31To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The american Captains that are here have applied to me to draw up a Memorial to the american Ambassadors to obtain a Convoy off this Coast, which I have accordingly done, and in addition beg leave to request your favourable attention to their Request, for it is realy the most mortifying of all their Misfortunes to be taken as many have on the Day of their...
32To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library My Trial comes on tomorrow at 9 oClock.— As your Letter impowering these Gentlemen to examine my accot was addressed to all, and as according to the old saying “what ought to be taken care of by many is generaly taking care of by nobody” I apprehend this Letter is either mislaid, or perhaps left in the Hands of some one of the...
33Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 24 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I this Day compleated the Inventory of the magazine of arms and presented it to Mr. Schweighauser for him to sign the Receipt at the Bottom. We are agreed as to quantity and number but he declines engaging to receive the articles for Reparation remaining to be supplied without your orders. I therefore request you to give your Directions accordingly that I...
34To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library Some time since I received a Letter from Mr. Dubourg offering to interest me in his Contract, my answer to that I inclosed to you: Mr. D has not since written a syllable in return. Several Letters have passed between Mr. Alexander and me and from him I have received the outlines of the plan; the conditions I...
35Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Since writing this morning by Capt. Nicholson I have been with Monsr. Peltrier, who informs me that the Vessell is at the mouth of the River, where it seems all Vessells of Burden are obliged to load. She is not yet loaded but there are several Cases of Fusils gone from hence to the Ship, and Monsr. Peltrier expects a Barge loaded with Bales to come down...
36To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library I arrived here safe the day before yesterday and found that the Ship Marquis de la Fayette Capt Buffington had arrived to my address from Salem with a prize which was bound from New-york to London with 50 hhds of Tobacco. In this Ship are several Brittish Officers some of whom were in Cornwallis’s Army & are under parole from Genl Washington. Some others are...
37To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The two Boxes for Mr Watson came to hand a few days since and I shall embrace the first opportunity to Ship them. I would do it by the Alliance if I could, but Capt Landais does not think himself justifiable in taking any Goods, Types however (being of public Utility,) may perhaps be an exception.— I am Dear & hond Sir Most...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library The last Post from Bordeaux brought me my Letters from america brought by Mr Adams and among them I recvd one for you which you have inclosed. I likewise inclose you a Letter from Capt Manly who is now in Mill Prison, it is addressed to Mr William Bradford but that Gentleman being now in america & having desired me at his...
39To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd your obliging Favour by the post to day, too late to answer it with mine to the Deputies. I am happy that you approve of my desire to settle in france, and I intend to prosecute the Scheme with Vigour. As yet I know nothing of Bordeaux so of course must give the preference to Nantes I am charmed with the place and like the people, besides I think...
40Jonathan Williams, Jr., to Franklin and John Adams, 31 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: University of Virginia Library; transcript: National Archives I am well informed that two Indorsements have been made on the Accots I have had the Honour to present to the Commissioners, one of which contains Accusations as injurious to my Reputation as they are false & malignant. The first of these Indorsements is on my Accot dated Sept. 10 1778 and...
41To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I received in course your kind Favour of the 29 Jan. & would have answered it by return of Post if Mrs Williams’s Situation had not required my constant attention. She is now thank God much better & I hope soon to see her recover fast.— Notwithstanding you heard on the 29th that the marquis de la Fayette was sailed. I am...
42Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 7 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library The Day my last was written I purchased the Ship in question for 55500 Livres and by her excellence and fitness for our purpose, I hope she will sufficiently make up for the Loss of the Duc de Chartres. I have this Day drawn on Mr. Grand in 6 different Drafts for 15000 Livres and have advised him accordingly, which please to desire him to honour; this makes...
43To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We are informed here that a Canadian with a commission from the Congress has fitted out a privateer at Dunkirk, and after cruising sometime in the Channel has taken a very large prize and carried her into Ostend; this News seems to occasion great eagerness in some people here to fitt out privateers in the same way, if proper commissions can be obtain’d and...
44To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library As you have always given me Reason to believe that it is agreeable to you to hear of whatever is an addition to my Happiness, I trust you will be pleased to know that Mrs Williams has given me a very fine Girl who was born yesterday at noon. The Mother & Infant are as well as it is possible to be and I have the most flattering prospect of seeing my...
45Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 26 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library My last inform’d you that I had purchased the Duc de Chartres. I have sent a french officer on board to take charge of her and make every preparation for heaving down which I shall order to be done immediately after the post on Tuesday. Mr. Nickels a Townsman of mine has been taken and has escaped hither. He has...
46Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 5 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I omitted mentioning in my last that I had Drawn on you in favor of Messrs. Montadoiun for 1500 Livers at 8 days date which please to honor. Capt. Hynson and myself will go to painbeof tomorrow to Examine the Duc De Chartres. I mentiond to you that her price was 68,000 Livers but that is the price offered for her the Owners ask 70,000 for her. This is a...
47Jonathan 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...
48Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 26 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library Agreeable to the determination I mention’d in my last every operation relative to the annonyme remains suspended. I have notified Mr. Peltier that I would not consent to any alteration of your orders and that he might take his ship and do what he pleased on Mr. Montieus Account but nothing on Yours. She lays at Paimbeauf with part of her Cargo on board...
49To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I send inclosed Copy of a Letter I have just recvd from Brest to which I request your kind attention. There cannot be a doubt but the Prize in Question belongs to the Captors, or at least that whatever the Rigour of the Law may be, the Custom in such Cases is to give them up. The Ordonnances of the Marine confiscated all...
50Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honour of your Favour of the 25 by Mr. Francis. As I have but a moments time I must beg leave to refer you to tomorrows post for a more particular Answer, the principal intention of this is to inform you that Mr. Morris has sold four of the prizes (all except the packet Boat) Vessells Cargoes &c. &c. for about 90,000 Livres, all risque of reclaim...
51Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 7 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library Inclosed are the Accounts of the Dolphins out fitts the amount of Mr. Peltier’s you’ll find answerable to the Bill I drew on you. By the other you will find how the money paid to me (mention’d in Mr. Peltiers Account) has been appropriated. Those sums paid for Capt. Nicholson Orders will appear in his Ships account. I also Inclose Count Polouskies Bill...
52Jonathan 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...
53To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I informed you in my last that the Farmers insisted on the payment of the Duties, & even made a merit of not seizing the Goods. I am sure this is because they do not understand the nature of my Request for it is not an exemption from any Duty which I ask, but I ask not to pay a Duty which I am only liable to by having...
54To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed will inform you how matters are here. I feel myself uneasy least my Conduct should not be approved yet I think it is precisely according to orders. You will perhaps have representations from these officers to my prejudice as the part I act cannot but be offensive to them all, but however I may succeed I depend that you will believe my motive...
55To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have been applied to by Capt Thomas Molloney an english Prisoner whose Case seems a hard one and in consequence of his earnest Sollicitations and the Desire of Messrs Galleweys of this Place I have promised to lay it before you. He was taken by Capt Jones off Ireland in a little Brig which he commanded, & he owned half...
56To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As perhaps the inclosed accot of Genl Sullivans Successes against the Indians & Tories has not yet reached you I thought it worth the Postage.— I am in haste (Post agoing) ever your dutifull & affectionate kinsman Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin ministre / plénipotentiaire des / Etats unis de l’amerique / septentrionalle / a Passy / près Paris...
57To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 13 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I recvd your Favour of the 8th Instant per this days post.— I am surely the most unlucky of all accused Persons for all my Endeavours to bring on a Trial are unsuccessfull. Of the Gentlemen named there remains here only three Mr Johnson Mr Gridley & Mr Schweighauser the two last are so ill as to make their attendance...
58To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your Favour of the 30th Ultimo and am glad the Bill is accepted. I imagine the Words added are not of much consequence, if the Customs here are as they are in England. I have in consequence given an order to Bilboa to supply Babson taking care however not to exceed what the Balance in my hands may be. I shall be able to judge of M....
59To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am very sorry to hear that you have an attack of the Gout, but I hope it will soon be over. As to Business I must refer you to the inclosed. As I suppose I am to stay here some time longer, I shall be glad to hear from you what my future Line of Life is to be, for I take it for granted that I am not to return to England again. Mr. Lee mention’d that you...
60To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recd. your Favour by the Count d’Attems. I should be happy to procure him a Passage on the Terms desired but know of no way of doing it unless he goes on board one of the Frigates at L’orient; but even there it will not be without expence as he has not any money for his daily subsistence. I cannot say anything of the Lion to him, as I must even deny...
61Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 2 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I had the pleasure of writing to you yesterday since which Capt. Adams is arrived express for [from] Boston and now setts off with his packets for Paris. If I did not think myself absolutely obliged to stay here untill I have orders to return I should be tempted to set off with him, as a few hours Conversation might...
62To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library Mr Louis Tardy informs me that he could obtain an advantageous protection for his Brother who is lately gone to St Domingo if you would kindly signify a favourable opinion of him. I therefore do not hesitate to assure you that the person in question Mr Gabriel Tardy has been near 5 years with me and I can with truth declare him to be an honest, industrious &...
63To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Since writing you about the Prisoners on Parole and others who wanted their Parole, I am informed by the Officer of the Garrison here that if I will add these Prisonners to those now in Rochelle a Cartel may be immediately procured to send them off together, specifying the Distinctions of the Flags under which they were taken...
64To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 May 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last I have recvd from La Duchesse de Villroy the Plan of your Armonica improved, which you will receive by this Ship. The Newspapers will give you all in the political Way. I have been several Days shut up in your Room, so have not been able to gather any thing more than the Public Prints contain. You will see by the Fate of the N York and Quebec...
