151Dumas 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...
152Thomas 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...
153John 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,...
154John 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...
155Gabriel 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...
156Gabriel 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...
157John 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,...
158Sartine 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...
159James 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...
160James 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...
161Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 14 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai mis Sous les yeux de Roy, Messieurs, les Raisons qui pouvoient determiner Sa Majesté à accorder la Liberté au Sujets des Etats Unis prissoniers en France; mais elle à pensé Sagement que cette Faveur ne devoit être acordée qu’à ceux qui ont été pris Sur des Batimens americains et forcés de servir contre leur patrie. En Consequence, Messieurs il Seroit nécéssaire que vous prissiez la Peine,...
162Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 14 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have placed before the King, gentlemen, the reasons which might convince His Majesty to grant freedom to the subjects of the United States who are prisoners in France. He thought wisely, however, that this favor should be accorded only to those who have been taken on American ships and forced to serve against their country. Therefore, gentlemen, it will be necessary that you take the trouble...
163Sartine 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...
164C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 13 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Les affaires deviennent ici extrêment sérieuses. La résolution (dont ma lettre du 10 vous parle) de refuser les convois aux Matieres marines, n’est pas encore formellement prise ici. On a décidé seulement, que Mercredi prochain on prendra à cet égard une résolution à la pluralité. Mrs. d’Amsterdam ont protesté contre cette pluralité, comme contraire à la Constitution, qui, dans ce cas, demande...
165C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 13 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Things are becoming extremely serious here. The resolution (mentioned in my letter of the 10th) to refuse convoys to naval stores has not yet been formally adopted. It has been decided only that next Wednesday a resolution in this regard should be adopted by a plurality. The gentlemen from Amsterdam have protested against this as being contrary to the Constitution which, in this case, requires...
166Dumas 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...
167Intelligence 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...
168John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 12 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Having concluded with Mr. Schweighauser for the publick freight the two Ships are ready and will proceed the begining of Next Week for Penbeuf. We have apply’d for a Convoy for the Ships which we have room to flatter ourselves will be granted and will thereby secure their passage from hence to the Loire, as there will be no delay at Nantes in the Loading all being ready both to Ship and Load...
169Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 12 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Mr. Defleury, Messieurs, m’a réprésenté que son fils unique, s’embarqua en 1776 pour se rendre en Amerique, ou il a servi les Etats Unis dans l’Armée du General Washington, avec assez de distinction pour mériter le grade de lieutenant Colonel, mais qu’ayant ête fait prisonnier et conduit au fort St. Augustin il n’a pas encore pû obtenir son Echange, et il se trouve dans l’Etat le plus...
170Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 12 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Mr. De Fleury, gentlemen, has informed me that in 1776 his only son embarked for America where he has served the United States in General Washington’s army with enough distinction to merit the rank of lieutenant colonel, but that having been made prisoner and taken to Fort St. Augustine he has been unable to obtain his exchange and finds himself in a most deplorable state. The distinction this...
171John 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...
172James 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....
173Sartine 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...
174Thomas Bell to the American Commissioners, 11 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I sailed from Philad. the 6 of Sept. I Recd. no Letters from the Committe of Congress. The privet Letters I Recd. from Mr. Deane and the Honbl. Richard Henery Lee & Mr. Carmichell as to the dispatches for the Court of France I Recd. them from Monsr. Gerard as to Aney Other Letters I Recd. non— Gentln. I shall Sail Shortly for Philad. If you have Aney...
175C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 10 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Ma derniere, de 4e. partit le 6e. Demain sera un jour important, et qui aura des suites très sérieuses, si Amsterdam mollit Nous savons déjà quel sera l’avis préalable des Amirautés. Le Committé nommé pour conférer là-dessus avec Mrs. de l’Amirauté a fait son rapport, que voici: 1.° On refusera d’entrer en pourparler avec Sir Y. sur le sens des Traités quant aux Matieres de Construction et...
176C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 10 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
My last, of the 4th, left on the 6th. Tomorrow will be an important day and, if Amsterdam softens its position, will have serious consequences. We already know what the preliminary advisory of the Admiralties will be. The committee named to confer on this matter with the gentlemen of the Admiralty has made the following report: 1. They will refuse to enter into negotiations with Sir Joseph...
