951James 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.
952The American Commissioners to Sartine, 30 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, June 30, 1778: We enclose a protest about a ship of ours that the British captured off the French coast. As they have reclaimed similar captures made by our cruisers, we hope you will think it fair that we be indemnified from British goods in this kingdom.> Published in Butterfield, John Adams Diary , IV , 143....
953John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 30 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, June 30, 1778: A ship from Louisiana confirms that Georgia and Carolina settlers have seized all the British posts on the Mississippi and two ships, whose cargoes they sold in New Orleans. A privateer took a Carolina vessel near our coast, and a French frigate captured a privateer in the river. The Count d’Aranda, returning from Madrid to Paris,...
954Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 30 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dunkirk, June 30, 1778: Six Russian ships of the line are reported to have arrived in England, with six more to follow; the officers are British and the crews Russian. Three are ordered to be docked and surveyed in Sheerness, three in Portsmouth.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 244.
955Hezekiah 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...
956The Eastern Navy Board to the American Commissioners, 2 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress We have the Honour to hand you by Capt. Ayres in the Arnold Packett, four Packetts Intrusted to our care for Conveyance by the Honble. Committee for Foreign Affairs. We also Inclose the Gazettes of this Town Since our last. We wish them Safe to your hands as we presume they will give you all the Important Intelligence of this...
957Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 2 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library <Nantes, July 2, 1778: I received your letter of June 23 on the 30th; my orders are all that I could have wished. Officers and men are working with a will to get the ship ready, which she should be by the end of this month. I have space for more than the fourteen bales of blankets that Mr. Schweighauser has for me, and should...
958Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, July 3, 1778, in French: What I said in my last about Amsterdam’s borrowing was much exaggerated; my informant was mistaken, and our friend van Berckel set me straight. Yesterday I communicated the treaty to him and to the Burgomaster of Amsterdam, and they were pleased with it; now we have only to let the peat...
959John Paul Jones: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, [3 July 1778]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Harvard University Library <[July 3, 1778: ] I came to Paris when I learned on good authority that the minister wanted to speak with me on a matter of great utility to the United States. Permission to sell the prizes, or an exchange of prisoners, was not in immediate prospect; and something had to be done to assuage the Ranger’s crew. The minister pledged me to reveal his plan to no one,...
960James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Frigate Boston Cap. S. Tucker is return’d to this port yesterday. On her Cruise she had taken four prizes, one of which loaded with Currants and Medecines the Cap. order’d to Boston, and the other three to this port, which are not yet arrived. Mr. Livingston who set out this afternoon for Paris, will inform you the disagreeable cause of this vessel’s...
961Thomas Simpson to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, July 3, 1778: Thank you for your interposition on my behalf. Captain Jones has released me from prison to sail for America, but holds me suspended until a court martial summons us to meet face to face. I enclose a copy of my parole. Immediately upon my release I inquired of Mr. Williams at Nantes about vessels bound to America; several are bound to...
962Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <The Boston , Lorient, July 3, 1778: I arrived here after a cruise of twenty-four days, during which I took four prizes; one I sent to Boston and the others here. I returned so soon because I encountered Capt. Alexander Murray in the brig Saratoga with dispatches for you and the court and other important letters, which my officers saw. I started to convoy...
963Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Passy, July 3, 1778: On your verbal instructions I have ordered the repair of arms at Nantes to be stopped and the workmen paid off according to the agreement. Please let me know whether this is satisfactory. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 258. With Mercier more than a year before: XXIV , 100–1. Only a fifth of the old fusils had been repaired:...
964John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 4 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, July 4, 1778: The Union left Edenton on June 6 and arrived here on the 2nd but unfortunately, after so short a passage, brought no news. Accounts come in of losses on the Carolina coast caused by pilots’ misconduct; the inhabitants mislead our ships or refuse help, and the state government should take notice. Mr. Sartine has invited local...
965John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 4 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum When Congress thought proper to order me to France it was proposed that the Ranger should remain under my direction and be Commanded by a Lieutenant, and as the French Ministry have now in contemplation Plans which promise Honor to the American Flag, the Ranger might be very Useful to...
966Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de Sartine to the American Commissioners, 5 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library <Versailles, July 5, 1778, in French: As I need Captain Jones for a certain expedition, I would like him to remain here. If this does not prove inconvenient, please leave him at my disposal, and give the command of his vessel to his second.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 265.
967Titus Ogden to the American Commissioners, [after] [6] July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lorient, [after] July [6], 1778: On arrival at the beginning of April I consigned my ship and cargo to Mr. Moylan, who showed me his authorization as your agent, and I conceived the highest opinion of his abilities. When the Boston and her prizes appeared, I was astonished to have a foreigner, Mr. Puchelberg, who speaks no English and is little known here,...
