451Gabriel de Sartine to the Commissioners, with a Contemporary Translation, 16 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai recu, Messieurs, La Lettre que vous m’avez fait L’honneur de m’ecrire au Sujet du navire francois L’isabelle—que le Corsaire americaine le General Mifflin a repris Sur un Corsaire de Guernsey. Dans La these generale, vous connoissez les dispositions de L’ordonnance de la marine de 1681 que adjudge aux Capitaines preneurs les Batimens repris lorsqu’ils ont été pendant 24 heures en la main...
452John 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...
453Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 21 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd. your favour of the 16th Instant too late to answer it by the return of Post. I shall observe your Directions relative to shipping on board the Grammont. I hope she will be able to take all the Cloaths and Hose that remain, but I shall not get a single Case of arms on board and I have at least 300 in the magazine ready to ship. Inclosed is the...
454Jonathan 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...
455Jonathan 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...
456Gourlade, 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...
457The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 29 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have directed the Captain’s Read and Barnes to apply to you for such Cargoes as they can take for America, and for such Necessary supplies as they may demand, which We desire you to do with all possible Expedition and Frugality. We are &c.
458The Commissioners to Vergennes, 17 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
We herewith communicate to your Excellency a Resolution of Congress relative to the Treaties, which we request may be laid before the King. Thereby his Majesty will perceive the unfeigned Sentiments of that Body, as well as those of the whole American People, whose Hearts the King has gained by his great Benevolence towards them, manifested in these Treaties, which has made so deep an...
459John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 10 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this day receivd from Mr. Livingston a Letter wherein he requests I would apply for a Letter of Mark for the Ship bought for him. I shall esteem the favor of you to forward one to me by the first Post I expect he will be ready for Sea by the first November. The Ship is called the Livingston, in Honor of Governor Livingston, the late Mr. P....
460William 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...
461John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, February 2, 1779: Capt. Jason Laurence of the schooner General Arnold arrived here yesterday by a Dutch ship; he had been put on board by the Jersey privateer that captured him. He informs me his ship belonged to General Arnold and was the first launched in Philadelphia since its recapture. He left there on November 4, carrying packets for you...
462The American Commissioners to Abraham Whipple, 23 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, June 23, 1778: We have a prospect of exchanging prisoners, and want from you a list of all those you have; we will let you know where to send them for exchange. Load as many arms and goods as you safely can; Mr. Schweighauser will provide them. If he has a ship ready for America,...
463Lambert 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...
464Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 3 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recd. yours of the 23d Feby. by Mr. Defrancy which I am Sorry Come so late, as the Vessels are all gone. He will soon return, when I shall give you as full an Answer as I Can to all your proposals. We have got up to place of Carreening and are now prepairing for that Bussiness; time is now our Own and you may order or dispose of us as you think proper....
465John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 15 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Referring to what I had the Honor to write you the 12th Current. Yesterday arrived from Virginia the Cutter Tartar Capt. Southcomb. He left York River the 29th July. Private Letters by him are dated the 21st of same contain no accounts other than them at hand. He reports a report of Comte d’Estaing having taken five English Frigates, that New York was closely blockt up and no doubt of the...
466Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 18 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, April 18, 1778: I have received yours of the 13th, and will make no new commitments without your orders; you will I hope, honor my drafts for those already made. The workmen are repairing the less damaged weapons; repairing them all would take at least two years. If the operation were stopped, and the men sent back to Liège, the remaining arms...
467John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 1 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honor to pay my most respectful Compliments of Season wishing prosperity to all your undertakings. We are without any Arrivals since I had the Honor to write you the 5th Ultimo. By Letters from Nantes I am inform’d the Chasseur is Loaded and all is ready for the other Ship which contrary winds have detaind near two Months at Isl of Rhé not more than 24 hours sail from Nantes. I...
468Jean Peltier-Dudoyer to the American Commissioners, 1 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Sur les ordres de Messrs. De Montieu Proprietaire du Navire L’amphitrite et de Beaumarchais Proprietaire de la cargaison, Je me suis transporté ici Pour retirer l’un et L’autre des mains du Sr. Berard, celui-ci m’ayant dit qu’il étoit Porteur de vos ordres Pour disposer de cette cargaison. Je me suis contanté de le sommer de me la délivrer a quoi Il n’a eu...
469John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 3 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, October 3, 1778: No ships have arrived from America; that none have come from [South] Carolina is to be expected because of the embargo on rice, but many French vessels are in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina, even if American ships are lacking. A ship belonging to Mr. Ross was sold here. The crewmen who shipped for the round trip demand...
