1Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioner or Commissioners, [on or after 8 December 1780] (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society In pursuance of the Resolve of Congress hereunto annexed I have signed fifth sixth seventh and eighth Sets of Loan Office Bills of Exchange of the Numbers and Denominations following Viz. No. 265. 1 Set for 60 Doll. in favor of Sarah Cheeseman dated Octr. 31. 1779 309. 1 120 do. do. 919. 1 120 do. Sepr. 21. 1779 767. 1 12 do. do. 796. 1 24 do. John Woodhull...
Three ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of the 27th. of June the following Sets of Exchange have issued from my office vizt. To the State of Maryland dlr Dolr 7 Sets 100 each No. 1–7 700 5 200 1–5 1000
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of the 14th. of Jany. the following Setts of Exchange have issued from my Office Viz To Pennsylvania Dolls 150 setts 36 Dolls. No. 2218–2367 = 5,400 To New Jersey Dolls 50 setts 30 Dols. No. 2026–2075 = 1,500
4Barbeu-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...
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...
6Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioner or Commissioners, 19 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of Sept 8th the following Setts of Exchange have issued from my Office Vizt. To the State of Connecticut Doll 25 Setts 12 Doll. No. 1655–1679= 300 50 18 1658–1707= 900 50 24 1658–1707= 1200
7Intelligence from Bilbao and Other Places, 3 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
D : National Archives During the months covered by the present volume there was a considerable decline in the volume of intelligence collected by the chevalier de Kéralio and given to Franklin for eventual forwarding to Congress. Kéralio was absent from Paris for much of the period and made arrangements to provide such information during his absence, but from late August until the end of...
8William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By the eleventh Article of the Treaty of Commerce entered into betwixt His Most Christian Majesty & the United States of America, the Americans are exempted from the Payment of all Duties on the Article of Molasses, notwithstanding which the Duties have, until now, been constantly exacted & paid. This has occasioned great Clamours on the Part of the...
9Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioners, 5 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Three ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of Feby. 20th. there have issued from my office, the following Loan Office Bills of Exchange To the State of New Hampshire 25 Setts 12 Dollars each No. 1045— 1069 25 18 1045 — 1069 25 24 1045 — 1069 13 30
10William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 3 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society The arrival at this place of the Continental Frigate the Deane, & the armed Brigantine the General Gates, in order to be careened & refitted, & to procure a fresh Supply of Provisions, has greatly embarrassed me, not having sufficient Funds to answer their Demands. I am therefore under the Necessity of refusing them the necessary Supplies, or of...
11Intelligence from Amsterdam and Other Places, 1 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
D : National Archives The man who seems to have coordinated Franklin’s receipt of maritime intelligence, the chevalier de Kéralio, was kept busy during the four months of this volume. Franklin received from him more than one hundred items of port news, generally arranged in chronological order by an unknown copyist; eventually Franklin forwarded this material to Congress. The flow of...
12Sartine to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Messieurs, avec la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 2. de ce mois, celle qui y étoit jointe et le mémoire du Sr. Darrel. Je suis surpris des Difficultés qu’il a éprouvées à l’Occasion de la Désertion de ses Matelôts; et je m’occuperai des Moyens d’y remedier a l’avenir. Il sera plus facile de le faire lorsqu’il y aura des Consuls des...
13Dumas to the American Commissioners, 23 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Ma derniere étoit du 16e Jeudi, 18e l’Agent de L. h. p. porta à Mr. l’Ambassadeur de France une réponse, qui lui fut rendue tout de suite, comme non satisfaisante. Le lendemain Mr. l’Ambassadr. remit au Président de semaine une note sur ce sujet. Il y a une Lettre d’un grand personnage aux Etats de la province de Frise,...
14John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 22 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Letters this instant from La Rochelle I am advised of a Vessel with Six hundred Hhds Tobacco on board supposed a State Vessel is arrived in the Road of that Port none of the Ships Company being landed at the departure of the Post they could not give me any particulars. I am respectfully Sirs Your most Obedient Humble Servant Addressed: The Honble Benj...
15——— Taverne Demont Dhiver to the American Commissioners, 22 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay l’honneur de me rappeller a votre souvenir n’ayant jamais perdu de vuë celui d’être utiles à vos concitoyens, et favorisés de la recommandation que vous avez donnée aux capitaines Marchent et arould, tous deux de Boston, addressés à M. M. Poreau, Mackenzie et Compe. je me prette à les employer dans mon armement actuel, qui sera d’un Brigantin de 14...
