151The American Commissioners to Vergennes, [before 9 January 1779]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (drafts): Harvard University Library, Massachusetts Historical Society (two); two copies and two transcripts: National Archives The commissioners, particularly Lee and Adams, devoted substantial effort to the drafting of this memorandum asking that a powerful French fleet be sent to American waters. Their efforts were doomed to failure, at...
152The American Commissioners to William Hodge, 19 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two) <Passy, April 19, 1778: Mr. Deane left no account from you of the approximately 100,000 l.t. in public funds that you have received. Capt. Conyngham writes that you have claimed the Revenge as your and Mr. Ross’s property, and the crew writes that you have taken the cargoes of her prizes and have unfairly distributed the prize...
153The Commissioners to Gabriel de Sartine, 7 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
We have the Honour to inclose to your Excellency two Memorials concerning a French Vessell retaken from an English Privateer by An American Privateer the Hampden commanded by Captain Pickering. As there is nothing in either of the Treaties between his Majesty and the united States, respecting such Rescues and Recaptures the Laws of each State must govern the Cases of the Vessells carried into...
154The American Commissioners to Richard Price, 7 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library By one of the latest Ships from America, We had the Pleasure of receiving from Congress, an attested Copy of their Resolution of the sixth of October in these Words That the Honourable Benjamin Franklin Arthur Lee, and John Adams Esqrs or any one of them, be directed forthwith to apply to Dr Price, and inform him, that it is the Desire of Congress to consider him...
155The 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...
156The American Commissioners to William Lee, [22–26] September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, September [22–26], 1778: We have considered the papers you submitted, including the project of a treaty between the Netherlands and the United States. As Congress has appointed no commissioner to deal with their High Mightinesses, we have taken and will continue to take all suitable measures to further...
157The American Commissioners: Memorandum for the Dutch, [before 31 March 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: the Marquess of Abergavenny, Eridge Castle, Sussex (1955) When the Ancestors of the present Inhabitants of the United States of America first settled that Country, they did it entirely at their own expence; The public of England never granted one Shilling to aid in their Establishment. Georgia is an exception for which public grants have been made. Had any such grants been ever made they...
158The American Commissioners to Abraham Whipple, 16 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: National Archives (two), Yale University Library <Passy, July 16, 1778: We have instructed Lieut. Simpson, on whom command of the Ranger devolves now that Capt. Jones is on another service, to join you under your orders. The Boston, Providence , and Ranger should put to sea with all dispatch. Do your best to take or destroy British...
159The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 10 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, June 10, 1778: We approve your refusal to pay William Morris 1,200 l.t. ; pay no one without our orders. Give the captains goods, for repairing their ships or feeding their men, and a suit of clothes for each to be charged against his pay. Dispose of Captain Whipple’s prize, if she arrives, as you and he think...
160The 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...
161The American Commissioners to John Ross, 3 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Justin G. Turner, Los Angeles (1959); AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have received yours of the twenty seventh of October, inclosing a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of the 11th August 1778. We shall pay the strictest Attention and Obedience to this Resolution of Congress and to all others, as far as shall be in our Power; and Shall be...
162The American Commissioners to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 16 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : South Carolina Historical Society; transcript and two copies: National Archives We have now the Pleasure of sending you the Treaties of Amity and Alliance with France compleated after long Deliberation and signed the 6th. Instant. This is an Event that will give our States such an Appearance of Stability, as must strengthen our Credit, encourage other Powers in Europe to ally themselves...
163The American Commissioners to Bersolle, 3 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives (two), Massachusetts Historical Society Your Bill upon our Banker was not paid, because it was drawn without our Leave; and before you had sent Us the Accounts to shew we were your Debtors, and he could not regularly pay a Bill on our Account, which he had not our Orders to pay. We are Sir, your most obedient Servants. Published in Butterfield, John Adams Diary , IV ,...
164The American Commissioners to [Gerard], 30 January 1778 [i.e. 27] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; ALS (draft) or copy: University of Virginia Library We have concluded to make no farther Propositons for the present Treaty. We only wish the Word Sovereignty may be inserted in the two Places propos’d, if not thought absolutely improper. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Esteem, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servants We print the...
165The American Commissioners to [John Ross], 9 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society <Passy, September 9, 1778: We acknowledge yours of August 29. We are authorized to discharge neither your private nor your public debts. If you purchased goods with money sent you by the commissioners and had given us an account, we could have given you orders. As it is, any goods you have belonging to the United States should be delivered to Mr....
166The American Commissioners to Sartine, 10 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; three copies: National Archives <Passy, September 10, 1778: Captain Daniel McNeill of Boston retook a French vessel [the Isabelle ] held by a Guernsey privateer more than three days. He brought her into Port Louis where he has met with difficulties selling her and her cargo. In keeping with His Majesty’s interest and the treaties between our two...
167The American Commissioners to Sartine, [13] October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; three copies: National Archives We had the Honour of receiving your Excellencys Letter of the 7 Instant to which We shall take the Liberty of answering fully by another opportunity. As you mention that the Prize was condemned on the 20th Mr. Izard is apprehensive that the goods in Question may be sold, before the ordinary Course of Law can prevent...
