51Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 13 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copies: Library of Congress, National Archives; (II) copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 2. de ce mois. Je sais que vous chargés vos Agens dans differens Ports du Royaume de fournir aux prisonniers Americains echapés, ou revenant d’angleterre, les objets dont ils peuvent avoir besoin à leur arrivée; mais il ne paroit pas...
52Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 12 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives I had the honor of writing to you, in the 2d. instant informg. you that the credit wch. I had receivd from the Commissioners was exhausted, & that I should be obligd to you if you woud let me know whether it was most agreeble to you to renew it, or that I shoud draw on you for what money I might have occasion for. As this matter appeard to acquire no great deliberation,...
53John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <Bordeaux, January 9, 1779: Yesterday the convoy for the French islands sailed, accompanied by three small cutters for the United States. From a vessel arriving out of Edenton I have learned that tobacco is £10 per hundred weight in American currency. American prices are extraordinarily high because of the excessive emission of...
54Vergennes to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 9 January 1779: résumés (Franklin Papers)
(I) L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress; (II) L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress, National Archives <Versailles, January 9, 1779, in French: I have received your undated letter. We will take its contents into consideration as...
55Sartine to the American Commissioners, 8 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 25. du mois passé pour me faire part de l’offre que fait M. Langdon de fournir des mats à la France. Je ne puis que vous remercier d’avoir bien voulu me communiquer cette proposition, dont cependant je ne puis faire aucun Usage, parce...
56Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 7 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 7, 1779: We believed, in consequence of the “Treaty of Alliance, Friendship and Commerce,” that our commercial engagements would be encouraged and protected by this kingdom. We requested of M. de Sartine and yourselves to solicit protection for a number of vessels destined with valuable cargo for several American states. The Minister...
57William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 5 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor to inform You that the Count D’Estaing arrived here with the Fleet under his Command the Beginning of last Month. Admiral Byron, with 14 Ships of the Line, had been cruizing off Boston Harbor, watching the Motions of the French Fleet; but, the Day previous to its Departure, a violent Storm arose, which cast the Somerset ashore on Cape Cod,...
58The Massachusetts Council to the American Commissioners, 5 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society The Marquis De La Fayette having taken leave of this Board, being soon to embark for France, We take this opportunity in justice to his Merit to express our high sense of that Gentlemans Attachment to the American Cause. His exertions & bravery in the Field do him great Honor, which we doubt not the whole Continent have a grateful Sense of, & the prospect of...
59Dumas to the American Commissioners, 1[-3] January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives; transcript: Harvard University Library <The Hague, January 1[-3], 1779, in French: Our friend has no doubts that an important person [the stadholder] has been greatly influenced by Sir Joseph Yorke and has made secret arrangements with his cousin [King George III]. The French ambassador has...
60Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 2 January 1778 [i.e., 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The credit which I received on the public Banker, from the Commissioners is exhausted; & I should be obliged to you if you would let me know whether it is most agreeable to you to renew that credit, or that I should draw on you for what money I may have occasion for. I have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most obt. hble Servt. Addressed: To / The Honble...
61John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 1 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, January 1, 1779: Compliments of the season. There have been no new arrivals since my letter of December 5. At Nantes, the Chasseur is loaded; contrary winds have delayed the [ Governor Livingston ] at the Ile de Ré for two months. I rejoice in the appointment of a convoy, which will promise more protection for merchant ships. Captures have...
62John Paul Jones: Questions for the American Commissioners, [after 20 June 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society I ask the Commissioners Whither they do or do not mean that the Ranger should depart before her Prizes are Realized? Whither the advances paid to the seamen must be deducted from their Prize Money, and at what Rate? And whither it is not inexpedient for a ship that is Crank, that sails slow, and that is of a triffling force, to pursue a tract where there is...
63John Patterson to the American Commissioners, 29 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As Ambassedors of the United-States of America, of which I am a Subject, I make bold to address my-self to you, on the present occassion, I arrivd. at Bordoux the 18th Septr. last from Baltimore with my Brig the General Lee’ with a cargo of Tobacco, consignd. to Messrs. Tessier George & Co. of that place, where unfortunately two of my Men run away which...
