1——— 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...
2George Finlay, Thomas Anquetil, Wm. Allan and Brown Bencor to the American Commissioners, 22 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Ancenie, August 22, 1778: We are prisoners taken by Capt. Tucker of the Boston . From Nantes we were sent to this town. We beg you to grant us liberty or supplies, since we have done nothing different from other captains who have been freed. Commanders of American vessels have gained their liberty.> Published as “British Prisoners of War to the...
3Ameloo, 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...
4Petition to the American Commissioners from American Merchant Captains, 9 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society To their Excellencies the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Court of France. The Memorial of the Captains of the American Merchant Vessells now at Nantes and the neighbouring Ports, Humbly Sheweth. That your Memorialist apprehend more Danger of Capture by the Enemy on this Coast, than in the whole passage beside. That as this...
5American Prisoners in Dinan to the American Commissioners, 21 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We the under Subscribed Persons having Received Your kind favour of the 15 Inst: who are the only [Santuaries?] under God we Rely on, nor do we desire our liberty from other hands than yours; being in Reallity Americans, who are farr from Imposeing upon Your Clemency (or this Goverment) and willing to Stand or fall by our Countrys Cause, as we are well...
6Peter 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...
7Henry Waldegrave Archer to the American Commissioners, 14 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, June 14, 1778: I want to join the American Army and become a citizen. Although I am an Englishman I did not enter the King’s army, because it would have meant fighting my conscience; that army will probably become the instrument of despotism. In the United States, on the contrary, the disciplined soldier and the free citizen are compatible. I want...
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Amsterdam, October 27, 1778: I will sail for St. Eustatia next Wednesday or Thursday, as no direct passage for America is available. Had I been able I would have told you sooner, so you could send more dispatches. I doubt that Admiral d’Estaing is in the precarious situation reported by the English newspapers. American affairs provoke conflicting opinions...
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Passy, September 19, 1778: On Tuesday [September 22] I will leave for Holland and then for America. I would appreciate letters of recommendation to Congress, the Massachusetts Council and other assemblies or individuals. Had I the money myself or had I not exceeded the credit with Pliarne, Penet & Cie. given me by the Board of War in Boston, I would not...
10John Ayres to the American Commissioners, 29 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, July 29, 1778: I arrived yesterday in 26 days from Boston with a packet for you which ill health prevents me from delivering personally. Mr. Texier, a friend of Mr. Bondfield, has agreed to deliver it. I trust I shall soon recover and will be glad to serve in my capacity as captain in the continental navy. If not, I will await your orders. P.S....
11——— Bailly aîné to the American Commissioners, 10 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La Reponse que me Raportent par le Courier de ce jour mes Banquiers et que vous leur aves fait a de quoy m’etonner. En vous faisant passer la lettre D’advis de votre representant a la Martinique Mr. Bingham, que Je trouvay dans Celle de Mr. J. Hurlot qui y est le mien, J’eus l’honneur de vous ecrire et de vous dire que je connoissois beaucoup M. Villiam...
12Barbeu-Dubourg to the American Commissioners, 14 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je prens la liberté de vous adresser M. de Vic dont le fils M. de Bois Bertrand etoit passé en Amerique vers le mois de juin ou de juillet 1776 a la recommandation de M. Penet qui lui avoit fait esperer le grade de Lieutenant Colonel ou même de Colonel. Nous avons appris depuis qu’en arrivant au Continent ses services y furent agréés, mais qu’il fut pris...
13Barbeu-Dubourg to the American Commissioners, 18 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, June 18, 1778, in French: If I did not respect your wisdom I should be astonished at your refusal to enlist all who want to fight the British. Precautions would have to be taken to ensure obedience, and this would require official cooperation in the ports in which the ships outfit and to which most of them return. The goal is worth the effort. The...
14Barbeu-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...
15Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg to the American Commissioners, [before 31 July 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dubourg attendra vendredi 31e juillet Messrs. Franklin, Lée et Adams chez Esprit Libraire au Palais royal a deux heures precises, pour avoir l’honneur de les conduire en une maison du voisinage, ou on sera tres flatté de les recevoir. BF ’s old friend and former translator. This note was written on the verso of a letter from Genet of July 23 which, we are...
16Tristram Barnard to the American Commissioners, [after 9 October 1778]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <[Paris, after October 9, 1778]: A valuable whaling business has been established by the English since the onset of hostilities with America. If you intend to destroy it I could give you adequate intelligence. I was involved in this business but quit, aware that I was doing wrong. Fifteen whaling ships, manned primarily by Americans who would gladly return...
17Tristram Barnard to the American Commissioners, 9 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <[Paris], October 9, [1778]: For four years this humble petitioner, away from America, has been in English, though not in government, service. My only claim to supporting the American cause is the relief I have given to many prisoners. I want to serve by transporting goods to the rising American states, and request a pass from London to Spain for this...
18Pierre-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...