168The American Commissioners to John Ross, 29 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have received your Letters of the fifteenth and Twenty-fourth of December, with their Enclosures, and once more assure you, that We have no Authority, to do any Thing in your Affairs, untill you have Settled your Accounts.— Whenever you Shall be ready to lay your Accounts before Us, We shall be ready to receive them...
169The Commissioners to William Lee, 22 – 26 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have considered, with some Attention the Papers which you have laid before Us, containing a Project of a Treaty to be made between the Republic of the United Provinces, and that of the United States of America. As Congress have entrusted to Us the Authority of treating with all the States of Europe, excepting Such as have particular Commissioners designated by Congress to treat with them,...
170The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 10 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, August 10, 1778: We are not authorized by Congress to allow deductions from the seamen’s prize money or their advances. As for your stores and furniture, M. Simpson will undoubtedly deliver your private property upon request. We cannot advise you regarding your indemnification, but we...
171The American Commissioners to James Moylan, 22 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress We desire you will not pay Mr. Bersolle’s Bill. His demand for payment before he had sent the Accounts to us and we had examind them, is unjust. You will also avoid for the future accepting Bills which we are to pay; or giving yourself the trouble of doing in our name what you have not our authority to do. We are, Sir, Your most Obedient Servants By Lee; see the...
172The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 29 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, October 29, 1778: We are ready to execute and exchange the declarations concerning the omission of the 11th and 12th articles of the treaty of commerce, and ask you to appoint a day for us to wait on you.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII . In the hand...
173The American Commissioners to Thomas Simpson, 16 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress We have received your State of your Arrest. As you cannot be tryd here according to the regulations of Congress we have desired Capt. Jones to procure you a Passage to America by the first Opportunity and provide you with whatever may be necessary for your defence. We are sorry for this event and hope you will be able to justify your conduct. We are &c....
174The American Commissioners to Sartine, 1 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We have the Honour to inclose to your Excellency, a Letter We have this day recd from Nantes, together with a Representation from Mr The Congress have not as yet appointed any Consuls in any of the Ports of this Kingdom, and they have not invested Us with Power to appoint such officers. We expect...
175The 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...
176The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 22 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, August 22, 1778: We received yours of the 18th. Tell Mr. Bersolle he must send us his accounts and vouchers before we will pay him; we hope for his sake as well as ours that he will not proceed to the indecent violence you apprehend. Dispose of the saltpetre as speedily and inexpensively as possible. Mr. Hall...
177The American Commissioners to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We have recd your Letters of the 12 Decr and 23 of January in the first You propose that We should write to Messrs Horneca and Fitzeaux to pass the amount of the goods you mention to our Debit. In that of 23 of January, you propose that one of the Cases Still remaining in Mr Schweighausers Hands...
178The American Commissioners to Necker, 9 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives Captain Peter Collass of Boston in America, who has had the Misfortune to be thrice taken Prisoner in the Course of this War, by the Enemy, has made a Representation to Us of the Detention of a few Articles of his Property at Calais by the Customs house officers. Articles of the Manufacture of this Kingdom which he...
179The American Commissioners to the Massachusetts Council, 29 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have received the Honour of your Letter of June 9, by Captain Corbin Barnes of the Schooner Dispatch together with three Packetts, directed to Us. We shall leave the Captain to his own Discretion concerning the Port he may return to. It is at present a Time of Scarcity of News, but We expect hourly important...
180The American Commissioners to Peter Amiel, 23 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library The foregoing is a true Copy of original Instructions from Congress to Commanders of private Ships or Vessels of War, having Commissions or Letters of Marque and Reprisal, which you are strictly enjoyned and required to observe. See the note on Arthur Lee to BF above, April 2. Amiel was now lodging in Passy, and was slated to command a privateer owned by a...
181The Commissioners to John Lloyd and Others, 26 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
We had Yesterday the Honour of your Letter of the Twenty first of this Month. You desire to know what Port or Ports, is or are made free, pursuant to the Treaty? We believe that none have as yet been determined on. At present all the Ports of France, are open, to American Vessells of all Denominations, and we are at present rather doubtful whether it would be politick in Us to apply to have...
182The Commissioners to the Comte de Vergennes, 12 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Alliance between this Kingdom, and the United States of America, is an Event of such Magnitude in their History, that We conceive it would be highly pleasing to our Constituents, to have the Picture of their his Majesty their illustrious Friend and Ally, to be kept in some Public Place where the Congress sits. We would carefully avoid every Thing which would be disagreable to the King and...
183The American Commissioners to Sartine, 12 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives de la Marine; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives Last Night, We had a Letter from Nantes a Copy of which we have the honour to inclose to your Excellency. The Subject of it appears to us, of great Importance to the United States, as well as to the Individuals, Frenchmen and Americans, who are interested in the Vessels destined to America,...
