1John Ross to the Commissioners, 18 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the honour to Address You, on the 16th and 23d. Ultimo —Not on business of my own but that which Regards the United States, and consistent with the common Rule of Regularity, claimed an Answer long since. Mr. Delavile holder of Mr. Ceronio’s bills applyed to me again by letter, on last Saturday, and the bills being drawn, on public Account, shall be glad to know what Answer am to...
2John 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...
3John Ross to the Commissioners, 8 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
By the tuisdays post, I had the honor of your favour 30th. Ultimo now before me. And I find thereby, a want of Authority, deprivs me of either instructions or Advice from you in the concerns of the Public, farther thin what respects the large Sume of money put into my hands by the Honorable the Commissioners. It has been all along my own Opinion, that am only responsible to the Honorable...
4John Ross to the American Commissioners, 8 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; copies: National Archives (two); transcript: National Archives <Nantes, October 8, 1778: I have yours of September 30 indicating that I am to be deprived of the commissioners’ advice beyond that concerning the money extended me. It has been my position all along that I am responsible only to Congress but I fail to see why you have charged me with...
5John Ross to the American Commissioners, 3 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society I had the honour to address you on the 24th Ultimo. Since without the pleasure of any of your favours. The Scarsity of many necessarys in America, and the practibility of adopting plans less inconvenient and expensive to the Country then have been pursued for some time past to the manifest prejudice of the United States in numberless respects, I shoud be...
6John Ross to the American Commissioners, 28 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; copy and transcript: National Archives Permit me to congratulate your Excellenceys, and the Inhabitants of the United States on the happie late Event , of your Embassie at this Court. I cannot doubt of its giving universal satisfaction in America, and I hope that confidence and Friendship will not only be preserved thereby, but the Objects of Advantages in...
7John Ross to the American Commissioners, 12 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library I did myself the honour to address you on the 26th. and 28 Ultimo. Being since without the favour of any of Your’s, Permit me to repeat my request of being informed by you Honorable Gentlemen What has been done with those books and papers carryed off from hence by Mr. Wm. Lee. Yesterday I heard, and not before , of a very timely precaution he took on the day of...
8John Ross to the American Commissioners, 24 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library Your very respected favour of 18th Inst: I received by Capt: Nicholson. Contents thereof I duly Note. The Safe arrival of the Hamburgh vessel, you may suppose gave me pleasure, and tho at L’orient when I had advice of it, I embrace’d the first post to give you the earliest Notice, recept of which you acknowledge in this now before me. I must take the liberty to...
9John 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...
10John Ross to the American Commissioners, 6 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I had the honour to address you on the 29 Ulto. on the business of Mr. Thomas Morris late Commercial Agent now deceast, and tho not as yet favoured with your answere, doubt not Your attention to those measures, Proper to command possession and a liberty of Inspection into those Books and papers now under Seals. The Ship La Brune under the direction and command of...
11John Ross to the American Commissioners, 18 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; three copies, National Archives <Nantes, August 18, 1778: I wrote on July 16th and 23rd respecting public business and have received no reply. Mr. Delavile has applied to me once more with bills of Mr. Ceronio on the public account. I need an answer for him. Likewise I require the funds owed Willing, Morris & Co. from the public account to terminate their...
12John Ross to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Extract and transcript of extract: National Archives The Ship three friends ownd by Mr. Williams & Co. being detained still here owing principally to the want of hands, will am in hopes from the assurances of the Capt. and owners depart tomorrow . . . I have since advisd them (the Committee of Congress) of the change of property in the Ship La Brune in Consequence of your accepting of the Ship...
13The Commissioners to John Ross, 3 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have received yours of the twenty seventh of October, inclosing a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of the 11. Aug. 1778. We shall conform ourselves exactly pay the strictest Attention and Obedience to this Resolution of Congress, and to all others, as far as shall be in our Power; and shall be always ready to receive your Accounts and to settle them, and pay the Ballance if any should...
