1Barbeu-Dubourg: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, [after 21 December 1776] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society M. D. propose a Messieurs F. D. et L. de leur faire des avances soit de draps, soit de fusils (du modele de 1763, controllés et tirés des propres magazins du Roy) pour la valeur de trois cent mille livres tournois, a condition que ces Messieurs lui fourniront en retour des tabacs de Virginie et de Mariland pour pareille somme, bien entendu que les achats...
AL : American Philosophical Society Chalut de Verin prie Messieurs Franklin, Monsieur Dean et Le Chevalier Lée de lui faire l’honneur de venir diner [mardi 6] janvier Jour des Roix. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjamin Franklin / A Passy The farmer general: above, XXIV , 348 n. The “Jour des Roix” or Epiphany, Jan. 6, must have been in 1778: a year earlier BF was not in Passy, and a year...
3William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1777[–4 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society I have herewith the honor to convey to you Copy of my last Respects. You have doubtless heard of the glorious Success of the Army under General Gates, upon which I sincerely congratulate you and all the Friends of America. Betwixt the Date of the Gazettes which I had the honor to enclose you, and the 15 October, there were four Engagements, by the last...
4Dumas to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1777: abstract (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les feuillets du Mercure Novembre sur le Genl. Arnold, &c.; et la Gazette de Delft sur le même. Les Barrils expediés à Mr. Holker à Rouen. Extrait de la Lettre de Lalande et Finje. Probably the Mercure historique et politique , The Hague. The shipment of butter and cod.
5Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 29 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Agreeable to the orders of Mr. Dean and Mr. Lee I have the honour to transmit Capt. Adams’s Deposition properly authenticated. I have no american News, there being no Arrivals since my last, but I have just heard a melancholy account of Capt. Wickes having foundered on the Banks of Newfoundland. This I am much disposed to disbelieve, and the more so as I...
6Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 30 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am happy in sending you the agreeable News of Genl. Bourgoynes surrender with his whole army to our victorious arms. Mr. Austin will give you all particulars. His being charged with the delivery of the dispatches, as well as the importance of many verbal accounts he may furnish, are the reasons for my not desiring the Dispatches for a less expensive way...
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress, National Archives As we wish the subject of this letter to be well attended to and understood, we shall confine ourselves intirely to the business of such french Gentlemen as have returned without getting employment in north america and particularly those of Monsr. du Coudray’s Corps. Whatever may be the Clamour excited by...
8Jean 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...
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress, National Archives (two) Since ours of Octr: 31st. the enemy have by repeated efforts at last overcome our defences on the Delaware below Philadelphia, and we hear they have got up some vessels to the city; but we incline to think they will be interrupted much in their opperations on the river by the Cheveaux de Frize and the cold...
10John 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...
11Thomas 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...
12Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 2 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By my Letter to day I am in expectation of Dispatches for Young which may perhaps be sent off before you receive the last important Express. I take the earliest opportunity to inform you that it will be my wish, in that case, to detain Capt. Youngs dispatches ’till I hear from you supposing you will choose to make some addition to them, and I request that...
13John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 4 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed you have copies of letters which I had the honor of writing you from Portsmouth the latter of which could not have reached your hands as I understand that the mail was destroyed. I sailed from Portsmouth the 1st. Ulto. and arrived safe in this River in the Ranger the 2d. Current having taken two brigtines from Malaga laden with Fruit for London. I...
14Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 4 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library I have at present to inform you of the arrival of the Frigate Ranger Capt. Jones with the Duplicates of the Dispatches I sent you by Mr. Austin. This Ship left portsmouth the 1st of November but brings not a syllable in addition to what we have had, and as Capt. Jones tells me that his Dispatches were on board before Mr. Austin sailed, I conclude that the...
15Conrad-Alexandre Gérard to the American Commissioners, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress Once the news of Saratoga arrived, the French government lost no time. This polite note arranged a meeting the next day, which revealed that a turning point had come in Franco-American relations. Gérard began the interview by telling the commissioners that Maurepas and Vergennes had sent him to congratulate them and to ask for any...