177Dumas to the American Commissioners, 10 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <The Hague, November 10, 1778, in French: Tomorrow the Admiralty will issue its advisory, refusing to negotiate with Sir Joseph Yorke and insisting on the restitution of the captured ships, but ruining everything by in effect suspending convoys. Our friend seems embarrassed. Another person says...
178Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioners, 9 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Three ALS : American Philosophical Society I have to inform you that since my last of Sept 18th. I have emitted Loan Office Bills of Exchange as follows Viz To the State New Jersey 10 Setts for 36 Dollr. each Numbered 989 to 998 Inclusive 10 . . do. . . 60 . . . . do. . . . . 328 to 337 — 10 . . do. . .
179J. D. Schweighauser and Others to the Commissioners, 7 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
The repeated Captures of American Vessells, many of which notwithstanding the Convoys we have had off this Coast have been taken the day after their Separation, and the Knowledge obtained by Our Enemies of the time of Our Vessells sailing, which induces them to cruize at a greater distance to watch the Moment that the French Frigates part from their Convoy, incline us to wish for more...
180Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 7 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, November 7, 1778: Repeated captures of American vessels off this coast induce us to seek more effective protection. The intelligence our enemies obtain about the departure of our ships allows their capture as soon as the French frigates part from their convoy. Not only are supplies to our country threatened, so are the American gentlemen intending...
181Sartine to the American Commissioners, 6 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de M’écrire le 30. du mois dernier. Je vous suis très obligé d’avoir bien voulu me communiquer ce qui vous est revenu sur les avantages que les Anglois tirent de la pêche de la Baleine, qu’ils font sur les côtes du Bresil, à la hauteur de la riviere de la Plata....
182Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de Sartine to the American Commissioners, 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives J’ai l’honneur, Messieurs, de vous envoyer un mémoire qui m’a été adressé d’Alresford, par un Chirurgien François pris sur le Batiment Americain Le Gest. Si les Etats unis ont adoptés quelques precautions pour faire passer des secours à leurs Sujets, detenus en Angleterre, je ne doute pas que vous ne les...
183C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 4 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Ma derniere est d’hier. Je viens de chez notre Ami; et je prends le parti, quoique ma Lettre ne puisse pas partir aujourd’hui, de vous rendre notre conversation pendant qu’elle est encore fraiche dans ma Mémoire. Mrs. d’Amsterdam sont revenus avec des instructions vigoureuses de leurs commettants. Ils seront peut-être suivis d’une troisieme adresse plus sérieuse encore que les précédentes. Si...
184C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 4 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
My last was of yesterday. I have just returned from seeing our friend and, although this letter cannot be mailed today, take the opportunity to give you an account of our conversation while it is still fresh in my mind. The gentlemen from Amsterdam returned with strong instructions from their constituents. This perhaps will result in a third address, even more serious than the previous ones....
185John Gilbank to the Commissioners, 4 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
I took the liberty some time ago to write to your Excellency’s informing you of the Situation in which I found myself, and requesting to be supplied with Money for necessary Expences in the manner in my Letter mentioned or otherwise as should seem meet. Not having since that time been favoured with any Answer, I am under the necessity of applying to Your Excellency’s again to be informed, by...
186Dumas to the American Commissioners, 4 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <The Hague, November 4, 1778, in French: I have just seen our friend and take this opportunity to report our conversation. Amsterdam has sent strong instructions to its representatives and if the evasions continue will use other means, about which they did not wish to tell me. Sir Joseph Yorke has...
187John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 4 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, November 4, 1778: I am applying to you again for money to meet my necessary expenses. Without assistance I can neither avail myself of an opportunity to sail for America nor fulfill my duty to Congress; my attachment to the American cause precludes my receiving help from my family. Had I not been captured on my last attempt to get to America, this...
188C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 3 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Après le départ de ma Lettre du 30 Oct. j’allai souhaitter un bon voyage à notre Ami, qui reviendra Mardi prochain ce soir. Mr. Baker Secretaire de l’Amirauté d’Amsterdam avoit fait une visite de commande à Mr. le Pensionaire Van Berkel. Celui-ci, sentant qu’on vouloit le sonder, prit le parti de s’expliquer trés fortement. “Monsieur, lui dit-il, que l’Amiraute prenne garde au Pré-avis qu’elle...