19Thomas Bell to the American Commissioners, 11 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I sailed from Philad. the 6 of Sept. I Recd. no Letters from the Committe of Congress. The privet Letters I Recd. from Mr. Deane and the Honbl. Richard Henery Lee & Mr. Carmichell as to the dispatches for the Court of France I Recd. them from Monsr. Gerard as to Aney Other Letters I Recd. non— Gentln. I shall Sail Shortly for Philad. If you have Aney...
20Joseph Belton to the American Commissioners, 17 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Passy, April 17, 1778: I was captured at sea last January en route from Baltimore to Charleston, and imprisoned in England until the Admiralty released me; I then came here needing assistance. You will, I hope, lend me fifteen guineas, which I will repay on my return to America. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 37. Belton had been experimenting...
21Engelbert François van Berckel to the American Commissioners, [23 September 1778]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society <[Amsterdam, September 23, 1778], in French: The undersigned, counsellor pensionary of Amsterdam, informs the commissioners that the burgomasters of the city authorize the following declaration: assuming Congress will not enter into any agreement with the English commissioners that would be harmful or prejudicial to Dutch trade in Europe either directly or...
22Berubé de Costentin to the American Commissioners, 4 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, September 4, 1778, in French: In accordance with your request of August 15, Thomas Wilkinson left yesterday for St. Pol de Léon. I await your orders regarding the prisoners here.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII .
23William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 5 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor to inform You that the Count D’Estaing arrived here with the Fleet under his Command the Beginning of last Month. Admiral Byron, with 14 Ships of the Line, had been cruizing off Boston Harbor, watching the Motions of the French Fleet; but, the Day previous to its Departure, a violent Storm arose, which cast the Somerset ashore on Cape Cod,...
24William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 29 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS and AL : American Philosophical Society <St. Pierre, Martinique, May 29, 1778: I have written Congress for permission to draw on you; if I do not hear I shall have to draw for 100,000 livres to honor my commitments. Congress owes me much more, but if I receive payment in goods I shall be hard put to it to dispose of them; the likelihood of war has virtually stopped trade here. I must...
25William 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...
26William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Not being favor’d with any of your Dispatches since the Arrival of Doctr. Franklin (except a few Lines under Date of the 7 June) I have become very apprehensive of the Fate of the many Letters that I have from Time to Time done myself the honor of writing, and which have generally been addressed under Cover to Messrs. Delaps at Bordeaux. Your not...
27William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 16 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <St. Pierre, Martinique, June 16, 1778: The General has been informed of the Franco-American treaty of alliance and commerce. If it changes the political or commercial system or relations with foreign powers, or binds the contracting parties to act in concert, I should know its terms so that in my small way I can co-operate as the American agent in the West...
28William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 5 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS : American Philosophical Society Suivant Les Intentions Du Congrès j’ay L’honneur De Vous Donner avis que j’ay faits Traitte ce jour sur vous ordre De Monsieur aubin Bellevue Pour la somme De Mil Livres Tournois Payable a Trois Mois De Vue que je vous Prie D’avoir La bonté D’accueillir favorablement et en passer le Montant a L’acompte Des Etats unis De L’amerique. J’ay L’honneur D’etre...
29William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 10 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A glaring Act of Injustice has been done to some American Seamen in this place, which calls aloud for Redress & Retribution.— These unfortunate Men, to the Number of 18, had been carried Prisoners into Great Britain, &, having escaped from their Confinement, repaired to Plymouth, where a Number of armed Cruizers were fitting out.— They entered into the...
30William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 6 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A Singular Omission on the part of the Minister has been the Cause that several Articles of the Treaty of Commerce entered into betwixt his most Christian Majesty & the United States of America, & operating to the Advantage of the American Commerce, have not been enforced here—the General not having as yet received a Copy of the Treaty with Orders for the...
31Daniel Blake and John Lloyd to the American Commissioners, 19 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives Being informd that some malicious person, or persons, have been, and are still endeavoring, by the most infamous means, to deprive Mr. J. D. Schweighauser of his good name, and being apprehensive that the intention is to prejudice him in the estimation of the Honorable Commissioners, we think it an act of Justice due to injurd Merit, to acquaint you, that we have...
32René-Etienne Henry Vic Gaiault (or Gayault) de Boisbertrand: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, 5 September … (Franklin Papers)
ADS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Harvard University Library; copies: University of Virginia Library, National Archives <September 5, 1778, in the third person, in French: At the beginning of May, 1776, Dubourg and Penet asked him to join the U.S. army; he was then a lieutenant colonel in the French cavalry. He would carry dispatches about the ministry’s attitude toward the...
33John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 12 May 1778: Letter and résumé (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I have just time in Compliance to Mr. Livingstons request to write your honors that an offer has been made him of a vessel to be compleatly fitted and armed provided your Honors will grant a Commission. His desires in this appears to spring from the advance it would give him of rank at his Arrival in America. If this should meet your...
