211Dumas to the American Commissioners, 24 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Voici ce qu’on m’écrit d’Amsterdam en date du 22e. “On soutient aujourd’hui, que la guerre a été déclarée vendredi à Londres contre la France. L’agitation est visible ici: l’un par la crainte pour ses fonds; l’autre par celle que notre république ne soit embarquée avec...
212Peter Collas to the American Commissioners, 1 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I late master of the brigg Triton belonging to the United States of America which was Captur’d by the Enemy within bell Isle, On my Return here from England, I Protested Against the Said Captur’s therein Showing where And by whom taken and the Value of the Said brigg and her Cargo, which Protest you have been Pleased to Present to the Minister,...
213Dumas to the American Commissioners, 18 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <The Hague, August 18, 1778, in French: Nothing worthy of writing has occurred since I last wrote. I visit the French ambassador daily and, through him, received the Gazette de Yorktown that Mr. Franklin had entrusted the Chevalier [Georges Grand] to forward to me. Today’s Gazette de Leide is filled with its contents. I’m enclosing a copy of a letter I sent...
214Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, with a Contemporary Translation, 21 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 17 de ce mois. Je ne doutois pas que les reflexions que je vous proposois Sur la Necessité d’etablir pour les reprises faites en mer une parfaite reciprocité entre les deux nations ne vous parussent de toute Justice. Je Suis fâché que vous n’ayez pas entre les mains une Copie des loix des Etats unis relativement à...
215Tristram Barnard to the Commissioners, 9 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
Your humble petionner hath ben from America this four years in the English Services though not in Goverment Services of any kind nither have I any kind of pretentions or clames to any honour in Supporting the just cause of America any further then Releveing many prisoners with Money and means to make thare Escape from England. Therefore wishing to be of more Services then I have ben I have a...
216——— Boux to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous avez appris par mon oncle les raisons qui me font rester a terre et l’imposibilité qu’il y à que je puisse partir sur le lion comme vous me l’avez ordonné par votre derniere. Vous avez aussi sçu les petites mortifications que j’ai eu avec le Capitaine Nikleson. Je ne vous cacherai pas que je suis aise qu’il ne se soit pas trouvé de place pour m’y...
217Ralph Izard to the Commissioners, 10 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have just been favoured with a communication of M. de Sartine’s Letter to you of 7th. instant, in which I am referred to a course of Law for the recovery of my Baggage, on board the Ship Nile, carried into Marseilles by a French Privateer. This I can not approve of, as my claim is founded on an Article in the Treaty which expressly declares that the goods of an American put on board of an...
218Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 6 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have received, gentlemen, the letter that you did me the honor to write on 30 August. I have sent to M. de Vergennes the necessary passport for the British vessel charged with the exchange of the prisoners held by England and the United States, and shall give the necessary orders to ensure that your prisoners at Brest will be more closely watched until the moment of exchange. I have the...
219Dumas to the American Commissioners, 27[–30] June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, June 27[–30], in French: I have written the Grand Pensionary that the treaty has arrived, and the Grand Facteur has approved my letter. June 28: The Grand Pensionary has set our interview for tomorrow morning. Last night came your packet of the 22nd, which I devoured with interest. I could not avoid the...
220Dumas 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...
221Horneca, Fizeaux & Co. to the Commissioners, 7 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Nous venons de Recevoir par M. Withalle, le Livre contenant les Promesses du Congrés, Revêtües de leur Coupons et de Vos Signatures. Il ne nous manque, pour entamer, leur Négotiation; que vos ordres et Vos Instructions Relativement aux fraix, et aux alloüances que nous devrons accorder aux Preneurs en Sus de L’Interet Stipulé à 5 pour Cent. Nous avons l’honneur d’etre tres Respectueusement...
222Ralph 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,...
223John Gilbank to the Commissioners, 21 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
Last Tuesday Week Mr. Dobrie informed me of an Additional mortification I had received by your refusing to accept my Bill, adding at same time that you informed him You had wrote to me; Since which time I have, without Effect, been waiting for your letter. It is to be lamented that such a Fatality should attend your Correspondence as to subject your Answers to miscarriage or some other Cause...
224Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 24 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Library of Congress (two), National Archives Par la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 28 du mois dernier, Messieurs, vous avez demandé l’entrée libre dans le Royaume et l’Exemtion de tous droits des effets de beaucoup d’Américains qui se trouvent en Europe, et qui sont dans le dessein de retourner dans leur...
225Dumas to the American Commissioners, 3 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (incomplete draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Ce que vous venez de voir, vous apprendra ce que j’ai fait à Amst[erdam] et que je n’ai point à regretter la peine du voyage. J’ai été de retour ici mardi avant Mr. Van B[ercke]l. Avanthier matin je l’allai voir. Il me dit, qu’après que nous eumes diné ensemble, dimanche passé, il avoit assisté ce jour-là, et le...
226John 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...
227Elisabeth-Angélique Lalouëlle to the American Commissioners, 18 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society <St. Malo, September 18, 1778, in French: Bernard-Alexandre Lalouëlle, my son, embarked in January, 1777, on the Reprisal , Capt. Wickes, as second surgeon at the salary of 72 l.t. per month, plus two shares of the prizes. He performed brilliantly the amputation of the arm of the second officer in command. When the Reprisal , having taken several prizes,...