16John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : National Archives I had the honor of writing to you yesterday by post under cover by Mr. Williams. I inclosed copies of two letters which I wrote you previous to my departure from Portsmouth, together with a plan which I drew up at Philadelphia on the Regulation and Equipment of our infant Navy. I now inclose you a letter which I had the honor to receive in charge from the Secret...
17Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais to the American Commissioners, [6 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Je recois, Messieurs, une Lettre de Messieurs Bérard freres de Lorient qui me confirme que vous leur avez donné des ordres positifs et réitérés de vendre la cargaison de l’amphitrite et de n’en remettre les fonds qu’à vous seuls. Ma situation souffrante ne me permet pas d’entrer dans de grands détails, mais cette cargaison m’appartient et je...
18Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 6 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have kept the Duplicates of the Dispatches to this Time in Expectation of a private Hand, that failing I am now obliged to send a Man on purpose, but in the least expensive way. If you have no further commands for him please to discharge him directly; he is not to return Post unless you order him so to do. The minister lately sent orders to stop the Lion,...
19Franco and Adrianus Dubbeldemuts to the American Commissioners, 8 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We had the honnour to write You Our Last on the 21st of Last monthy since which we are honoured with Your moast Esteemed favour of the 23 of Last month in answer Serves that we are Greatly obliged to you for the Goodnes you have had to forward the papers Send you and as we are willing to send according Your good advice the Duplicat to our frends in st....
20Dumas to the American Commissioners, 12 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Les grandes joies sont muettes, ainsi que les grandes douleurs. Je vous félicite de tout mon coeur; et Dieu benisse l’Am. unie. En reponse à la Lettre de Mr. A. Lee du 4e. je n’ai rien eu de plus pressé que d’envoyer sur le champ aux gazettiers, tant françois que holl[andois], copie fidèle et exacte, sans changer, ajouter, ni retrancher un seul mot,...
21Dumas to the American Commissioners, 16 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé le supplément de la Gazette fançoise de Leide No. 100, où est inséré l’extrait de la Gazette de Boston, savoir la lettre du Général Gates, Capitulation de Burgoyne, et Lettre du Général Washington. Détaillé mes opérations à cet égard, par rapport à l’avertissement du Gazettier de Rotterdam du 13e. où il promettoit ces pieces pour...
22Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 16 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library My last to Mr. Dean in answer to his of the 8th. informed you that I intended to go to Painbeuf, to give you a fuller account of the Lion, but various affairs have prevented. I have now ordered every article that relates to that Ship to be collected and sent on board with the utmost dispatch and by the end of this Week I intend she shall be compleat in...
23John Young to the American Commissioners, 16 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recived Yours of the 2d instant from Mr. Maylon [Moylan] along with the Dispatches for Congress which I will secure readey for Sinking in case of danger according to Your Orders. When the dispatches came to hand I was all clear for sea, and now onley wates for a favorable opportunity. Ther is certin information of seven saile of English Cruizers off Bil:...
24John Thornton to the American Commissioners, [17] December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I arrived here yesterday, and delivered this morning all the letters, except those of Lord North and Sir Gray Cooper; what ever advices I shall receive from Mr. H[artley] shall be punctually follow’d. I have the honor to be Gentlemen Your most Obedient Servant: My letters, if you should send any direct No. 57 Newman Street Oxford Road. Notation: Thornton...
25Ameloo, Willemsen and the Dubbeldemuts to the American Commissioners, 18 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society De jour en jour nous nous sommes flattés de recevoir reponce à la notre du 20 Novembre dernier, et nous ne savons à quoi attribuer ce Silence. Apres votre lettre satisfaisante nous n’avons pas hesités un seul moment de confier nos interets dans vos mains. Nous vous avons parlés sans le moindre deguisement, et nous vous repetons sur tout ce qu’il y a de plus...
