511James Smith to the Commissioners, 15 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose you the Testimony of Mr. Anthy. Payn concerning the detention of my Goods at Calis with the names of the Officer by whom they were taken and the Servant of Mr. Payn who was also eye witness to the transaction and lives at the Hotel Lyon d’Argent at Calais. It may be also proper to inform you that a Gentleman who I have been given to understand by Mr. Williams is...
512James Smith to the American Commissioners, 15 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <Paris, November 15, 1778: I enclose the testimony of Mr. Anthony Payn concerning the detention of my goods, which gives the names of the officer who took them and of Mr. Payn’s servant, who was also a witness. Your agent at Calais, together with Mr. Whitall and Miss Farrel were also informed at the time about the case. Mr. Williams...
513John Gilbank to the Commissioners, 16 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Not having received from you any Answer to two letters which I have had the honour to write to you, requesting to be supplied with Money to enable me, with the first Opportunity, to join my Regiment; And as a Convoy is very shortly expected, and the Vessels will be ready to sail, I am compelled to trouble you a third time on the subject, and to assure you that, without such Supply, it will be...
514Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 16 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçû, Messieurs, avec la Lettre, que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire, le 12 de ce mois, la Copie de celle qui vous a été Adressée par M. Schweighausser Agent des Etats Unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale à Nantes, au Sujet de l’Escorte qu’il demande, ainsi que plusieurs Negociants Americains, pour un certain nombre de Navires qu’ils doivent expedier vers la fin du mois. J’aurois été...
515Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 16 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have received with the letter that you did me the honor to write on the 12th of this month, gentlemen, the copy of the letter addressed to you by Mr. Schweighauser, agent for the United States of North America at Nantes, on the subject of the escort that he, together with several other American merchants, requests for a number of vessels that they hope to send off toward the end of the...
516John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 16 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, November 16, 1778: Having received no answer from you, I am writing a third time to request money to join my regiment in South Carolina. A convoy is expected and the vessels will be ready to sail. It is the custom of every nation to supply an officer who has been taken prisoner with the amount of his pay to rejoin his station. If this were not so,...
517Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 16 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) copies: Massachusetts Historical Society; Library of Congress (two), National Archives; (II) copies: Massachusetts Historical Society; Library of Congress (two) J’ai reçû, Messieurs, avec la Letter, que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire, le 12. de ce mois, la Copie de celle qui vous a été Adressée par M. Schweighauser Agent des Etats Unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale à Nantes, au...
518James Smith to the American Commissioners, [after 17 November 1778]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <[after November 17, 1778]: I have received your very extraordinary letter of Nov. 17 and thank you for presenting my case to the count de Vergennes. You say that if I subscribe to the declaration and take the oath of allegiance to the United States you will give me the customary passport to Calais. Unless this passport will remove...
519John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 17 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this Moment the honour of your Letter of Novr. 10th: in answer to mine of Octr. 6th: since which time I had the honour to write you Novr. 4th. past, and not receiving an Answer sooner, I yesterday wrote a third time which I imagine you will receive before this. I am by your letter rendred compleatly distressed. Nor do I know which way to turn myself,...
520C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 20 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
De retour ici depuis Mercredi matin, j’appris après-dîner de notre Ami, que l’acte de despotisme, que ma derniere du 13 Nov. vous annonçoit, a été consommé dans l’Assemblée provinciale après une Séance de 3 heures, et que l’avis préalable avec sa queue, dont je vous ai rendu compte dans ma Lettre du ioe., a été résolu à la pluralité: sur quoi la Ville d’Amsterdam a fait insérer un Protest...
521C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 20 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
I returned here Wednesday morning and, after dinner, learned from our friend that the act of despotism, described in my last of 13 November, had been consummated in the Provincial Assembly after a three-hour session. Also, the preliminary advisory together with its concluding provision, described in my letter of the 10th, has been resolved by a plurality. The City of Amsterdam has inserted a...
522John Walshe and Others to the Commissioners, 20 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Memorial of the Officers late of his Britanic Majesty’s Sloop Drake, Captn. Wm. Moore of the Patience Brig, Archibald Borland of the Tryal Schooner, John Douglass of the Sally Sloop, Prisoners on board the said Brig. Sheweth. That your Memorialists were brought into this Road of Brest on the 7th May last and on the 11th were put on board this Vessel and allowed the Cabin to be in, which they...
523Dumas to the American Commissioners, 20 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <The Hague, November 20, 1778, in French: Returning here, I learned from our friend that the Provincial Assembly by majority vote has resolved against providing convoys and in favor of the Admiralty’s advisory. Amsterdam has inserted a formal protest, which it demands be published, because the...
524Thomas Middleton to the American Commissioners, 20 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Three LS : American Philosophical Society I received Two Bills of Exchange drawn by Francis Hopkinson on you for Interest due to me on Money lent the Publick, & having had the Misfortune to loose these drafts I advertized them as you will see by the enclosed paper which however has not produced a return of the Bills & lays me under a Necessity of Troubling you to request that you will not pay...
525John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 21 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
I attended yesterday to the Vissit made by the Inspector of the Artillery of the Cannon laying at this Port belonging to Monsr. Le Bertin. The report is as favorable as can be given as to their appearance which is all that can be said of them until Proved. The following is the list given me in by the person who has them under his care. 77 Cannon du Calibre de 36£ du poids de 75 quintx la piece...
