1James Smith to the Commissioners, 24 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
This is to inform you that when I arrived at Calis the 4th of May 1778 I had part of my Baggage detain’d by the Custom House Officers under the pretence of their being contraband. They consist of Household Linnen and some articles included under the denomination of plate which had been in use for some time and appeared to me as necessary for the comfort of a private family unused to the...
2James Smith to the American Commissioners, 24 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, August 24, 1778: When I reached Calais on May 4 the customs officers detained part of my luggage, consisting of household linen and plate, as contraband. Soon after arriving in Paris I mentioned the matter to Mr. [Arthur] Lee, who told me that I had no remedy; his brother, though a public minister, had had to pay fifteen guineas. Public officials...
3James Smith to the Commissioners, November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Your very extraordinary letter of the 17 of Novr. I have received and acknowledge myself Obliged to you for the representation of my Case to his Excellency the Count De Vergennes. You say you do not think you can consistantly Grant my request unless I previously Subscribe the decliration and take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America and that when I comply with this condition...
4James Smith to the Commissioners, 15 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to enclose you the Testimony of Mr. Anthy. Payn concerning the detention of my Goods at Calis with the names of the Officer by whom they were taken and the Servant of Mr. Payn who was also eye witness to the transaction and lives at the Hotel Lyon d’Argent at Calais. It may be also proper to inform you that a Gentleman who I have been given to understand by Mr. Williams is...
5James Smith to the American Commissioners, 15 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <Paris, November 15, 1778: I enclose the testimony of Mr. Anthony Payn concerning the detention of my goods, which gives the names of the officer who took them and of Mr. Payn’s servant, who was also a witness. Your agent at Calais, together with Mr. Whitall and Miss Farrel were also informed at the time about the case. Mr. Williams...
6James Smith to the American Commissioners, [after 17 November 1778]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <[after November 17, 1778]: I have received your very extraordinary letter of Nov. 17 and thank you for presenting my case to the count de Vergennes. You say that if I subscribe to the declaration and take the oath of allegiance to the United States you will give me the customary passport to Calais. Unless this passport will remove...
7To Benjamin Franklin from James Smith, [between 27 December 1778 and 17 April 1779] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society It is requested by Doctor Smith that the “Articles particularly a Dozen of Knives and Forks Some Table Cloths and Napkins wrapt up in a peice of Crocus” being from this discription contained in a Note delivered to him by Mr Loyd from Doctor Franklin part of the Baggage detained at Calis by the Custom House Officers and said to be left at Passy may be...
8To George Washington from Captain Lieutenant James Smith, 8 May 1779 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to lay before your Excellency the inclosed account of £49.5/ which is the ammt of my expences in pursuit of eight deserters. I truly and honestly paid every farthing chargd in the Accot and have sworn to it. I Exhibited the Accot to the Auditors of the Army, who informed it was out of their power to allow me more than 3 dollars each day I was on the command being eight days,...
9To John Jay from James Smith, 12 September 1780 (Jay Papers)
I am now at Bruxelles where I propose to reside untill I can have a convenient opportunity to remove my self and Family to America. In the mean time I think it a duty I owe my Country to contribute every assistance in my Power to aid you in the exicution of that great and important Bussiness in which you are employed and I trust my present situation and connections will afford many...