51Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Since writing this morning by Capt. Nicholson I have been with Monsr. Peltrier, who informs me that the Vessell is at the mouth of the River, where it seems all Vessells of Burden are obliged to load. She is not yet loaded but there are several Cases of Fusils gone from hence to the Ship, and Monsr. Peltrier expects a Barge loaded with Bales to come down...
52Franco and Adrianus Dubbeldemuts to the American Commissioners, 30 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives Comme Interessée dans Le Navire et Cargaison, dont Les papiers ci Incluse font Mentions, Nous prenons la Libertée, Messieurs, de vous Les remêtre, et de vous recommander tres particulierement cette afaire afin que par votre pouvoir, Le dit Navire (dont nous vous protestons, q’auqune autre Nation que hollandaise, est Interessee) soit rendue aux Proprietaires. Ils est...
53Joshua Johnson to the American Commissioners, 2 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I propose to fit out two or three Vessells on my return to England and send to Lisbon, to Load with Salt which I purpose to send from thence to some one of the United Colonies in America. I therefore humbly solicit your Pasports to protect the said Vessells from being Captured by the American Cruizers and to enable me with more security to throw in supplies...
54Henry Johnson to the American Commissioners, [after] [19] August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Public Record Office Should have wrote you e’er this! I had no subject to write upon, knowing you have enough else to do besides reading a Scrawl, which signified nothing. Yours of the 19th Inst. came safe to hand, have to say I have done tolerable well with the French Sailors, many of them finding I would pay them no money have decamped; others (some few) have gone on board....
55Chaumont to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. de Chaumont a l’honneur d’informer Messieurs les deputés du Congrès qu’il peut leur procurer deux cents milliers de salpestres de l’inde pres a L’orient a soixante le quintal pareil a celuy qu’il a deja procuré a M. Dean payable en lettres de change acceptées sur Paris Londres Amsterdam Bordeaux ou Nantes. Il faut unne prompte décision parceque les...
56Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 15 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will informe You of our worthy friend Capt. Wickes leaving this Yesterday Eve with a fine Easterly Wind. The Dolphin Capt. Brown Sailed in Company. At Sun Setting they Discharged their Pilots, when they were clear of the Rocks &c. Since which the wind has Continued fresh from the Eastward, so that I make no doubt that by Noon this Day (a Monday) he is...
57Thomas Morris to the American Commissioners, 19 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure to address you last on the 11th. Instant by Captain Hammond, who I understand arrived safe at Paris on Thursday Evening last, and make no doubt duely delivered the sundry dispatches he brought with him from America for you. Any intelligence they contain, and that you may think proper to communicate, shall be greatly Obliged to you for....
58Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 7 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library The Day my last was written I purchased the Ship in question for 55500 Livres and by her excellence and fitness for our purpose, I hope she will sufficiently make up for the Loss of the Duc de Chartres. I have this Day drawn on Mr. Grand in 6 different Drafts for 15000 Livres and have advised him accordingly, which please to desire him to honour; this makes...
59Robert Morris to the American Commissioners, 18 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Connecticut Historical Society By this Opportunity I forward you sundry dispatches from Congress and the Committee of Secret Correspondance still at Baltimore, and from them I have just received the inclosed resolve of Congress dated the 5th Inst. Copies of which I shall transmit you by various Conveyances, in order that you may give orders for procuring the Articles required and to have...
60Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 19 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Wrot you Last post Informing you of the Suckces of my Last Cruize and take this Opertunity To Inform you of the Safe Arrival of All my Prizes. I Am in Great hopes youl be Able to Obtain Leave for me to heav Down and Repair my Ship at this port As that Will be Absolutely Necessary prior To my Departure from this As I Recd. a Shott in [ torn ] Bottom When...
61Franco and Adrianus Dubbeldemuts to the American Commissioners, 8 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We had the honnour to write You Our Last on the 21st of Last monthy since which we are honoured with Your moast Esteemed favour of the 23 of Last month in answer Serves that we are Greatly obliged to you for the Goodnes you have had to forward the papers Send you and as we are willing to send according Your good advice the Duplicat to our frends in st....
62Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 26 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library My last inform’d you that I had purchased the Duc de Chartres. I have sent a french officer on board to take charge of her and make every preparation for heaving down which I shall order to be done immediately after the post on Tuesday. Mr. Nickels a Townsman of mine has been taken and has escaped hither. He has...
63Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 27 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your esteemed favor of the 22d by Mr. Beaugear, and shall pay due Attention to the Contents, part of which is already answered as I have inclosed the prices of Canvis, Cordage &c. also an Inventory of the Prince of Conte, her rigging, Sails, Stores &c. with my opinion of her Value according to the best information I could Obtain of the Value of...
64Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 5 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I omitted mentioning in my last that I had Drawn on you in favor of Messrs. Montadoiun for 1500 Livers at 8 days date which please to honor. Capt. Hynson and myself will go to painbeof tomorrow to Examine the Duc De Chartres. I mentiond to you that her price was 68,000 Livers but that is the price offered for her the Owners ask 70,000 for her. This is a...
65Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 23 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS and copy: University of Virginia Library; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society Capt. Nicholson is gone to Painbeuf to see his Ship. I inclose a Letter he has written to Mr. Dean, since which I find the expected orders are arrived and we are now to meet no Difficulties. Your orders relative to M. Montieu’s Cloaths are too late as they are already gone on board. I had not your...
66John Ross to the American Commissioners, 29 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; two copies: National Archives The present unhappie situation of Mr. Thomas Morris American Commercial Agent, now dangerously ill, and according to the opinion of his Phisician not likely to recover, oblige me to address you Honble: Gentlemen, that the necessary step may be adopted immadiately, to prevent the Worst of consequences to both Public and Private...
67James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 30 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am not honor’d with the receipt of any of your favors since my last to you of the 23d. current. I am this day informed, that Government has order’d 2,000 Seamen to be raised in Nantes and 2,500 more in St. Malo, besides a number of Bakers of this Town, which are all to proceed immediately to Brest; likewise, that there are positive directions in all the...
68Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 26 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library Agreeable to the determination I mention’d in my last every operation relative to the annonyme remains suspended. I have notified Mr. Peltier that I would not consent to any alteration of your orders and that he might take his ship and do what he pleased on Mr. Montieus Account but nothing on Yours. She lays at Paimbeauf with part of her Cargo on board...
69Barbeu-Dubourg: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, [before 9 January? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society This memorandum is the first account of the negotiations over tobacco that had been going on before Franklin’s arrival, and that were expected to play a crucial part in financing the war. No other American export was in such demand in France; if military supplies were to be traded for commodities, the only commodity available was tobacco. The committee of...
70Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honour of your Favour of the 25 by Mr. Francis. As I have but a moments time I must beg leave to refer you to tomorrows post for a more particular Answer, the principal intention of this is to inform you that Mr. Morris has sold four of the prizes (all except the packet Boat) Vessells Cargoes &c. &c. for about 90,000 Livres, all risque of reclaim...
71Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 7 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library Inclosed are the Accounts of the Dolphins out fitts the amount of Mr. Peltier’s you’ll find answerable to the Bill I drew on you. By the other you will find how the money paid to me (mention’d in Mr. Peltiers Account) has been appropriated. Those sums paid for Capt. Nicholson Orders will appear in his Ships account. I also Inclose Count Polouskies Bill...
72Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 30 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am happy in sending you the agreeable News of Genl. Bourgoynes surrender with his whole army to our victorious arms. Mr. Austin will give you all particulars. His being charged with the delivery of the dispatches, as well as the importance of many verbal accounts he may furnish, are the reasons for my not desiring the Dispatches for a less expensive way...
73Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 12 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will informe You of my Arrival here this Day with only the Duke De Shasell and Brigg two Friends of our Convoy, the other ships not being ready, but I am in hopes the greatest part of them will Joyn us here in the course of this Week; on my Joyning the Fleet I Salluted the Commodore and Imediately Waited on him with my French Captn: to whome he gave...
74Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 16 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society I am just Setting off for Nantes. Have Setteled Accounts with Messrs. Desegray Beaugeard fils & Co. for the Disbursements of the ship Dolphin and have drawn on You for the amount of the Same 4703.10.0 Livres. I have taken fifty Guineas of this Amount along with me in case I Shou’d not find Mr. Williams at Nantes. I shall as usual give the Dolphin Credit for...
75The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 18 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society, Haverford College Library; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We have the pleasure of inclosing to you the copy of a letter from General Gates containing the circumstances of a Victory gained over General Burgoyne on the 7th. This event must defeat the main views of General Clinton in proceeding up Hudsons River. He has, it is true, got...
76Gourlade, Bérard frères & Monplaisir to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society In Consequence of your letter of 12th: Instant we have acquainted Mr. Beaumarchais we were ready to account with him for the whole Proceeds of the Cargo of the amphitrite of which we have already remitted to him part of the amount and Shall continue. If our accounts of disbursements for the two frigattes have exceeded your expectations you cannot with any...