470Thomas Thompson to the American Commissioners, 2 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclos’d is a Letter which I most ernestly desire you will deliver to the Minester of Marine. You will Judge from the Contents we have not been Treated in a manner agreeable to the Character we appear in. I think the Honour of the united states violated in this Instance, and must if Posible demand satisfaction; in my Person, as their officer I represent the...
471Musco Livingston to the American Commissioners, 8 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Pennsylvania Historical Society Inclos’d is A List of the prisoners on board the Boston, including those which he knows Capt. Tucker would wish to Exchange. I have the Honour to be Gentlemen Your Most Obedient Humble Servant Addressed: The Honble. the Commissioners / to the United States of amer / ica; at / passy Notation: Livingston 8. July 1778. The list, dated July 4 and signed by...
472James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 13 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to refer you to my last of the 11th since which I received a letter from Lisbon dated 21st. April of which the following paragraph is a copy. “The Peace and Plenty Privateer from Belfast, has brought in here the Brig Dolphin Cap: Turner, bound from Boston to Bilboa with 135 Hhds. of Tobacco a parcel of Rice tar and Staves. She is about 140 Tons...
473Barbeu-Dubourg to the American Commissioners, 14 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je prens la liberté de vous adresser M. de Vic dont le fils M. de Bois Bertrand etoit passé en Amerique vers le mois de juin ou de juillet 1776 a la recommandation de M. Penet qui lui avoit fait esperer le grade de Lieutenant Colonel ou même de Colonel. Nous avons appris depuis qu’en arrivant au Continent ses services y furent agréés, mais qu’il fut pris...
474The American Commissioners to John Paul Jones, 16 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, June 16, 1778: You will return to America as soon as possible, meanwhile keeping your destination secret. Embrace any opportunity to take prizes or harass the enemy, even if it means going out of your way; the Newfoundland fisheries are one objective, and another is transports on the coast or returning to...
475Gabriel 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,...
476Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 9 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dunkirk, July 9, 1778: I refer you to my letter of yesterday. This is to enclose a certificate from the admiralty court, to counter to some degree Poreau’s insinuations against me. Tomorrow I send three other certificates and if they are insufficient will furnish whatever further proof you require; meanwhile Mr. Amiel will give you particulars.> Published...
477John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 15 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives (two), United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, August 15, 1778: I have been here five days and have neither seen nor heard from Lt. Simpson; but Mr. Hill reports the general rumor that I have been turned out of the service, that Simpson has replaced me with a captain’s commission, and that my letter to you of July 16 was only...
478Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 29 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Harvard University Library; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères <Versailles, April 29, 1778, in French: I passed on to M. Sartine your letter about convoys, and enclose his reply; you will, I am sure, be satisfied with the measures taken. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 73–4. In the hand of Joseph-Mathias Gérard. He and his brother had directed bureaux of...
479The Commissioners to the Comte de Vergennes, 7 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
To His Excellency Count de Vergennes, Minister & Secretary of State for foreign Affairs: At the time the American War began there was very little real Money in that Country, the same having been constantly drawn out as fast as it came in to pay for British Manufactures and Importations of foreign Goods by the British Merchants, with the Duties and other Expences occasioned by their Monopoly....
480The American Commissioners to Thomas Morris, 30 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives; copy: University of Virginia Library; AL (draft): Library of Congress We are inform’d that the Cargoes at Nantes, have been disposed of some time past, yet we are still without any remittance from you. The Congress directed you to pay Mr. Dean for the purposes of our Embassy the sum of ten Thousand pounds; this you must consider as the first and most Important...
481The American Commissioners to John Ross, 18 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We Recd: yours giving an Acct. of the Arrival of the Goods on which we had not made any Insurance. From the Situation of your Affairs when you wrote Us last, we presume that Your Ship, Capt. Green is ready for sailing. Capt. Nicholson will also be ready in a few Days, We have therefore to propose to you that They go in Company as Capt. Nicholson will be...
482Lambert Wickes and Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 6 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We your humble petioners beg leave to inform you of the distressed Situation of our Brother Officers now Prisoners in England, particularly John Nicholson Esqr. and his Officers who was taken in the Sloop Hornet in the Service of the United States of America and Thomas Norwood and Nine Men that was put on Board of one of our late prizes, who was taken and...
483The Commissioners to Vergennes, 16 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
We had this Morning the Honour of receiving your Excellency’s Letter of the 13. Instant relative to the Boston Frigate. We beg leave to assure your Excellency that the Frigate called the Boston, now at Bourdeaux, is a Ship of War belonging to the 13 United States of North America, built and maintained at their Expence, by the Honourable Congress. We therefore, humbly presume that his Majestys...