34John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 4 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor to inform you of the Arrival of the Honble. John Adams Esqr. per the Boston Captain Tucker from Boston. He setts off to day for Paris and will be in Town soon after the receipt of this. The Boston is in want of a general Careen. I shall take Captain Tuckers instruction supplying him with every thing he may be in want of and shall have the...
35John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 9 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am honor’d with your favor of the 30th Ulto accompanying four Passports for our Ships and for which I am obliged to you. I have had no Letters the two Last posts from Nantes but suppose our Vessels are ready for Sea. No Arrivals yet on this Coast from America nor any intelligence Interesting. I have the honor to be with due respect Sirs Your most Obed...
36John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 16 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, June 16, 1778: Mr. Emery has heard from Capt. Conyngham that he arrived at Coruña from Cadiz after taking four prizes. The Boston reportedly fell in with two privateers and took one; the other escaped. Jersey privateers have taken two ships off the Spanish coast. A vessel reached Lisbon that had passed d’Estaing’s squadron off Terceira on May 23....
37John 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,...
38John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 10 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this day receivd from Mr. Livingston a Letter wherein he requests I would apply for a Letter of Mark for the Ship bought for him. I shall esteem the favor of you to forward one to me by the first Post I expect he will be ready for Sea by the first November. The Ship is called the Livingston, in Honor of Governor Livingston, the late Mr. P....
39John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, February 2, 1779: Capt. Jason Laurence of the schooner General Arnold arrived here yesterday by a Dutch ship; he had been put on board by the Jersey privateer that captured him. He informs me his ship belonged to General Arnold and was the first launched in Philadelphia since its recapture. He left there on November 4, carrying packets for you...
40John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 3 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, October 3, 1778: No ships have arrived from America; that none have come from [South] Carolina is to be expected because of the embargo on rice, but many French vessels are in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina, even if American ships are lacking. A ship belonging to Mr. Ross was sold here. The crewmen who shipped for the round trip demand...
41John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 8 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library <Bordeaux, May 8, 1778: Vessels from Georgia have arrived with news that a shipment of specie had been landed from Havana; the state’s currency is greatly inflated. Friends in Cadiz write that the government is making it difficult for them to sell Conyngham’s prizes, and ask whether the ships might be addressed to me; what am I to tell them? I assume from your...
42John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 30 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By last Post I was honor’d by William Lee Esq. with his Deputation of Commercial Agent for the Secret Committee of Congress at the Ports of Bayonne Bordeaux Rotchfort and La Rotchell. Permit me in that Character to assure you of my steddy adherence to the instructions I have and may receive and to a due observance of any Orders you may please to command,...
43John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 8 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, September 8, 1778: The privateer schooner Success arrived this morning. Her master, Captain Attwood of Virginia, reports d’Estaing sailed from Chesapeake Bay for New York on July 9, leaving behind five frigates. When English prisoners are brought here by privateers, your authority is not invoked as to whether they should be set free or not, and...
44John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 6 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have only time to advise of the Arrival of a small Cutter from Baltimore which place they left 14 Augt. and the Capes the 23d. No advices when he left the Coast of Comte dEstaings operations. Another Cutter is in the River from the same port there probably may be letters on board. The fierre Rodrigue from Virginia they left within a Days run of Rochefort...
45John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 2 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this instant receiv’d a Letter from Charles Town by Cap. Ducass who left that City the 30 March. He met a few Leagues from the Coast of France a French Snow bound into this Port on board of which Vessel he put as esteeming it safer all the Letters and Packets he had in charge. The Snow is expected in to Day. I shall see forwarded (if there are any)...
46John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 21 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 21, 1778: A ship arrived at Bilbao with a passenger said to be carrying dispatches for you; he has left for Paris and passed through Bayonne. A prisoner escaped from New York has asked me to write you for a privateer’s commission; a new ship suitable for him will be ready in twenty days, and might sail with the Boston . I await your...
47John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, November 28, 1778: We are without interesting intelligence. Because of their heavy losses the merchants here must reduce their exports, to the detriment of the United States. Only three small cutters belonging to Virginia have sailed in the past three months. A 24-gun vessel of Beaumarchais & Co. sails to join their Fier Roderigue and Drake at...
48John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 13 June 1778: Letter and résumé (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, June 13, 1778: I drew on you as the best way to assure my letters’ reaching you. I am obliged to you for promptly honoring my drafts, and apologize for not having explained the high price of beef. Fresh provisions were furnished during Lent, when one butcher monopolizes the beef supply and charges customers for his privilege. I got...
49John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 14 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am strongly importuned by Captain Cassels the Bearer for a Letter of Introductions to your honors in his favor. Mrs. Cassels his Wife who is come over in order to proceed as they assure me to America, is from Philadelphia. The purport of Mr. Cassels Errand to Paris is to exert his endeavours to obtain the restitution of a Ship belonging to him and his...
50John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 28, 1778: I received on the 25th by Mr. Haywood your letter of the 15th, and have from Capt. Tucker the list of provisions; the officers will inspect them tomorrow. The mast has delayed the work.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 63.