968John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 7 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, July 7, 1778: The Sally , which arrived here yesterday from Edenton, reports that the fourth regiment of Col. Maitland’s expedition has been captured and that several ships, among them the Roderigue with a cargo of great value, have arrived in the Chesapeake. Consorting here with agents and consuls of European states shows me the advantages that...
969Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 7 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dunkirk, July 7, 1778: I refer you to my letter of the 5th. Mr. Amiel has given the people here time to carry out the plan they put before you, but they failed; he then gave me your letter of June 26. I might explain the conduct of those who tried to impose on you and wrong me, but the outcome vindicates me; I leave the explanation to Capt. Amiel. If any...
970Poreau, Mackenzie & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 7 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS or ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dunkirk, July 7, 1778, in French: When some Americans and others appealed to us for support, we asked you for a privateer’s commission. The Captain you chose seemed deserving and trustworthy, but found the vessel too small for his large ideas of glory. A more powerful one would have cost more than twice the thirty to forty thousand livres we were...
971Musco 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...
972James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 8 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lorient, July 8, 1778: Two of Capt. Tucker’s prizes arrived here on the 6th. I passed them through customs as from Portsmouth, New England. I have not had time to hear from Mr. Schweighauser, but have written to ask whether his authority extends to this port. If so I shall deliver them to his order unless you meanwhile instruct me differently. Friction...
973The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 9–10 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, July 9–10, 1778: We enclose an order on Desegray, Beaugeard fils & Cie. of Lorient for saltpetre, to be shipped to America as soon as possible. July 10: We also forward Mr. Williams’ order on Mr. Cossoul for articles to be shipped in the same way. > Published in Butterfield, John Adams Diary , IV , 147. In...
974Peter Amiel to the American Commissioners, 9 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Messrs. Poreau & Mackinzy of this place haveing wrote a Letter to Doctor Franklin; in which they have atempted to injure Mr. Coffyns character, as I hope to be at Passy on Sunday next, beg it as a favor you’d suspend your Judgement till then, when I will lay before you every Particular that came to my Knowledge. I am with the greatest Respect Honorable...
975Francis 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...
976Richard Grinnell to the American Commissioners, 9 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dunkirk, July 9, 1778: I arrived here last August after serving on the Belle Isle , 74, as a midshipman impressed at sea; a London merchant got me my discharge. I went to Nieuwpoort, and told Mr. Nesbitt that I wanted to be commissioned in Paris and then sail for Brazil to destroy the London fleet there. He put me in touch with Mr. Coffyn, who took my...
977The American Commissioners to Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Notes, 10 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; incomplete draft: American Philosophical Society; two copies: National Archives We approve of the Directions given by you to stop the Reparation of the Arms at Nantes paying the Workmen their Wages, Gratifications and Conduct money according to agreement of which you inform us in your Letter July 3 1778. Mr. Williams is desired to send the...
978Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 10 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In the letter I had the honor of writing to you yesterday by Capn. Amiel, I inclosed a Certificate from the officers of the Admiralty. This serves to cover the three other Certifficates I promised in the Said letter, Vizt. one from the Bourgmaster and Magistrates, one from the President and Counsellors of the board of Commerce, and an other from the Judge...
979William Hodge to the American Commissioners, 10 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library, South Carolina Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives <Cadiz, July 10, 1778: I received only yesterday your letter of April 19. You tell me I am charged with almost 100,000 livres of public money. I gave Mr. Deane a detailed account of my receipts and disbursements and the charges of the Dunkirk merchants; my only charge was the...
980The American Commissioners to Sartine, 11 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society; National Archives (two) <Passy, July 11, 1778: We received your Excellency’s letter of the fifth regarding Captain Jones, and we readily consent to place him at your disposal.> Published in Butterfield, John Adams Diary , IV , 158.
981——— to the American Commissioners, 11 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <On board the Boston , Port Louis, July 11, 1778: Jerome Cazneau, sergeant of marines, obtained shore leave and persuaded the other Frenchmen aboard to quit the ship. He did everything in his power to alienate them from returning to duty. The General, though under orders to assist us, gave them the choice of staying or quitting, even though he was reminded...
982Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 12 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <On board the Boston , Port Louis, July 12, 1778: The Frenchmen I took on at Bordeaux have given me much trouble. When we arrived here eight of them got shore leave; their sergeant complained so much of their treatment that the King’s officers, including General La Touche of Lorient, came aboard yesterday evening to ask them whether they would stay or go...
983The American Commissioners to Francis Coffyn, 13 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, July 13, 1778: Capt. Amiel brought us this morning two letters from you enclosing testimonials to your good character. We had no doubt of it, and your trouble was unnecessary. A letter, it is true, did say that you were “somewhat too busy, in some particular matters,” but this did not prejudice us against you....