189C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 3 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Following the dispatch of my letter of 30 October, I went to wish our friend a good trip. He will return this evening. Mr. Baker, Secretary of the Amsterdam Admiralty, made a command appearance before the Pensionary, Mr. van Berckel, who, sensing that the Secretary wished to sound him out, took the opportunity to express himself in no uncertain terms. “Sir,” he said to him, “let the Admiralty...
190Dumas to the American Commissioners, 3 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <The Hague, November 3, 1778, in French: Our friend has warned Mr. Baker, the secretary of the Amsterdam Admiralty, that if the Admiralty’s preliminary advisory serves to weaken the protest to the English court he will communicate the action to the entire business community. Such an action would...
191Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 31 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, National Archives, Massachusetts Historical Society Vous me demandez, Messieurs, un jour pour l’Echange des Declarations concernant l’Omission des onzieme et douzieme Articles du Traité de Commerce. Si lundi prochain deux novembre peut vous convenir, je serai charmé d’avoir l’honneur de vous recevoir et je me flatte que vous voudrez bien me faire Celui de diner le...
192C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 30 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’eus l’honneur de vous écrire Mardi 27 une Lettre très intéressante. L’adresse dont elle vous portoit copie a déjà fait divers grands effets. 1.° L’Assemblée d’hollande, dont ils croyoient ici être débarrassés aujourdhui, reprendra ses Séances mercredi prochain; en attendant Mrs. d’Amsterdam feront un tour chez eux, pour revenir Mardi avec quelques nouvelles instructions. 2.° Le Corps des...
193C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 30 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
On Tuesday, the 27th, I had the honor to send you a very interesting letter. Already the address, a copy of which was enclosed, has had several important results. I. The Assembly of Holland, which people here thought would be finished today, will resume its sessions next Wednesday. In the meantime, the gentlemen from Amsterdam will go home in order to return Tuesday with some new instructions....
194Dumas to the American Commissioners, 30 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, October 30, 1778, in French: As a result of the merchants’ address the Assembly of Holland will reconvene next Wednesday, the corps of nobility of the province has withdrawn a counter-address and an important personage seems to be alarmed. The British party is also concerned. The Grand Pensionary is displeased...
195Fairholme & Luther to the American Commissioners, 30 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclos’d we make bold to send you a copy of what we wrote yesterday to Mr. De Saint Cristau one of the Farmers General with regard to a cargo of fish taken in the Brigg the Lord Grovenor by the Continental Friggat the Providence Capn. Abraham Whipple. At the first arrival of the above prize, we got liberty to put the fish on Shore for to export it to Spain,...
196Vergennes 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...
197Jonathan Loring Austin to the Commissioners, 27 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
Had it been in my Power to acquaint your Excellencies sooner in what Manner I was to proceed, I should have done myself the Honor of addressing you, before it was too late to receive any further Dis patches from Passy. I have (after waiting here with great Anxeity) received Letters from my Freind, which have determined me to proceed for St. Eustatia, and expect to sail next Wednesday or...
198C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 27 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
La respectée Vôtre du 10e. m’est parvenue Samedi dernier. Elle est parfaitement comme il la falloit. Le g F en est fort content. J’ai été le même jour la faire lire á notre Ami, et je lui en ai délivré une copie attestée par ma signature. Elle lui a fait un plaisir extrême; et il m’a assuré, à plusieurs reprises, qu’elle en feroit un très-sensible aux Bourguemaitres de sa Ville, à qui il...
199C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 27 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
Last Saturday I had the honor to receive your letter of 10 October. It is exactly as it should be. The Grand Facteur is very satisfied with it. I went the same day to read it to our friend and gave him a copy, attested by my signature. He was extremely pleased and assured me, several times, that it would make a very good impression on the Burgomasters of his city, who were anxious to know your...
200Jonathan Loring Austin to the American Commissioners, 27 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Amsterdam, October 27, 1778: I will sail for St. Eustatia next Wednesday or Thursday, as no direct passage for America is available. Had I been able I would have told you sooner, so you could send more dispatches. I doubt that Admiral d’Estaing is in the precarious situation reported by the English newspapers. American affairs provoke conflicting opinions...