526John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 21 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, November 21, 1778: The Inspector of Artillery visited the port yesterday to inspect M. Bertin’s cannon. On the basis of appearance alone, their quality seems good, but this must be confirmed by testing. I herewith enclose a list indicating their specifications. Other cannon belonging to the same company made from the same mold can be procured...
527Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 25 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Le Roi a fait expedier, Messieurs, des Passeports pour quatre Batimens anglois, qui doivent venir d’un Port etranger a Dunkerque, il est egalment necessaire de les mettre a l’abri d’insulte de la Part des Corsaires Americaines, et Je vous prie de m’envoyer a c e t Effet quatre Lettres ostensibles ou Passeports, dont ils puissent Se Servir dans l’occasion. Je vous observe, qu’ils doivent être...
528Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 25 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
The King, gentlemen, has sent passports for four English vessels which are to come from a foreign port to Dunkerque. It is equally necessary that they be protected from insult by American privateers and I ask you to send me, in this regard, four open letters or passports, which they could use if needed. Please note that they must be left blank since they can only be filled out on the spot. I...
529Franklin and John Adams to Arthur Lee, [27 November 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Pierpont Morgan Library Dr Franklin and Mr Adams present their Compliments to Mr Lee, and request that the Journey to Versailles may be postponed to Sunday at 8 O Clock in the Morning for several particular Reasons besides the bad Weather.— Addressed: The Hon. Mr Lee / Chaillot Endorsed: F. & Adams Notation: Recu La Lettre une de mieur a pré [une demi-heure après] que Monsieur Leé a etté...
530John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 28 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Tho’ we are without any interesting inteligence in this or the neighbouring Ports I hold it my duty to advise you that so it is. The Merchants from their heavy Loss’s are obliged to contract their concerns which unfortunately will be sensibly felt by the short Exports for the United States. Excepting three small Cutters belonging to Virginia it is three Months since any expedition went from...
531John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, November 28, 1778: We are without interesting intelligence. Because of their heavy losses the merchants here must reduce their exports, to the detriment of the United States. Only three small cutters belonging to Virginia have sailed in the past three months. A 24-gun vessel of Beaumarchais & Co. sails to join their Fier Roderigue and Drake at...
532John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honour of writing to you the 17th. inst. but having reced no Answer take the Liberty to inform You that the Ship I expect to go in to America is expected here hourly—Mr. Livingstone being arrived by Land to day. Without your compliance with my former request I cannot go with him in which Case I can’t think any blame can fall on me. Capt. Joiner is...
533Sartine to the American Commissioners, 1 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: National Archives J’ai reçu, Messieurs, les quatre Recommandations que vous avez bien voulu m’adresser pour des navires Anglois, et je vous prie d’en recevoir mes remercimens. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec beaucoup de Consideration, Messieurs, votre tres humble et très obeissant serviteur Nov. 30.
534C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 2 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer aujourdhui la Résolution dont je vous ai tant parlé. Ce qui l’a un peu retardée, c’est mon dernier voyage à Amsterdam, un rhume fort incommode que j’en ai rapporté, et les trois copies que j’en ai fait faire, pour les envoyer successivement au Congrès. Cette Piece mériteroit bien d’être imprimée, tant en François, qu’en Anglois pour le service des Etats-Unis, à...
535C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 2 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
Today I have the honor to send you the resolution of which I have already spoken. What delayed me a little was my recent trip to Amsterdam, a bothersome cold which I brought back with me, and the three copies which I had to make to send in successive letters to the congress. This piece fully deserves to be published in both French and English for the service of the United States because of the...
536Dumas to the American Commissioners, 2 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, December 2, 1778, in French: Enclosed is the resolution I promised, which deserves to be published in both English and French. I hope for good news from America before the Provincial States [of Holland] reassemble in ten to twelve days. The London Evening Post of November 26 reports Clinton has been roughly...
537John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 5 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
A french Brig belonging to La Rochelle arrived at this port the 2d Instant from Boston, he left that port the 4 November in Company with Adml. D’Estaing with all his fleet reinforced by some American Frigates. The Report circulated in Boston their intent was against Halifax, the Season was far advanct for an attempt of that nature. He kept company thirty Six hours, the Fleet steerd N.E., he...
538John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 5 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, December 5, 1778: A brig owned in La Rochelle arrived here December 2, having left Boston November 4 and having sailed thirty-six hours with Admiral d’Estaing. Rumor had it that the fleet was to attack Halifax. Another vessel equipped by Chaumont’s friend, Decater, arrived at Auray, having sailed with the admiral until November 7 when she...
539Henry Farley to the American Commissioners, 5 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since I had the Honor of waiting on Your Excellencys on Monday with the Letter from Mr Grand I have been advised to put down my request in writing and I flatter myself Your Generous way of thinking will afford me Assistance. Mr Thomas Thompson of Dover very well known for his strong Sentiments in favor of America coinciding with mine wishing to place his...
540C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 8 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
Le Calme dont vous parloit ma Lettre du 2, a cessé plutôt que je ne croyois. On étoit déjà inquiet, depuis quelques jours, de la baisse des fonds Anglois; et les Lettres venues de l’Angleterre augmentoient les transes de nos rentiers. D’un autre côté, le refus de faire imprimer ici le Protest de la grande ville contre la résolution du 18e. Nov. avoit engagé cette ville à le faire imprimer, et...