77Dumas to [the American Commissioners], 21 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les Extraits des dernieres Dépêches de Petersb. Dantsic Stockh. Berlin, Vienne, Ratisbonne, Paris et Lisbonne. Item l’Extrait de la Lettre importante de Messrs. Delalande & Fynje d’hier 19e d’Amsterd. sur laquelle je demande prompte réponse. &c. Jacob de la Lande and Hendrik Fynje were Dumas’ business associates in trading ventures...
78The Secret Committee to the American Commissioners, 9 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Johns Hopkins University Library; copies: American Philosophical Society, National Archives, Library of Congress, University of Virginia Library This letter is intended to be delivered you by John Paul Jones Esquire an Active and brave Commander in our Navy, who has already performed signal services in Vessels of little Force and in reward for his Zeal, we have directed him to go on board...
79Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 2 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I had the pleasure of writing to you yesterday since which Capt. Adams is arrived express for [from] Boston and now setts off with his packets for Paris. If I did not think myself absolutely obliged to stay here untill I have orders to return I should be tempted to set off with him, as a few hours Conversation might...
80——— Boux to the American Commissioners, 24 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library Vous voudrés bien prendre en récommendation que J’ai quité Le service du roy auquel J’etois attaché pour entrer à celui des Etats de l’amerique septentrionale. Je me suis rendu en conséquance à vos ordres, et relativement au grade de lieutenent de Vaisseau dans la marine de Etats unis En Hollande pour y diriger la construction d’un Vaisseau que vous y faisiés...
81Dumas to the American Commissioners, 11 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook draft: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Je ne saurois plus longtemps résister à la tentation de vous écrire, que j’éprouve à chaque ordinaire, et à laquelle je succomberois régulierement, si la crainte d’être importun, plus qu’utile, ne me retenoit. Enfin la joie de pouvoir vous féliciter des succès de nos amis l’emporte sur cette crainte. Trois...
82Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 28 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will inform you of my Safe Arrival at this Port Yesterday, in Company with Captain Samuel Nicholson of the Sloop Dolphin. We parted from Capt. Johnston the day before Yesterday a little to the East of Ushant. Now for the History of our late Cruize. We Sail’d in Company with Captains Johnston and Nicholson from St. Nazair May 28th. 1777, the 30th fell...
83The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 6 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society, Maine Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We shall follow your example in confining this letter intirely to yours of May 26th. respecting the Loan, and Mode of raising it by appropriation of vacant lands. It remains doubtful yet whether there is any vacant land not included within some one of the thirteen states; And it...
84Gustavus Conyngham to the American Commissioners, 4 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since I wrote you last I went on a Cruze and fell in with the Brig Gracieux Mr. Augustin Letournois from London Bound to Spain with A Cargoe of Dry Goods the most of the Bills of Lading Consignd to Order. On my Asking the Capt. if he new that his Cargoe was British property or not he made Answer. I seen where he Loaded and that I had a Good prize. On this...
85Dumas to the American Commissioners, 30 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (letterbook draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Mes dernieres, du 12e., 16e. et 19e. de ce mois, répondoient à celles du 4 et du 8, dont Mr. A. Lee a eu la bonté de me favoriser. Aujourd’hui j’ai l’honneur de vous donner avis, que Mr. le grand Facteur partit d’ici vendredi au soir, après m’avoir fort recommandé de continuer mes visites chez son substitut pendant son absence, et de lui...
86Dumas to the American Commissioners, 6 January [i.e. February] 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Je crois toujours bien faire, de vous communiquer les intelligences, authentiques comme les ci-jointes, que les circonstances me permettent de me procurer. Je me prescris pareillement, de suivre toujours, quant aux adresses de mes Lettres, et des enveloppes, les premiers ordres que j’ai reçus de Mr. Deane lors...
87Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 17 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I have drawn on you in favor of Mr. Montaudoin at 8 days date for 3.000 Livers which please to honor. I drew this bill to have a Small fund in my hands to answer any sudden small Demands and not for any immediate purpose. I have also drawn on you in favor of Doctr. Franklin for 1257.3 l.t. as it is to be appropriated to my private Concerns. I mean it as...
88The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 18 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) In this we send you an Account of the most Material Matters which have happened in the Military department. The Enemy about ten weeks ago sent a large Party and destroyed some Continental Stores lodged at Peeks Kill the value not great, and retreated immediately after. They afterwards made an Attempt...