65To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have lately received a letter from Tristram Dalton Esqr. of Newbury-Port, informing me that you some Time ago advis’d him of having obtain’d orders for payment of a Sum, for the loss sustain’d by the owners of the Brigt. Fair-Play; & that you would deposit it in my hands— Mr. Dalton desires me to give him some information...
66To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library This will be presented to you by Doctor John Foulke & Mr Fox who are warmly reccommended to me from Philadelphia. I beg leave to introduce them to you & shall be particularly obliged by your Civilities to them. I am with the greatest Respect Dear & honoured Sir Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman Addressed: A monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre...
67To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have seen the Comissary relative to a ship.— There is some misunderstanding between Mr de Castries and you for the Minister gives no other directions to the Commissary than to give me his assistance, while it appears by your Letter that the whole Transaction is to be his and I am only to inform him of any Vessell I may know....
68To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete) and draft: American Philosophical Society Yesterday being the Day appointed by Lord Dartmouth I waited on him, but he having a greater Number of Gentlemen at Levee than he could attend to, I was desired to call again to day: which I accordingly did. On my entring he said, Mr. Williams I have only to tell you, I have delivered your Petition into the Kings hands, but Things are...
69Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 17 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I have drawn on you in favor of Mr. Montaudoin at 8 days date for 3.000 Livers which please to honor. I drew this bill to have a Small fund in my hands to answer any sudden small Demands and not for any immediate purpose. I have also drawn on you in favor of Doctr. Franklin for 1257.3 l.t. as it is to be appropriated to my private Concerns. I mean it as...
70To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I hasten to answer your respected Favour of the 13 Inst. this moment received.— I am sorry Mr de Chaumont makes so many unjustifiable Difficulties, and agreeable to your desire I will answer your Questions in their Course to refute his ill founded arguments. He cannot avoid paying you Interest on the £50,000 Livres he has had...
71To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 13 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your Favour by young Johonnott who unluckily arrived two days too late for the last Vessell to New England, we have now only one Opportunity & that is for Philadelphia and I will get him away with as little Expence as possible unless you direct otherwise; if he were to miss this Occasion it would be a long time before he could...
72To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed is in answer to Mr. Deanes Favour relative to the Arms in Mr. Montieu’s Store. It has been observed to me that Prizes instead of being brought into french ports might be sold with secrecy and can, by landing the Goods on an Island near the mouth of the Loire, where french Vessells might come and take them; and perhaps in this way it might be...
73To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 29 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copy: Yale University Library; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I herewith send you two Invoices—the first for Goods Shipped by your order on Acct & risque of Gr Green of Rhode island on board the three Friend. Capt Colman amounting to £936.12 s. The Second for sundrys for Mrs Bache which you desired me to send with M De Luzernes Baggage (as the three Friends was taken up to Carry...
74To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library This will be delivered to you by Mr W Burgess late a london Merchant but now bound to America. In his passage through Paris to come hither he wishes to pay his personal Respects to you. I therefore beg leave to introduce him & shall esteem every Civility shewn him as a Favour confered on me. I am as ever most Dutifully & affectionately In March, William Burgess...
75To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I embrace the Opportunity the departure of Mr Meyers gives me to send you two Bottles of Cramberrys: I will send you more by the first messagerie. I beg leave at the same time to introduce Mr Meyers to your kind Notice and Friendship. I am as ever your dutifull & affect Kinsman Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor Franklin &c &c. Notation: J. Williams, Nantes...
76Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 21 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd. your favour of the 16th Instant too late to answer it by the return of Post. I shall observe your Directions relative to shipping on board the Grammont. I hope she will be able to take all the Cloaths and Hose that remain, but I shall not get a single Case of arms on board and I have at least 300 in the magazine ready to ship. Inclosed is the...
77Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have began to load the Ship. The salt is at Painbeuf and we are here loading the first Lighter with some Bales and the Cordage which is near all made, the Bales that were here are all reduced, and tomorrow the workmen will begin to reduce those that are just arrived from orleans; the Letter from thence informs us that about 50 more will be ready to come...
78Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 4 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library As it was absolutely necessary to have Ballast for the Ship and neither the Flints or Copper arrived nor any appearance of their arriving (except about 30.000 w [cwt.] of the latter) for some time I have bought 40.000 w of Bar Lead at 23 l.t. Per cwt.[?] and about 30 Ton of Salt. I have in doing this been as saving as I possibly could, and even now shall be...
79To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have this day sent Mr Chaumont a Draft on you at 10 days sight for the amount of his Goods £428,330.2.8 Tournois [ l.t. ] payable in your Bills on the Congress of which I sent you a Model in my Letter 7 November last, This is the amount of the Invoice exclusive of Charges—which I will Furnish you a duplicate as soon as I...
80Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 18 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, April 18, 1778: I have received yours of the 13th, and will make no new commitments without your orders; you will I hope, honor my drafts for those already made. The workmen are repairing the less damaged weapons; repairing them all would take at least two years. If the operation were stopped, and the men sent back to Liège, the remaining arms...