64Dumas to the American Commissioners, 18[-28] December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives; transcript: Harvard University Library <The Hague, December 18[-28], 1778, in French: Committees have been established to work on the new British complaints and on the response to the French ambassador. I am translating Amsterdam’s protest and will have copies made for Congress. December 19, morning:...
65Cornic, Veuve Mathurin & fils to the American Commissioners, 28 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons l’honneur de vous confirmer les deux lettres que nous avons eu celui d’Ecrire a M. Le Docteur Francklin des 16. et 21. de ce mois concernant l’arrivée sur nos Côtes du navire le morriss capne. Benjamin Gunisson chargé de Tabac. La presente est pour vous donner avis que le dt. navire Le morris vient d’entrer sur Nôtre Rade de morlaix en lieu de...
66James 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...
67Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 24 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Amsterdam, December 24, 1778, in French: We did not receive your letter of December 6 until the 15th. We have already told Sir Georges Grand, currently in Paris, that we have as yet placed only fifty-one promissory notes, but we have no doubt of eventual success if we are patient. By forcing things we will only undermine our credit; please trust us. We...
68Pierre Rïou and Thomas Pickerin to the American Commissioners, 23 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society <Brest, December 23, 1778, in French and in the third person: Thomas Pickerin, captain of the Hampden , recaptured La Constance , took it into Brest, and, in accordance with the marine ordinance of 1681, addressed himself to Rïou within twenty-four hours. Captain Moodey of the prize ship was in attendance, and two Frenchmen from on board the ship were also...
69Shubael Gardner to the American Commissioners, 22 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <London, December 22, 1778: I am not used to making addresses of this kind; please excuse my errors and accept my simple offering. Many Americans who have been brought here have entered the British whale fishery to save themselves from having to serve on men of war. None would have done so if there had been an alternative; I believe they would all return to...
70Laborde Lissalde to the American Commissioners, 22 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pour nous conformer à l’article 11 du Réglement du 27 Septembre dernier nous avons l’honneur de vous addresser la déclaration que vient de rendre pardevant nous le Sr. Néhémie Story cidevant chef de prise du Senaut anglois l’Esperance de Bristol chargé de morue, qui, ayant été pris par le Sr. Jean Leach commandant le corsaire le francklin de Salem et...
71Sartine to the American Commissioners, 22 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Library of Congress <Versailles, December 22, 1778, in French: You are undoubtedly aware that American seamen escaping from English prisons often arrive in French ports without the basic necessities. I can instruct the commissioners in ports where you have no agents to treat these men as they would French escapees. Regarding British prisoners taken by Americans, I propose they be...
72Vergennes 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...
73John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 15 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am sorry to be under the necessity of troubling you so often on so disagreable a subject and have no Apology but that to offer for again taking up your Attention. I have had the honor to write you several letters stating my uncomfortable Situation, and flattered myself I had given reasons sufficient to induce a compliance with my requisition in those I...
74William Lee to the American Commissioners, 15 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Frankfurt-on-Main, December 15, 1778: It occurs to me it would be serviceable to have an agent at the congress of French and Russian ministers which I mentioned in my letter of the 9th. This agent might counteract the schemes of Britain and if not bring Russia entirely over to our interests at least render her attachment to our enemies less forceful. I...
75Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 15 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, December 15, 1778: We have received yours of the 5th enclosing copies of your letters of November 11 and 27; the original of the first had never arrived. We are grateful for your efforts respecting a convoy. The letter from the Minister of the Marine indicates he cannot provide an escort beyond Cape Finisterre. A convoy that goes only that far is...
76Benjamin Gunnison to the American Commissioners, 14 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brigantine Morris , Roscoff [Brittany], December 14, 1778: I have just arrived after a passage of forty-two days, and await your instructions. I intended to make the ports of either Nantes or Bordeaux but was prevented by violent gales off the coast. My sails and rigging are badly damaged; with a bit of repair I believe they would get me into Morlaix [...
77Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives In December last I recvd at Nantes from Messrs Horneca Fitzeau & Co of Amsterdam sundry merchandise on accot of Mr Grand as appeard by the Invoices, immediately on their arrival I wrote to Mr Grand to know their Destination, his answer was that his name was only lent & that the Goods were for Accot of the Commissioners, I...
78Gourlade & Moylan to the American Commissioners, 9 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The present only serves to advise you of the arrival this day of the Schooner Dauphin from Boston wch. place she left the 16 November last. Amongst the different Dispatches for Court and private letters wch the Owners of this vessel recommended we shou’d see the Cap: deliver the Commissary there did not appear any to your address, and the only news she...
79John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 9 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <Lorient, December 9, 1778: I forward the enclosed memorial from gentlemen who were taken prisoner under my command. They observe that “I am well acquainted with their situation.” Their present treatment is incompatible with reason, law, and humanity. Of the two hundred prisoners on board the Patience , only one hundred thirty...
80William Lee to the American Commissioners, 9 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Frankfurt-on-Main, December 9, 1778: Conformable to the enclosed Congressional resolution, I have drawn on you for 24,000 l.t. payable to Mr. Grand. Please accept it when it comes due and place it to the account of Congress. It is generally believed a congress will be held this winter by the French and Russian ministers to attempt a reconciliation between...
81Dumas to the American Commissioners, 8 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft); Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, December 8, 1778, in French: English funds [government bonds] have fallen in value, and letters from England increase the qualms of those holding them. Amsterdam has printed and distributed copies of its protest against the resolution of November 18. This has shocked the English party. This morning the French...
82John 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...
83Henry 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...
84Dumas 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...
85Sartine 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.
86John 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...
87John 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...
88John 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...
89Dumas 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...
90Thomas 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...
91John 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,...
92John 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,...
93Sartine 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...
94James 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...
95Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 14 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives J’ai mis sous les yeux du Roy, Messieurs, les raisons qui pouvoient determiner sa Majesté a accorder la liberté aux Sujets des Etats unis prisonniers en France. Mais elle a pensé sagement que cette faveur ne doit être accordée qu’à ceux qui ont été pris sur des Batimens americains et forcés de...
96Dumas to the American Commissioners, 13 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <[The Hague], November 13, 1778, in French: Next Wednesday a resolution on refusing convoy for naval stores will be decided by plurality vote [of the states of the Province of Holland]. Amsterdam has protested that the constitution requires unanimous consent in this case. Mr. van Berckel and the...
97Intelligence from Havana and Other Places, 13 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
D : National Archives As in past volumes, we print one example of the intelligence reports Franklin received and summarize the remainder. Sent to Franklin by his friend the chevalier de Kéralio, a military inspector with extensive contacts in French ports, the reports for the period covered by this volume increase markedly in both number (fifty-nine in all) and geographical range. Only eight...
98John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 12 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <La Rochelle, November 12, 1778: I concluded agreements with Mr. Schweighauser for the public freight of the two ships [the Governor Livingston and the Chasseur ] which will proceed to Paimboeuf next week. We, like the merchants of Nantes, have applied for a convoy. These two ships will be very valuable; an application from you should insure the convoy. We...
99James Laurens, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I return you my sincere thanks for the Pass that you were so obliging as to send me, under cover of a Letter of 23d. Ulto: from Doctr. Franklin. And I am exceedingly mortified at finding myself under the necessity of troubling you again upon this occasion, but the Commandant of this place, informs me, that a Pass from Government is indispensably necessary....
100Sartine to the American Commissioners, 12 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress (two), National Archives <Versailles, November 12, 1778, in French: M. de Fleury has informed me that in 1776 his only son went to America to serve in Washington’s army, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was captured at Fort St. Augustine, where he is in a deplorable condition. Please consider the father’s request that...