d’Estaing saild from the Bay for New York remained in the Bay five French Frigates. Some English Prisoners are brought in here taken by American Privateers their enlargement or detention is optional in the Captures no claim...
544John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 8 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, September 8, 1778: The privateer schooner Success arrived this morning. Her master, Captain Attwood of Virginia, reports d’Estaing sailed from Chesapeake Bay for New York on July 9, leaving behind five frigates. When English prisoners are brought here by privateers, your authority is not invoked as to whether they should be set free or not, and...
Passy, 9 September 1778. RC in Adams’ hand PPAmP . printed (with enclosure): Magazine of American History, 12:462–463 (Nov. 1884). Franklin and Adams sent the Council a letter of 10 Aug. from Thomas Hutchinson to Dr. James Lloyd of Boston, concerning land owned by Hutchinson’s sister, Grizell Sanford, and enclosing his and his sister’s powers of attorney. Franklin and Adams had opened the...
546The Commissioners to C. W. F. Dumas, 9 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
We received yours in which you hint that it is wished by some of our Friends that the Commissioners would propose a Treaty to your Government. It would really be a great Pleasure to them to be instrumental in cementing a Union between the two Republics of Holland and the United States, by a Treaty of Amity and Commerce, similar to that lately concluded with France, or varying where...
547The Commissioners to John Ross?, 9 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Yours of the 29 of August We duely received. We return you the Contract inclosed in it. We are neither instructed nor authorised, to discharge your Debts, whether contracted in a private Capacity or otherwise, and if We were, our Finances would not enable Us to do it, at present. In one of your Letters you Say you have certain Merchandises on Hand to ship to America, which you will not ship...
548C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 9 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Je fus hier 2 fois chez le g—— F——, et 2 fois chez notre ami. Voici ce qui se passa hier matin à l’Assemblée d’Hollande. Amsterdam présenta son avis pour la non-augmentation de l’Armée, afin d’être inséré dans les Actes de la Republique, ajoutant, que puisque par-là-même il alloit être imprimé pour l’usage de chacun des Membres, qui pourroient le lire à loisir, on ne vouloit pas exiger de la...
549C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 9 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I met twice with the Grand Facteur and twice with our friend. Here is what happened in the Assembly of Holland yesterday morning. Amsterdam presented its proposal, to be inserted in the acts of the republic, opposing an increase in the size of the army, adding that since it would be printed for the use of each member who could then read it at leisure, it seemed unnecessary to try the...
550The American Commissioners to Dumas, 9 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : William N. Dearborn, Nashville, Tennessee (1962); copy: National Archives <Passy, September 9, 1778: We received yours hinting that some of your friends wish the commissioners should propose a treaty to your government. It really would be a pleasure thus to cement a union between the two republics, but having received no answer to their letter sent some months ago on the subject to the...