184The Commissioners to Pieter van Bleiswyck, 28 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have the Honour of acquainting your Excellency, that the United States of North America, being now an Independant Power, and acknowledged as such by this Court, a Treaty of Amity and Commerce is compleated between France and the Said States, of which we shall speedily send your Excellency a Copy, to be communicated if you think proper to their High Mightinesses, for whom, the United States,...
185The American Commissioners to David Hartley, 16 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Library of Congress; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; copy and transcript: Library of Congress; two copies: National Archives <Passy, June 16, 1778: I received yours of the 5th, informing us that the government has agreed to an exchange of prisoners, and we have written Captain Jones for the list; it contains, I understand, at least two hundred men. We expect ours to be...
186The American Commissioners to John Young, 2 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society You will receive by Mr. Moylan dispatches for Congress, which you will secure ready for sinking in Case of Danger. On your Leaving the River Nantes it has been recommended as the safest to keep well in with the Coast of France until you can leave the Continent intirely. Of this you will be the best judge. We advise you to avoid speaking with every Vessel on...
187The American Commissioners to Samuel Tucker, 22 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Harvard University Library; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, July 22, 1778: If the French sailors enlisted in your books are to go to Boston, they should return to the ship and receive their due in wages and prize money. Otherwise, the cruise being complete, they are entitled to collect what is owed them, deducting advances, and to...
188The American Commissioners to John Bondfield, 13 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two) We thank you for the civility of your favor of the 30th. ulto. and shall be obliged to you for the earliest communication of any interesting News that may reach your Port. We have the honor to be &c. &c. In Arthur Lee’s hand, on the verso of Bondfield’s letter above of March 30. The...
189The American Commissioners to John Gilbank, 26 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We have received your Letter of the twenty first of this Month, and in Answer to it, We assure you that We cannot indorse your Bills, as you propose. We are your humble servants In JA ’s hand.
190The American Commissioners to Sartine, 27 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; four copies: National Archives <Passy, September 27, 1778: We received yours of the 21st relative to the retaking of the Isabelle by Captain McNeill. Since comte d’Estaing has probably retaken American vessels from the English, we should soon have intelligence on how this was handled. In the meanwhile we have advised Captain McNeill to turn over...
191The Commissioners to Gabriel de Sartine, 17 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have received the Letter which your Excellency did Us the Honour to write to Us, on the 14 of this Month, and in answer to the Proposal Enquiry, contained in it, We beg Leave to acquaint your Excellency that there is not now in France, nor to our Knowledge, in Europe, any Frigate or other Vessell of War, belonging to the United States. If there was, We should not hesitate to order her,...
192The American Commissioners to Any Governor or Member of a Council or House of Representatives of an American State, 18 … (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Archives; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: National Archives (two), Pennsylvania State Archives, Public Record Office; two transcripts: National Archives <Passy, May 18, 1778: We have received reliable word that eleven British ships of the line are at St. Helen’s, near Portsmouth, bound for North America. You are requested to forward this letter as...
193The Commissioners to J. D. Schweighauser, 27 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have received yours of the 27th of September, and approve of your Proceedings relative to the Cargo of the Therese, and if any Thing further is necessary for Us to do in that Business you will be so good as to advise Us. We are of opinion that you should sign the Receipt to Mr. Williams, copy of which you transmitted Us, as far as the Words United States, inclusively—omitting all that...
194The American Commissioners to Samuel Tucker, 19 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library The Bearer of this, Captn. Livingston, is understood by us to be well qualified for the Office of Lieutenant in your Ship. If upon discoursing with him, you should be of the same Opinion, you will fill up with his Name the enclos’d Commission and date the same upon the Day. We leave this Matter to your Judgment; for tho’ we have a good Opinion of the Gentleman...
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...
196The American Commissioners to the Massachusetts Council, 22 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives Mr. Jonathan Loring Austin who was dispatched the last year by your Honours with the glorious News of the Convention of Saratoga, being about to return home We think it proper to inform your Honours that his Behaviour since his arrival here has been entirely to our Satisfaction and to recommend him as a Gentleman of...
197The American Commissioners to Thomas Simpson, 3 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: National Archives <Passy, June 3, 1778: We have had several letters from you and certificates from officers and others about the charge on which you have been confined. Our giving an opinion of it would be improper, but we have asked Capt. Jones to release you on parole, so that you may go to Nantes and take passage to America to stand trial...
198The Commissioners to the Comte de Vergennes, 29 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have the Honour to inform your Excellency that we are ready to execute and exchange the Declarations, concerning the Omission of the eleventh and twelfth Articles of the Treaty of Commerce, and to request your Excellency to appoint a Day to wait on your Excellency for that Purpose. We have the Honour to be with the most respectful Consideration Your Excellency’s most obedient and most...
199The Commissioners to Gustavus Conyngham, 19 April 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have received a Complaint from the remaining Part of your Officers and Crew, of an unfair distribution of Prize Money by Mr. Hodge. To prevent any Such Complaints in future, We desire that you will put your Prizes into the Hands of Messieurs Gardoqui at Bilboa, and into those of the Principal Merchant at Cadiz or Corogne Coruña , directing them to make a Speedy Distribution of the...
200The 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...