26Dumas to the American Commissioners, 19 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Repondu à la Lettre de Mr. A. Lee, du 8. Extrait de la Lettre de Mr. Stey[?] du 17. et de LLF [La Lande et Fynje] du 15. Messagers d’Etat envoyés dans les provinces et generalité &c. We have expanded his abbreviations. The names in the second sentence are virtually illegible. The States General, he wrote the committee for foreign affairs on...
27Gérard to the American Commissioners, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Connecticut Historical Society; AL : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai recu la lettre que vous m’avés fait l’honneur de m’ecrire avec celle qui y etoit jointe et dont je suis chargé de vous remercier. Voici le paquet dont les deux passagers voudront bien se charger. Il est adressé au Commissaire ordonateur de la marine. On ne lui mande pas leurs noms, et celui de Deane...
28Thomas Thompson to the American Commissioners, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society This Letter is design’d for the particular purpose of giving my Opinion respecting the Ship Duras which Mr. Berard wrote to you about when I was in Paris. She is a large old East India Ship in want of very considerable repairs, which I think would be very expensive and after all be an old Ship, not very fit for our use in her present position; If she was cut...
29Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In expectation of hearing from you I have only at present to inform you that I am just returned from Painbeuf, and have had the pleasure of seeing as fine a Ship as any of her size in any Navy. I am in expectation of seeing Capt. Nicholson soon and if our obstacles are removed I shall soon finish the Expedition; the Ship is all rigged, Guns mounted and...
30Reculès de Basmarein & Raimbaux to the American Commissioners, [before 16 May 1778] (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society The house of Basmarein & Raimbaux was going through difficult times. A dynamic man in his early thirties, Basmarein was full of schemes; he had helped Lafayette make his getaway on the Victoire , organized a packetboat service, opened a branch in Charleston, sent more than sixty ships to America in eighteen months. But his losses were tremendous, possibly...
31William Carmichael to the American Commissioners, 21 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library I have this day renderd an account to Mr. Deane of the Sums disbursd by me on the Public service; I would have given it in sooner, but that I wishd and hopd to have had it in my power to have reimbursd the Whole. I render it to Mr. Deane because the money was cheifly expended under his orders and directions. I offer to become accountable to the Honorable the...
32John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 23 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Boston Public Library Your esteemed favor of the 17th. I have recived. I wish to leave the Ranger in such a situation as to expect to find her nearly ready for Sea on my return, as I think it will be for the intrest of the Service that I should then proceed with her alone Unless an Additional force can be very soon procured. Should circumstances Admit, an Additional force may be...
33Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 23 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS and copy: University of Virginia Library; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society Capt. Nicholson is gone to Painbeuf to see his Ship. I inclose a Letter he has written to Mr. Dean, since which I find the expected orders are arrived and we are now to meet no Difficulties. Your orders relative to M. Montieu’s Cloaths are too late as they are already gone on board. I had not your...
34——— Boux to the American Commissioners, 24 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library Vous voudrés bien prendre en récommendation que J’ai quité Le service du roy auquel J’etois attaché pour entrer à celui des Etats de l’amerique septentrionale. Je me suis rendu en conséquance à vos ordres, et relativement au grade de lieutenent de Vaisseau dans la marine de Etats unis En Hollande pour y diriger la construction d’un Vaisseau que vous y faisiés...
35John 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...
36Thomas Thompson to the American Commissioners, [before 29 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I thot before this to have given you an acct. of our departure; nothing Hinders but wind and weather. Shall forward the accts. &c. at my Departure, and write you fully; I recivd Mr. Franklines Inclosing Mr. Boudiens; also a Letter from Mr. Lee Informing of a spy’s being in Lorient; the time of sailing and the way I intend to go is a matter that remains...
37Stephen 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,...
38Thomas Thompson to the American Commissioners, 25 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Besides the general Letter which I wrote you respecting our Business with Gourlard, Berard & D. Montplesire, I cannot in Justice to Mr. Berard to whose particular management all the Business which concerned the Raleigh was left omit giving this particular Letter. He has transacted every matter to my entire satisfaction like a man of Honour, a Man of...
39Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 27 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Credit you have been pleased to establish for me at M. Grands being all employed, I have to request you to give me another Letter of Credit on him. I cannot fix the precise Sum that will be necessary but I imagine about 200,000 Livres will be sufficient for the completion of what Business I have at present in hand. Be that as it may the Funds shall be...
40Gourlade & Monplaisir to the American Commissioners, 29 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Nous nous empressons de vous informer que les deux frégates du congrès Le Raleigh et L’Alfreid ainsi que le Shloup le Mars sont appareillés cet après midy, sur les Trois heures avec un Bon vent de nord èst qui promet de favoriser Beaucoup leurs projèts. Nous ne devons pas vous Laisser ignorer qu’elles sont accompagnées de La frégatte Du Roi La Silphyde dont...
41James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 29 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Ships Raley and Alfred are now at Sea. They parted this afternoon about three o’Clock with a fair wind which appears likely to continue, and will I hope enable them to get well clear of the Land before day light tomorrow. Captain Holmes in his Sloop went under their convoy, and a French Sloop of War saild at the same time, the Commander of which told...
42William Carmichael to the American Commissioners, 30 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library I arrivd at this place last night in forty four hours from Paris. The Vessels which it was intended I should stop saild eight days ago, and it is most probable that the court knew of that circumstance because it is confidently asserted a french Frigate convoyd them as far as Ushant. Mr. Williams immediately took the proper steps to profit by your advices had...
43Dumas to the American Commissioners, 30 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (letterbook draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Mes dernieres, du 12e., 16e. et 19e. de ce mois, répondoient à celles du 4 et du 8, dont Mr. A. Lee a eu la bonté de me favoriser. Aujourd’hui j’ai l’honneur de vous donner avis, que Mr. le grand Facteur partit d’ici vendredi au soir, après m’avoir fort recommandé de continuer mes visites chez son substitut pendant son absence, et de lui...
44Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 30 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Your Favour of the 27th Inst. was handed to me last Evening by my good Friend Mr. Carmichael. I am extreemly sorry to inform you that all the proposed measures will be useless, as the Ships in Question sailed at least 8 days ago under Convoy of a french and an english Frigate. I went however to M. Montaudouin and from him immediately to the Lieut. General...
45Dumas to the American Commissioners, 2 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Rendu compte des mêmes rapports de la Lettre précédente. Prié encore qu’ils m’écrivent des choses obligeantes pour Mr. Van Berckel. Instruction pour conserver le beurre. Demandé des nouvelles de Mr. Symeon Deane. We have again silently expanded his abbreviations. The previous letter is that of Dec. 30; the instructions about butter are those...
46James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 2 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honor of advising you the 29th. ultimo of the departure of the Raleigh and Alfred Frigates. I am now to inform you, that in consequence of your power to me dated December last, I apply’d to Mr. Gourlade of this place on the subject of it; as much from a desire of complying with your and Mr. Chaumont’s intention, as judging him worthy of that...
47John 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...
48Gustavus Conyngham to the American Commissioners, 4 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since I wrote you last I went on a Cruze and fell in with the Brig Gracieux Mr. Augustin Letournois from London Bound to Spain with A Cargoe of Dry Goods the most of the Bills of Lading Consignd to Order. On my Asking the Capt. if he new that his Cargoe was British property or not he made Answer. I seen where he Loaded and that I had a Good prize. On this...
49[John Thornton]: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, [between 5 and 8 January 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AD : Harvard University Library In Company with some American Gentlemen, it was dropped in conversation that it was surprising the Commissioners at Paris Knowing the deplorable situation of the American prisoners confined in the several prisons in England, that they had not sent them any relief; this induced me to wait no longer for an answer from Lord North, to run all risks and to set off...
50John Jay to the American Commissioners, 5 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Your favors of the 2d. 8th: and 10 June last have been recd. and Copies transmitted to the Committee. The subject of them certainly merits their Attention, and I hope your Advice will be litterally complied with. As I have not now the Honor of a Seat in Congress, having been called to an office which will confine me in this State, any Information I can...