16John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 20 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having collected Thirty Six American Seamen for our Ship the Mary Fearon Cap John Fulford and a prospect of engaging more we have resolved to equip her in a Warlike manner with eighteen four pounders swivels & small Arms proportiond. In consiquence I request the favor you will please to Grant us a Letter of Marque for the said Ship now at Penbeuf. Permit me...
17Joseph-Nicolas Saint-Pierre Dutailli (Dutaillis) to the American Commissioners, 20 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ayant lhonneur dêtre attaché au service des Amériquains & plus encore par la conformité de mes sentimens avec vos Généraux du Department du Sud, je me hâte de vos [vous] faire part d’un désastre bien douloureux. La copie de la Lettre ce jointe & du Memoire que jai l’honneur decrire & d’adresser au Ministre, ayant le Département de la Marine, par le même...
18Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 20 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd the Honour of your Favour of the 9th Instant, and observe your Readiness to rectify the Mistake relative to Mr Simeon Deans Goods. The manner you propose would be extreemly agreeable to me if it was practicable, but as most of the Goods are doubtless consumed it is not possible to return them. The Sail Cloth was used in France to make Sails for...
19George Anderson to the American Commissioners, 16 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Harvard University Library I had the honour of addressing You the 20th October last, the purport of which was to inform You of my situation at that time, and the treatment of a Certain Gentleman, to the Americans that are brought here— At present I beg leave to give You an exact relation of what has transpired in this place, respecting the said...
20John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 16 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Bory nephew to Mr Beaujon at Paris whose conections are in the most respectable line in this province and whose friendship on many occations I have had oppertunity since in the Publick Service perticularly to experience and is at this day Capitally embarkt in conections wth. the United States permit me to Introduce to your Civilities. Since my last of...
21Dumas to the American Commissioners, 16 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ma derniere étoit du 27 au 29 Janvr. Le Jeudi d’après, 4e fevrier, l’Assemblée d’Hollde. résolut à la pluralité la réponse à donner à la France, mise sur le tapis le jour auparavant, contre laquelle Amsterdam renouvella formellement sa protestation du 19 xbr. Après quoi l’Assemblée se sépara. Elle reprendra ses séances ici le 25 de ce mois. Les...
22Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 16 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Mrs., la lettre que vous m’avez [ fait ] l’honneur de m’écrire en faveur du S. Mc neil; je l’ai fait passer à M. de Sartine au département de qui l’affaire dont il est question ressortit, et je ne doute pas que ce Ministre ne donne une attention particuliere à vos representations. In Rayneval’s hand....
23Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais to the American Commissioners, 13 February 1789 [i.e., 1779] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society M. Peltier duDoyer mon Correspondant de Nantes m’a fait signiffier une assignation à lui donnée en votre nom, aux fins de delivrer à votre Procureur, la foible cargaison de ris et d’indigo venue pour moi de Charlestown, sur le Navire la Thérese que Mr. Peltier a vendue par mon ordre et dont il m’a fait passer les fonds. Surpris de cette attaque, j’ai chargé...
24Sartine to the American Commissioners, 11 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai l’honneur, Messieurs, de vous prevenir qu’il sera envoyé incessamment à Nantes une Fregate du Roi chargée d’escorter de ce port à l’Isle d’Aix, les Bâtimens destinés pour les Colonies Françoises d’Amerique. Si ceux qui sont chargés pour les Etats unis, veulent profiter de cette Escorte pour se joindre au Convoi de l’Isle d’Aix, il leur sera accordé la même...
25William 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...
26John 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...
27John J. Pringle to the American Commissioners, 9 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having heard that it is your intention to dispatch some person to England to negotiate an Exchange of Prisoners, I presume to offer you my services on that occasion. Having ever professed the purest attachment to the Cause and Interests of my Country, and ready to embrace every opportunity within my power of demonstrating it, the present will be extremely...
28Joseph Chase to the American Commissioners, 8 February 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, February 8, 1779: I beg you to send my brother Reuben Chase’s discharge from Dinan; I can go get him, or perhaps you could have him discharged without necessitating a trip on my part. He is ill and suffers in close confinement, although he finds no fault in his usage as a prisoner. I am sorry that I neglected to speak of this when I was in Paris,...
29Stephen Hills et al. to the American Commissioners, 7 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library The Commission’d and Warrant-Officers belonging to the American Frigate Alliance, commanded by Peter Landais Esqr. beg leave to represent to your Excellencies that the Honble. the Navy-Board in the Eastern Department assur’d us that upon our Arrival in France we should be intitled to receive such Sums of Money as our Necessities might call for or...
