1The American Commissioners to S. and J.-H. Delap, 18 [i.e., 23] July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives Having the fullest Confidence in the Security you offer for Captain William Hill Sergeant, We herewith enclose a blank Bond for you to fill up, sign and return to us: We enclose also a Letter for Captain Sergeant with his Commission and Instructions. We have the Honour to be with great Esteem &c. The date as written...
2William Hill Sargeant to the Commissioners, 18 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Having lately Arrived in a Very fast Sailing Vessell from the State of Virginia whose Owners not having it in their Power to arm her in that Country gave me full power So to do here (As well to take the Advantage of any thing that might Offer as to protect our Vessell and Cargo). I therfore take the Liberty of Requesting the favour of your granting me a Commission for that purpose, and least...
3Sartine to the Commissioners, 18 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Versailles, 18 July 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:166–167 ( JA ’s English translation). For the French text, see Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 94. Sartine recounted reports that he had received concerning problems with the French members of the Boston’s crew. Their...
4S. and J.-H. Delap to the American Commissioners, 18 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS or LS : American Philosophical Society We take the liberty of forwarding you Inclosed a Letter from Captn. William Hill Sargeant. He informs us it is Requesting you to give him a letter of Marque Commission and that he has offered you our House as Guarantee that no improper use will be made of same. If this formality requisite and that you think us sufficient Security for any improprieties...
5Rawlins Lowndes to the American Commissioners, 18 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The State of South Carolina having Resolved to procure three Ships of War in foreign parts for the Protection of their Coast and Trade, Have intrusted that Service to their Commodore, Alexander Gillon Esqr. a Zealous and approved Friend to the American States, who embarkes for France with some other Officers to manage that Business. The Legislature have...
6William Hill Sargeant to the American Commissioners, 18 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, July 18, 1778: I lately arrived in a fast-sailing vessel from Virginia. The owners could not arm her there and gave me power to do so here; I therefore ask a commission for that purpose. During most of the war I served the state in a small trading ship. When she was condemned I took command of the Dispatch , a brigantine with eight four-pounders...
7Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 18 July 1778: résumés (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two of each), Massachusetts Historical Society <Versailles, July 18, 1778, in French: Letters from Lorient tell of the trouble between the commander of the Boston and the French volunteers and sailors in his crew, of whom twenty-eight—twenty-five volunteers and three apprentices—have been sent ashore. Their grievance was against the first lieutenant and two other...
8Thomas Simpson to the American Commissioners, 18 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you by Captain Niles, that on receiving an answer from Captain Whipple, I shou’d immediately follow his instructions, his letter came to hand the 12th, I embarked at Brest the 15th. and arrived here the 17th Instant, and am now to proceed for America in the Providence, where I hope to have the pleasure of being immediately bro’t to trial. I tho’t my...
9To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand-François-Théodore-Joseph Pollart d’Hérimez, 18 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Des ordres de ma Cour en precipitant mon depart, m’ont privé du précieux avantage de prendre les votres. Je viens m’en dedommager, s’il est possible, par vous reiterer tous les sentimens qu’a tant de titres vous savez inspirer, et vous offrir mes services, si j’etois assez heureux de vous etre bon en quelque chose en ces quartiers. Le jour ou je pourrai...
10To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Richelet, 18 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis retirez du monde, et je n’en connois pas les usages: je ne sais de nouvelles, que par une gazette de tous les mois. Ne soïez donc pas surpris Monsieur, si je ne vous donne pas la qualité, que vous avez peutêtre a la Cour. Les gazettes annonçent L’Union de 13 provinces de l’Amerique: par l’Effet du hazard, le petit manoir que j’habitte se trouve...