14To Benjamin Franklin from John Ross, [November 1765] (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): American Philosophical Society In the Midst of our Confusions, You will permit me to trouble You with the reading a line from me also, but to give You a Regular Course of Intelligence Concerning our affairs, is What I will not Attempt, as I hate Writing Very much, and leave that to Mr. Hughes our Welsh Squire, who upon Honour has fought the Battle Manfully, and I think there...
15To Benjamin Franklin from John Ross, 7 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Ross Respects wait on his Excelly. the Minister plenipoty of the United American States—and send some American papers received today via Holland, by a Vessel arrived from Philada. Mr: Ross has got several letters from America, but none later then 24 March, and not a single Sylable of News from any of his friends— Ross was apparently more conscientious in...
16To Benjamin Franklin from John Ross: Extract, 24 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from “Memoir of John Ross, Merchant, of Philadelphia,” Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography , XXIII (1899), 78. That unless your Excellency affords him speedy relief, agreeable to the express order of that Honble Body (Congress) he must plainly tell your Excellency, that his ruin is immediate and unavoidable, as he has bills running upon him, which he has accepted in...
17To Benjamin Franklin from John Ross, 7 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Altho’ I have not hitherto assumed the liberty of troubleing you in the Epistlary way, I think you may be assured it did not Proceed in the least from a want of that respect due to you from me, in Your Public Character nor Private life. And I hope you will Dear Sir, believe me sincere, (unsuspected of flattery) that I am so perfectly satisfyed of Your...
18To Benjamin Franklin from John Ross, 19 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honour of your Excellencey’s much Respected favour 15th. Inst:— The disturbance on board the Alliance must be attended with delay’s & difficultys in geting forward the Stores. Therefore, it being evident Your Excellencey’s plan have been deranged by the measure’s of that faction, much to the dishonour & prejudice of the United States & foreseeing...
19To Benjamin Franklin from John Ross, 28 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself the honor to address Your Excellencey about two weeks since, without the pleasure of any in return. The Sole intent of this trouble serves merely to give Mr. Jno. B. Paschen of Hamburgh, a Particulare friend to America, the Opportunity of handing this as a pretence and introduction to pay his respects to You at Paris. He is a good kind of Man...
20To Benjamin Franklin from John Ross, 20 December 1764 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Duty as well as Inclination ingage me to write you, tho’ nothing very material occurs worth communicating since your leaving us; as I am certain Numbers of your Friends have given you Intelligence of all the Minutiae passing among us (for indeed there is nothing more.) I venture these few lines only for the pleasure arising, that I may not be accounted...
21To Benjamin Franklin from John Ross, 20 May 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By this time I presume You Can pretty nearly Judge what is to be the issue of our Application to His Majesty for protection, and shou’d more Ingredients be Wanting, We are daily furnished with them, to prove, What is lamentably too true, that we have only the form without the powers of Government. We seem at present to have two kinds of Governments on the...
22To Alexander Hamilton from John Ross, [29 November 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The inclosed is Sent for your peruseal, and the letter Sketched for Mr Flint for your consideration, and to be altered by you if necessary. If however approved to be Sent in its present form, be pleased to Sign it, and I shall, convey it to be signed by the Other Commissioners, at N York & delivered. Excuse my troubling you. With much Respect I am Yours &ca LS , Hamilton Papers, Library of...
23To Alexander Hamilton from John Ross, 17 May 1785 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 17, 1785. Sends information concerning Ross’s share of ownership of the ship Diligent . ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Ross, a Philadelphia merchant, was an agent for François, Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, the French chargé d’affaires in the United States. H was representing Ross in Bartholomew Terrasson et al . v. Ship Diligent , a case pending before the New York...
24To Thomas Jefferson from John Ross, 9 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants of The District of St. Marys in the State of Georgia Respectfully Sheweth, That sundry Substantiated Charges against the Official Conduct of R. McGillis Collector of the District (whereby it appears the Revenue Interest of the United States hath been materially injurd) Were made & forwarded from hence several months ago, To The Treasury Department of...
25To Thomas Jefferson from John Ross, 13 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have before me your favour of this date, Am much pleased when I can Serve a friend, and without troubling You with further occurrence’s on the Subject, Receive a Check for the Amount of the two Notes Sent to me, vizt. one of 215. Drs. and 1 other of 100 Say 315 Dollars. I wish it had been convenient for You to have done my Family the pleasure to have Spent a day with us here, but under the...