228J. 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...
229[Ferdinand Grand]: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, [before 28 August? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): American Philosophical Society Le Congrés a authorisé ses Comissionaires a emprunter en Europe 2 millions Stl. soit 46 millions argent de france remboursable dans 10 ans a l’interret de 6 pct. tous fraix faits. Les Comissionaires ont en consequence commence par faire imprimer pour 4 millions de promesses. Quoyqu’ils n’en ayent pas encorre fait usage ils ont tout lieu d’esperer que...
230John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 14 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am strongly importuned by Captain Cassels the Bearer for a Letter of Introductions to your honors in his favor. Mrs. Cassels his Wife who is come over in order to proceed as they assure me to America, is from Philadelphia. The purport of Mr. Cassels Errand to Paris is to exert his endeavours to obtain the restitution of a Ship belonging to him and his...
231John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 28, 1778: I received on the 25th by Mr. Haywood your letter of the 15th, and have from Capt. Tucker the list of provisions; the officers will inspect them tomorrow. The mast has delayed the work.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 63.
232The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners, 18 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
L’on vient enfin de decouvrir, Messieurs, Les Effets du Dr. James Smith de New York. Ils sont a la Douane de Calais, et consistent en un Paquet contenant 12 Napes, 12 Couteaux et 12 fouchettes de fer, a Viroles d’Argent. Si M. Smith pretend introduire ces effets dans le Royaume, il ne Sauroit se dispenser d’en acquitter les Droits ordinaires, Mais Si Son Intention est de les renvoier en...
233John Thornton to the American Commissioners, [17] December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I arrived here yesterday, and delivered this morning all the letters, except those of Lord North and Sir Gray Cooper; what ever advices I shall receive from Mr. H[artley] shall be punctually follow’d. I have the honor to be Gentlemen Your most Obedient Servant: My letters, if you should send any direct No. 57 Newman Street Oxford Road. Notation: Thornton...
234James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 29 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lorient, June 29, 1778: The frigate Oiseau convoyed a schooner out of the bay and returned with a prize, a Jersey privateer, which had on board three Marblehead seamen as prisoners. On their release I sent them on the frigate to Brest, where Capt. Jones will doubtless receive them.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 242–3.
235Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, [3 March 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of the 28 Ultimo I have recvd. advice that the Duchesse of Grammont still remains at St. Nazarre. I hear that two Ships of War which were designed to join the Fleet are returned to Rochfort, we have therefore judged proper to detain the Grammont ’till further orders, in hopes that you will be able to obtain these Ships for a new Convoy: Mr....
236Joseph Wharton Jr. to the Commissioners, 26 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
You need not I presume be informed of the difficulties which the People of the United States continue to suffer through the great scarcity of Salt. To lessen these difficulties, and at the same time to benefit myself, I propose during the present Winter to send several Cargoes of that necessary Commodity to our Countrey, and I wish to do it from Portugal rather than any where else, on account...
237William Lee to the Commissioners, 23 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of directions to me from the State of Virginia, to endeavour to obtain from the French Ministry a quantity of Canon, arms and ammunition, for the use of that State, I applyed accordingly to Count de Vergennes, when his Excellency replyed, that was a business in the department of the Secretary at War, and that he tho’t it best to get you to apply to Prince Mont Barry for them:...
238Sartine to the American Commissioners, 14 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society (two), National Archives (three); transcript: National Archives <Versailles, July 14, 1778, in French: The inhabitants of the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon may receive few or no supplies, and be in great distress, if some of the victualers I have sent are intercepted; and by the time we hear of it there will be no remedy....
239Marie Silvestre Grand to the American Commissioners, 5 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mme. Grand presante une requette a Messieurs Les Deputés assemblés pour luy accorder un jour pour luy faire l’honneur de venir Diner ches elle a commencer des samedy Prochain son demenagement ne luy ayant pas permis de le faire plutot. Addressed: A Leurs Excellences / Messieurs Les Deputés / De Lamerique septentrionale Mme. Ferdinand Grand. The date set was...
240Dumas to the American Commissioners, 2 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, October 2, 1778, in French: Since my last letter I have spent ten days in Amsterdam in the service of the United States-one day with the Grand Facteur, two with our friend and seven writing 615 numbers, 2460 folios, 2255 times “A” and 2255 times “Passy 31. Aoust 1778” on your promissory notes. When I left...
241Peter Frederick Dobrée to the American Commissioners, 11 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library My Father in law has just now comunicated me the Honorable Mr. Lee’s Letter of the 4 Instant, which he received Yesterday, together with sundry extracts which would greatly alarm me, was not I consious of my Innocence. I will not take too much upon those precious moments which you so laudably dedicate to your Country, to refute the false accusations contained...
242Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, April 28, 1778: I have received a consignment from M. Grand, which he tells me was shipped on your account; what do I do with it? I have also received 196 swivel guns for which you paid Mr. Merckle; they are the worst I ever saw and should be sold for scrap. From the same source come muskets and parts for them. Of the clothes, arms, etc., remaining...
243Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, 25 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Le Roi a fait expedier, Messieurs, des Passeports pour quatre Batimens anglois, qui doivent venir d’un Port etranger a Dunkerque, il est egalment necessaire de les mettre a l’abri d’insulte de la Part des Corsaires Americaines, et Je vous prie de m’envoyer a c e t Effet quatre Lettres ostensibles ou Passeports, dont ils puissent Se Servir dans l’occasion. Je vous observe, qu’ils doivent être...
244John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 12 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, September 12, 1778: I have received offers from every forge from Angoulême to Bayonne for the cannon you commission me to purchase. None will promise to complete delivery before February and the arsenals cannot loan any. Thus I have decided to contract with the forges of Petigore [Périgord]. No ships have arrived from America the last three days...
245The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We mean in this letter to give you a succint view of the state of our military affairs. You must long before this reaches you have been made acquainted with the signal success of the american arms in the northern department, particularly the several Engagements in that quarter previous to the surrender of...
246Sartine to the American Commissioners, 16 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress (two) J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer, Messieurs, des Exemplaires du Reglement concernant les Prises que des Corsaires françois conduiront dans les Ports des Etats unis de L’Amerique; et celles que les Corsaires Américains ameneront dans les ports de France. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec une parfaite Consideration, Messieurs, votre très...
247Berubé de Costentin to the American Commissioners, 4 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, September 4, 1778, in French: In accordance with your request of August 15, Thomas Wilkinson left yesterday for St. Pol de Léon. I await your orders regarding the prisoners here.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII .
248Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; copy: University of Virginia Library The Fleet sailed from Quiberon the 25th Instant, but the Winds have since been rather unfavourable. I am extreemly sorry to inform you that the Duchesse of Grammont is according to appearance left behind. This Ship sailed three Weeks ago to join the Fleet, but being badly stowed was obliged to put back. She has since been...
249S. and J.-H. Delap to the American Commissioners, 19 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We received the Letter you did us the honor of writing us the 18th July last covering one for Capt. Wm. Hill Sargeant and a Blank Bond for him to fill up and sign; inclosed we return you said Bond executed by him and us for £1000 lawful Money of America, which is from what we could learn, the Security usually given for a Vessel of Cap. Sargeant’s Burthen...
250C. 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...
251Benjamin 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 [...
252Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 11 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <On board the Boston , Bordeaux, April 11, 1778: I shall careen my ship next Tuesday, and hope to be soon ready for sea; Mr. Bondfield will expedite matters. You will have sent Capt. Palmes, I hope, before this reaches you. I shall be happy to hear from you.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 27–8.
253John 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...
254James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 17 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to refer you to what I had the honor of writing you the 15th instant since which one James Miggins Sailor, a native of America, writes me from on board the Hawk privateer belonging to London, which was brought into this harbour some time since by the Oiseau Frigate, that on his passage from Nantes to America on board the Ship Hancock and Adams...
255John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 29 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, August 29, 1778: I have received your letter of the 19th commissioning the purchase of 56 pieces of cannon. I suspect it will be November before I can collect them. I presume they are for naval use; let me know where to send them. I am without instructions for the General Arnold ; the delays cause very heavy expenses which are charged to me....
256John Ross to the American Commissioners, 2 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library Previous to the shipping any of the Property purchased at Germany &ca. and collected to Hamburgh under my care and direction on Account of the United States, I consulted You on the propriety of having it Insured Round here and I doubt not youl Recolect Your opinion on that point Vizt. “that it was Customary for all Nations to run the Risque of what was for...
257Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 30 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Your Favour of the 27th Inst. was handed to me last Evening by my good Friend Mr. Carmichael. I am extreemly sorry to inform you that all the proposed measures will be useless, as the Ships in Question sailed at least 8 days ago under Convoy of a french and an english Frigate. I went however to M. Montaudouin and from him immediately to the Lieut. General...
258John Lloyd and Others to the Commissioners, 28 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
The Memorial of several of the American Gentlemen, Merchants, and Commanders of Vessels at Nantes, whose names are underwritten— Sheweth— That, the Merchants of America, during the War, are at an inconceivable expence in fitting out their Vessels—in navigating, and insuring them—and often the prospect of repayment, and adequate profit, is destroyed by detention, through accident, or misconduct:...
259John Lloyd to the Commissioners, 4 February 1779 (Adams Papers)
The Letter which Your Honors have been pleased under date of the 26th of last month, to address to several American Gentlemen, came duly to hand. Although I am not authorized to reply to it, nevertheless I should think, there would be a failure in the points of respect, and politeness, if the receipt of it, was not acknowledged. The reason why it is not done jointly, I believe proceeds from...
260C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 2 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer aujourdhui la Résolution dont je vous ai tant parlé. Ce qui l’a un peu retardée, c’est mon dernier voyage à Amsterdam, un rhume fort incommode que j’en ai rapporté, et les trois copies que j’en ai fait faire, pour les envoyer successivement au Congrès. Cette Piece mériteroit bien d’être imprimée, tant en François, qu’en Anglois pour le service des Etats-Unis, à...