484Dumas to the American Commissioners, 21 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, July 21, 1778, in French: I have just received, translated and delivered a German letter to the Grand Facteur. The States General have adjourned and the Prince is leaving for Los in Overyssel. No new instructions were given Count Welderen concerning the British capture of two Dutch ships carrying tobacco for...
485Hezekiah Ford to the American Commissioners, 30 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paimboeuf, June 30, 1778: Captain Turner learned on his voyage that two Connecticut privateers, out of Boston, fell in with two British letters of marque bound to the West Indies, and after a sharp engagement captured both. The cruisers off this coast have deterred me from sailing on Mr. Ross’s ship; unless you have dispatches for me, which would justify...
486The American Commissioners to Sartine, 22 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: National Archives <Passy, July 22, 1778: We have received your letters of July 15 and 18. Niggins and Selby are unknown to us, but unless something appears to invalidate their story please grant their request. We are sorry for the dispute between two officers of the Boston and some French crewmen. Captain Tucker has sent us his account of the...
487Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In my last I omitted mentioning that the Vessell from North Carolina was from Edington and the Capt. said he saw the account of the affair at Brunswick in a Newspaper which he unfortunately did not bring with him. This news we afterwards began to doubt, because the News from England which confess’d to have recvd. Accounts so late as the 23 June, did not...
488John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 30 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; draft: National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum <Brest, August 30, 1778: My friend M. de la Porte, intendant, has now agreed to furnish a vessel and send the Ranger ’s prisoners to England, if you consent. This offer is too generous to refuse. The guard will be discontinued unless you procure an order from the minister. As for the...
489Ralph Izard to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I intend to set out, as soon as my Gout and the weather will permit me, for the Court to which I have the honour of being appointed by Congress. It will be proper for me to be acquainted with such parts of your proceedings at the Court of France as will be of any assistance to me in fulfilling the objects of my Commission. You will therefore be pleased to...
490William Lee to the American Commissioners, 15 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Frankfurt-on-Main, December 15, 1778: It occurs to me it would be serviceable to have an agent at the congress of French and Russian ministers which I mentioned in my letter of the 9th. This agent might counteract the schemes of Britain and if not bring Russia entirely over to our interests at least render her attachment to our enemies less forceful. I...
491The American Commissioners to William Lee, 31 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft ): Library of Congress; two copies: National Archives The Hope of obtaining previously by means of Mr. Ross, a clear State of Mr. Morris’s Proceedings in the Commercial Affairs of the Congress, which was our Inducement to advise your Stay here for some time, being vanished, we now think it prudent and right for you to proceed to Nantes as soon as possible, and there take such...
492John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 8 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library <Bordeaux, May 8, 1778: Vessels from Georgia have arrived with news that a shipment of specie had been landed from Havana; the state’s currency is greatly inflated. Friends in Cadiz write that the government is making it difficult for them to sell Conyngham’s prizes, and ask whether the ships might be addressed to me; what am I to tell them? I assume from your...
493James 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....
494Stephen Sayre to the American Commissioners, 25 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library When I left Berlin, I meant to have come to Paris by the way of Hambourg, and from thence to Rouan by sea; but on my arrival at Hambourgh, I saw more propriety in coming here. I have reason to think I shall remain here the Winter, therefore beg it as a great favour, that you will send such Letters, as are now under your care, to the Danish Minister at Paris,...
495James 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...
496Dumas 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...
497The American Commissioners to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 7 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Attested copy: Harvard University Library; copies: British Library (incomplete), National Archives (three), Sheffield City Library (two), South Carolina Historical Society We received duly your Dispatches by Mr. McCrery, and Capt. Young, dated May 20 and 30. June 13, 18, and 26 and July 2. The Intelligence they contain is very particular and Satisfactory. It rejoices us to be informed that...
498John Ayres to the American Commissioners, 29 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, July 29, 1778: I arrived yesterday in 26 days from Boston with a packet for you which ill health prevents me from delivering personally. Mr. Texier, a friend of Mr. Bondfield, has agreed to deliver it. I trust I shall soon recover and will be glad to serve in my capacity as captain in the continental navy. If not, I will await your orders. P.S....
499Dumas to the American Commissioners, 13 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (incomplete draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief The intelligence reports that make up all but the conclusion of this letter are interesting enough to be printed in full, as a sample of the news that the commissioners received from their principal informant in the Netherlands. He is here supplying every possible tidbit of information because Europe was in...
500Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 4 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library My two last contained the necessary Information relative to the Fuzils &c. which upon a second View I have seen no reason to alter; I am assured that there are a full number of Bayonetts Locks &c., rather more than less. There must be many new Ramrods which will cost about 12 sous each at the manufactury. If you make this Bargain please to be very...