26To Thomas Jefferson from John Ross, 27 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I shoud take pleasure in communicating any information in my power Respecting the Commerce of a favourable prospect to America, but find I can add nothing to what you have already obtained. Nor can I say much of the Danish Trade, having had but little intercourse with Danmark in my commercial pursutes. Their Trade in that Kingdom depend principally on India, their own West India Islands and on...
27To James Madison from John Ross, 18 November 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 November 1803, St. Marys. Knowing nothing of the negotiations in 1800 between the U.S. and France “relative to Debts due by France to Citizens of the United States” and not having “seen the Conjectural Note as mentioned in the 2d Article of the last Convention with France,” does not know “in what form … Claims ought to be exhibited and to whom.” “May I expect that payment is intended to be...
28To James Madison from John Ross, 12 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
Persuaded that the most proper mode of approaching The President is thro the medium of your Department I have the Honor of forwarding herewith a Petition signed by myself and a few of the inhabitants of this Place, who apprehend that a due Report on certain charges against The Official Conduct of our Collector hath not yet been made by The Secretary of The Treasury And as the delay is attended...
29The American Commissioners to John Ross, 11 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society Yours of the 6th. came to hand in Course; as Mr. W. Lee will be with you before the receipt of this we refer you to him for what has been done as to the Late Mr. Morris’s Papers &c. In regard to the Ship purchased by you, Commanded by Capt. J. Green which you Offer to assign over to the Public account we are content that you do it and Charge the amount to...
30The American Commissioners to John Ross, 22 April–23 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two); incomplete drafts: Library of Congress <Passy, April 22–May 3, 1778: You wrote us that you would, if desired, send the invoices of goods shipped for the public. We asked for them, to account for the money advanced you. Your reason for refusing, in yours of the 18th, is inadequate; send us all the accounts, and a copy of our...
31From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 8 June 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania If, according to the Custom here, I congratulate you on your having a severe Fit of the Gout, I cannot avoid mixing some Condolance with my Congratulations: For I too have lately had a Visit, or rather a Visitation , from the same Friend (or Enemy) that confin’d me near a Fortnight. And notwithstanding the salutary Effects People talk of, to comfort us...
32From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 22 April[–3 June 1780] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I duly received your favours of the 14th. & 17th. Instant. I am sorry to understand from you that the wollens are in such a situation as to endanger their being lost to the states: But do not see why it should be expected of me to point out a Vessel for them to be shipt in, or to approve or accept of any Contract you may make for the freight of them. The affair is...
33From Benjamin Franklin to [John Ross], 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society I received yours of the 27th past, enclosing the Resolve of Congress relative to Mr T. Morris’s Papers. The Trunk said to contain them was deposited with me by W Lee Esqr. on Acct of his going to Germany. One of the Seals you mention was broken in bringing it to my House, and I got him to put on his own Seal instead of it. In this State it remains,...
34The Commissioners to John Ross, 30 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have received your Letter of the twenty second of September, and take this Opportunity to say, that We have no Authority, either to give you Orders or Advice, any further than respects the large Sum of Money, which the Commissioners put into your Hands sometime ago. Of the Expenditure of this Money, We have demanded an Account, which you have refused to give Us. With your private Concerns...
35From James Madison to John Ross, 13 January 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 18th. Ult. There can be little doubt, that the first claim you state is of the general nature of those which are recoverable under the late Convention with France. Should you be able to prove that your original documents have been accidentally destroyed, the Commissioners and other functionaries who are to decide these claims will doubtless admit you to prove...
36The 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...
37From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 18 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favour of the 11th. with the Accounts, Bill of Lading &c. of the Goods you have Shipped. If you remember right I promis’d only to assist you in the freight, but you have drawn upon for almost an equal Sum over and above, on Account of Charges, Commissions &c. These kind of Encroachements are disagreable, as well as inconvenient. I have however accepted...