89William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 11 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society; AL : American Philosophical Society By a Sloop of War Sailing this Evening for Brest, I have only Time to communicate to you the important News that has been received to Day by a Vessel which Sailed from Salem the beginning of July and brings a Gazette of the 3d of that Month which mentions, that Gen. Howe after having made a Junction of Some of his Troops...
90Intelligence from Brest, 12 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
D : National Archives This is the first in a long series of intelligence reports to Franklin or the commission. Most were forwarded to Congress and are now in the National Archives; the few that are not there are copies, the originals of which were either forwarded and subsequently lost or for some reason not sent. We handle all these reports in the same way as letters from commission-seekers....
91Millin de La Brosse to the American Commissioners, 20 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a deux mois que vous m’avés promis une réponse au mémoire que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous présenter; je l’attends encore. J’ai bien appris de Monsieur le Comte de Maillebois que vous aviés dessein de terminer mon affaire, mais comme vous n’avés point fixé de terme, je me vois obligé de vous demander quelque chose de plus positif. Suivant une de vos...
92Louis Lebègue de Presle Duportail to the American Commissioners, [29 December 1776] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This is the first appearance of one of the important French volunteers. The American army suffered from a dearth of engineers, and the commissioners had been instructed to obtain four competent ones. Duportail (1743–1802) had graduated from the military school at Mézières and joined the corps of engineers at the age of eighteen. In 1776 he completed a new...
93J. Rocquette, T. A. Elsevier, & P. Th. Rocquette to the American Commissioners, 18 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS or ALS : Connecticut Historical Society Give us leave to make you, under cover of our most Intimate Friends Messrs. Fco. and Ads. Dubbeldemuts, the offer of our most devoted Services, nothing Should be more flattering for us, than to Enter into correspondance with you and to be favour’d with your commands. Be assured that your intrest, or that of the congrés, cannott be placed into better...
94Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 18 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclos’d you have a letter and Inventory of the Frigate the Count of Maurepat. It is the same Vessell that I saw at L Oriont and Calld the St. John. I think her Inventory is very short and will want a Large Addition if fitted for a Ship of War. The Defishencys I Hope will be pointed out by Capt. Nicholson When translated into Inglish. I hope Capt. Nicholson...
95John Philip Merckle to the American Commissioners, 1 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La presente vous sera remis par Monsieur H. Godet, beaufils du Gouverneur de St. Eustatius, qu’il sera bien aise de faire votre connoissance, comme je n’en doute pas, que vous m’aurez aussi bon grée vous l’avoire recomandé. Il est tres innutille de faire ses l’uenges [louanges], car sa Personne est assez distinguez est [et] recomandable, pour que je puise...
96Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have began to load the Ship. The salt is at Painbeuf and we are here loading the first Lighter with some Bales and the Cordage which is near all made, the Bales that were here are all reduced, and tomorrow the workmen will begin to reduce those that are just arrived from orleans; the Letter from thence informs us that about 50 more will be ready to come...
97Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 4 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library As it was absolutely necessary to have Ballast for the Ship and neither the Flints or Copper arrived nor any appearance of their arriving (except about 30.000 w [cwt.] of the latter) for some time I have bought 40.000 w of Bar Lead at 23 l.t. Per cwt.[?] and about 30 Ton of Salt. I have in doing this been as saving as I possibly could, and even now shall be...
98Gourlade, Bérard frères & Monplaisir to the American Commissioners, 6 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Connecticut Historical Society We have the satisfaction to inform you of the arrival in this Road of two Continental fregattes one the Rolly of 32 Guns Capn. Thompson the other Alfred Capn: Hindman of 20 Guns. Both sailed from Portsmouth the 22d. of August last. They have brought under our Island of Groix two Jamaica Men belonging to London taken at the mouth of the channell one the...
99William Carmichael to the American Commissioners, 31 June [30? 1 July?] 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society Gustavus Conyngham, when last heard from, had been in prison with his crew in Dunkirk. On June 2 Deane asked Gérard that they be released and permitted to return to America, and on the 12th they were at large and working on their new ship, the cutter Revenge . On the 30th Carmichael arrived, as he says here, with instructions; they were ostensibly from the...
100Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 11 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Immediately After the Receipt of your favr of 26th Decr. 1 Set out for L Orient and have Executed the Businss you Desird there in the best maner The time and Surcumstances Would Admitt. I have no Great Appinon of the 60 Gunn Ship As Shee is an Oald Ship and A very Slow Sailer. Another Very Great Objecktion is her Draft Water being to much for our American...