(I) and (II) ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 25, 1778: The mainmast of the Boston has been condemned and will be promptly replaced. The Captain requires an iron hearth for cooking; the stone one he had is broken. I hope you will approve.> Per mine of this date you would be advised of our proceedings tutching the Boston. Captain Le Mair desireing I would second the many...
2James Jay to the American Commissioners, [25 April? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society When a man is seriously attached to a public Cause, and has uniformly given the most decisive proofs of that attachment, he cannot be indifferent to the treatment he receives from those who have the management of Affairs. Men sometimes flatter themselves that they may pass off what they please on the weakness or credulity of others. It is only to undeceive...
3Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 25 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 25, 1778: I had my mast condemned by a jury of six carpenters, three merchant captains, and Mr. Bondfield. You would have told me, I assume, if you intended to load cargo; I have therefore begun to take in ballast. The King’s officers are enticing men from me for the army; I retrieved five today who were about to embark for St. Martin’s....
4To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 25 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I could not fail to take the opportunity of writing a line by Mr. Williams, tho I can give you but a very short letter, just to tell you that I and my little ones are well: I wish I could say the same of my mother. She has had her leg bad again which lowers her spirits. I was obliged to come to town and should have been very uneasy if I had not left my...
5To Benjamin Franklin from Ralph Izard, 25 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy and two transcripts: National Archives; transcript: South Carolina Historical Society It is with the utmost astonishment that I find myself so often obliged to remind you of your engagement to me. You have repeatedly given me the strongest assurances that you would justify your conduct to me in writing, but you have not kept your word. Dr. Bancroft,...
6To Benjamin Franklin from F. Franklin Laboureau, 25 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This woman’s identity is tantalizing. She gives no substantial clues to whom she is. She mentions one man, and another two years later mentions her; but they are only names to us. After this letter she wrote Franklin two others that survive; each adds a bit of detail but leaves her story in shadow. One of January 22, 1781, repeats her request for an...
7To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 25 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai rendu Compte au Roi Mr. du Contenu de la lettre que Vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire hier, et sa Majesté me Charge de Vous temoigner toute sa Satisfaction de Votre empressement a Nous informer de l’objet de Vos Conferences avec M hartley. Le grand art de l’Angleterre fut toujours de Chercher à diviser; c’est un bon Moyen en effet...