984The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 13 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, July 13, 1778: Load the Boston with whatever Capt. Tucker will take, and particularly with as much lead as he can carry and you can supply.> Published in Butterfield, John Adams Diary , IV , 160.
985The American Commissioners to Samuel Tucker, 13 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, July 13, 1778: On her last cruise the Boston , we understand, did not sail so well as before, doubtless due to some change in her ballast. Remove her present ballast if necessary, load whatever Mr. Schweighauser has for America, and take on lead to be delivered to the continental agent in America; so inform...
986The American Commissioners to Abraham Whipple, 13 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: National Archives (two), Yale University Library <Passy, July 13, 1778: We have ordered Capt. Tucker to join you for your cruises and homeward voyage; leave as soon as possible.> Published in Butterfield, John Adams Diary , IV , 160–1.
987Sartine 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....
988Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 14 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <On board the Boston , Port Louis, July 14, 1778: A letter of the 8th from Mr. Livingston tells me that a prisoner exchange is possible. I enclose a list of those on board, and a list of men recaptured, I suppose, in one of my prizes; the other two have already arrived. I am waiting on orders to join Capt. Whipple. He tells me he will be ready by the 20th...
989Christopher Gadsden to the American Commissioners, 15 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot deny myself the Pleasure of endeavouring to introduce the Bearer Commodore Gillon to your Notice. He hath been always very active in promoting the American Cause and been of great Service to it in several respects as well generally, as particularly to this State and our Assembly during its last Sitting appointed him Commodore of our Navy and in...
990Sartine to the American Commissioners, 15 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society <Versailles, July 15, 1778, in French: Among the English prisoners on Belle Isle, taken from ships in French ports, are two who say they are Americans, James Niggins of Charleston, and John Selby of Baltimore. They want to be freed and sent home. They were on the Hancock , they say, en route to Charleston from Nantes when an...
991The American Commissioners to the Massachusetts Council, 16 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, July 16, 1778: We enclose a request from M. de Sartine, which we promised to send you. Americans will doubtless be inclined to supply the islanders, and the northern states be able to do so in the absence of, or perhaps even despite, British warships. We hope the attempt will be made; it will fetch a good price...
992The American Commissioners to the President of Congress, 16 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society <Passy, July 16, 1778: We enclose a letter from M. de Sartine that we promised to communicate to Congress. We have no doubt— > See the preceding document and Sartine’s letter of July 14. The draft, without the incomplete second sentence, is published in Butterfield, John Adams Diary , IV , 164. This letter, as explained there, was never sent; the...
993The American Commissioners to Sartine, 16 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, July 16, 1778: We shall take the first opportunity to send to Congress and the government of Massachusetts your letter of the 14th; it will, we are confident, lead to exertions for the relief of the islanders. Success is undoubted if British warships are withdrawn from the area; if not the difficulty will be...
994The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 16 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, July 16, 1778: We have ordered Lieut. Simpson, commanding the Ranger , to sea as soon as possible; please furnish him promptly with what he needs. The British prisoners on these ships are to be left behind, in such custody as you advise; we shall try tomorrow to get the ministry’s orders for their lodging.>...
995The American Commissioners to Thomas Simpson, 16 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: National Archives (two) <Passy, July 16, 1778: We have wanted to settle disputes among the Ranger ’s officers for some time, and at last have the pleasure of sending you a letter from Captain Jones which allows us to reinstate you on board the Ranger . Upon receipt of this, you will take command of the Ranger as first lieutenant, join...
996The 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...
997John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit me to lay before your honors the foregoing State which by your interpossion we flatter ourselves may be relieved. I am most respectfully Honorable Sirs your most Obedient Humble Servant Notation: Mr. [Bondfield] Bordeaux 1778 Bondfield’s letter was written at the bottom of a request in French in another hand on behalf of Captain William Jones. Jones...
998John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, [16 July 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, United States Naval Academy Museum, National Archives (two), Massachusetts Historical Society When I took Lieutenant Simpsons Parole I did not expect to have been long absent from America: but as circumstances have now rendred the time of my return less certain, I am willing to let the dispute between us drop for ever by giving up that parole which will...
999Jean-Baptiste Le Roy to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Messieurs Les Députés du Congrès sont instamment pries de tirer d’inquiétude un Pere et une Mere qui sont dans les plus vives allarmes sur leur fils, dont ils n’ont, depuis très longtems, aucunes nouvelles. Ce jeune homme qui est fils unique est capitaine d’artillerie au service des Etats unis. Il s’appelle Ganot . Son Père est Lieutenant Colonel...
1000Schweighauser to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library Beging leave to refer you to mine of the 9 inst. I have now to inform you that Capt. Whipple at his return to his Ship, having wrote to me that he wanted the goods you had pointed out to be sent by him in order to stow his hold properly, I made yesterday application to Mr. Williams’ Clerk for the Continental stores in his Posession, when he told me that he had...