38From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 14 May 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received your Favour of March 13. and am extreamly concern’d at the Disorders on our Frontiers, and the extreme Debility if not wicked Connivance of our Government and Magistrates, which must make Property and even Life more and more insecure among us, if some effectual Remedy is not speedily apply’d. I have laid all the Accounts before the Ministry...
39From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 12 December 1767 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D F.R.S. &c ., Quarto Edition, II, printed with separate title as The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. F.R.S. &c . (London, 1817), p. 148. I received your kind letter of October 18. I had before seen with great pleasure your name in the papers as chosen for the...
40From Benjamin Franklin to [John Ross], 1 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Wisconsin Historical Society I received your Favour of the 24th. past, with the Order of Congress respecting your Accounts which I communicated to the other Commissioners, & I suppose you have receiv’d the Answer. I should imagine it would be best for you to come up with your Accounts in order to their more speedy Settlement. As to the Tobacco arrived, it is all long since engaged to the...
41The Commissioners to John Ross, 3 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Passy, 3 May 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:89–90 . Composed in two drafts, one dated 22, the other perhaps as early as 23 April ( DLC : Franklin Papers), with no indication of why the letter was apparently not sent until 3 May, the date that appears on the Letterbook copy (...
42From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 28 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yesterday your favour of the 23d. proposing a Ship to be freighted for our Goods. I some time since put that Business into the Hands of M. Williams, who has agreed for a Ship accordingly, that is large enough to take all we have to send. He will inform you of the Particulars. I am nevertheless thankful to you for your Obliging Attention to this important...
43From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 19 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I am contented that as many of the Public Woollens go in the Alliance as Comme. Jones shall be willing to take on board, he being the best judge of the Quantity that may be carried, consistent with allowance of sufficient Room for the People, Provisions Water, &c. and shall write to him this Day accordingly; I shall also write to him to permit your taking your passage...
44From Benjamin Franklin to John Ross, 26 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Library of Congress The Multiplicity of Affairs we have lately been engag’d in, together with Mr. Deane’s Departure who used to correspond with you, occasioned a Deficiency in answering your Letters. On looking them over I find some Reflections on the Commissioners as having acted an injurious Part relative to the Papers left by Mr. Thomas Morris. It appears that you have not been...
45The American Commissioners to John Ross, 3 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Justin G. Turner, Los Angeles (1959); AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have received yours of the twenty seventh of October, inclosing a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of the 11th August 1778. We shall pay the strictest Attention and Obedience to this Resolution of Congress and to all others, as far as shall be in our Power; and Shall be...
46From James Madison to John Ross, 29 January 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have received your letter of the 12th. instant enclosing an address to the President respecting the Official conduct of the Collector of Savannah, which I have handed to its address. I take this occasion to acknowledge the receipt of a late letter from you on the same subject. I am &c. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
47The American Commissioners to [John Ross], 9 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society <Passy, September 9, 1778: We acknowledge yours of August 29. We are authorized to discharge neither your private nor your public debts. If you purchased goods with money sent you by the commissioners and had given us an account, we could have given you orders. As it is, any goods you have belonging to the United States should be delivered to Mr....
48The American Commissioners to John Ross, 29 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have received your Letters of the fifteenth and Twenty-fourth of December, with their Enclosures, and once more assure you, that We have no Authority, to do any Thing in your Affairs, untill you have Settled your Accounts.— Whenever you Shall be ready to lay your Accounts before Us, We shall be ready to receive them...
49From Thomas Jefferson to John Ross, 19 November 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I sincerely congratulate you on your resurrection. On the faith of the newspapers I really lamented you dead for several days. I hope Mrs. Ross and all your family have enjoyed good health during the afflictions of the city. Not knowing what date was inserted in my note for the 100.D. you were so kind as to give me for it, nor where to seek the note, as nobody has come to seek me about it, I...
50Enclosure: Royal Flint to John Ross, 15 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have before me your favor of the 11th instant and am sorry I can make no reply that will give you satisfaction. The partners of the late firm of Daniel Parker & Co have not yet exhibited their accounts in such a manner as to render a close of them practicable. Nor have I now, any more than I always have had, the least expectation that this object will ever be accomplished. If the...