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...
31Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 6 February 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives <Versailles, February 6, 1779, in French: I have communicated to M. de Sartine your letter of January 24. He has replied that it is not possible to provide special escort beyond the Azores for ships bound to North America, but that they will be escorted along with French ships far enough to...
32John Lloyd to the American Commissioners, 4 February 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, February 4, 1779: Although I am not authorized to answer your letter of January 26 to several “American Gentlemen,” I feel compelled to acknowledge its receipt. The reason it is not done jointly is the reluctance of the Gentlemen to give any advice on the subject of free ports, fearing censure from their countrymen. The weather is moderating, and...
33John 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...
34Cornic, Veuve Mathurin & fils to the American Commissioners, 1 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Comme vous serez sans doutte jaloux d’apprendre tout ce qui peut arriver dans ce Port d’Interressant à la Nation des Etats Unis de l’amérique nous avons l’honneur de vous Informer qu’il vient d’arriver dans ce Port un petit Batiment anglais nommé le Pappillon chargée d’huille de moruë, et moruë: prise faitte le 16. du passé par le corsaire particullier La...
35[W. M. Mutrie?] to the American Commissioners: Extract, 30 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society J’ai eté pris abord du senaut Protée Capne. Yorke destiné de Philadelphie pour france, par deux Corsaires, l’un de cette ville & l’autre de Liverpool; parmi les lettres et les papiers dont les capteurs se sont emparés il y avoit une lettre pour Mrs. Hope & Compe. d’amsterdam renfermant plusieurs premieres lettres de change pour environ 600. Livres Sterlins...
36Dumas to the American Commissioners, 27[-29] January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, January 27[–29], 1779, in French: Yesterday the States of Holland resolved to annul the resolution of November 18, which excepted ships’ timbers from convoy protection, and to protect their commerce to the fullest extent guaranteed by the treaties [with Britain]. Tomorrow the assembly will work on the response...
37Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 28 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 28, 1779: The memorial from the undersigned American gentlemen, merchants and commanders of vessels at Nantes, shows that merchants now incur an inconceivable expense in outfitting their vessels, many of which may not sail because of the unjust conduct of the seamen and lack of an official to arbitrate disputes between American captains and...
38Rïou to the American Commissioners, [c. 28 January 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jay Lhonneur de vous prevenir que la Vante de La Prise faitte par Le Corsaire Le hamden sest faitte aujourdhuy Deux heures apres Midy! Quelle a eté Notre Surprise quand Messieurs Les acheteurs de La Prise, La Constance, Dont La Cause est en vos Mains ont signifié des arrests Conservatoires en Mains des achetteurs de La Dte. prise et sa Carguaison aux...
39Alexander Gillon to the American Commissioners, 25 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, January 25, 1779: I arrived here today from our continent via Havana. I embarked for Spain on November 17; on the 19th instant I encountered a small fleet about fifty leagues east south east of Cape Finisterre commanded by de Grasse, who suggested that I make for Brest with the frigate Fortunée , Capt. Marigny. To expedite the business I am sent on...
40Dumas to the American Commissioners, 19[-24] January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, January 19[-24], 1779, in French: The only thing that happened at the Assembly of Holland was the reading of the ambassador’s latest memorandum. I met five times today with the French ambassador and as often with our friend. January 20: The pensionaries of Amsterdam have expressed to the ambassador their hope...
41John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, January 23, 1779: While visiting you on January 9, I inquired about the convoy we requested. I must also request passes by return post for four of our vessels, the Molly , the Chasseur , the Governor Livingston , and the Mary Fearon , all the property of James Price, William Haywood, and John Bondfield. Letters from Cadiz report the capture of an...
42William Lee to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Frankfort-on-Main, January 23, 1779: In following my instructions from the state of Virginia to procure cannon, arms, and ammunition from the French ministry, I applied to Vergennes, who thought it best that you should apply to the prince de Montbarey, the business falling within the department of the Secretary of War. Consequently, I request your help and...
43Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 23, 1779: I have not received an answer to my request of December 12, 1778, concerning the incorrect shipment by Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie. of Simeon Deane’s goods. It was mistakenly supposed they belonged to the commissioners, and they were delivered to Mr. Schweighauser. One of the thirteen cases remains with him. Please order that case...
44Robert Niles to the American Commissioners, 22 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 22, 1779: When I arrived here Mr. Dobrée informed me that, according to you, I claimed to have been captured by a privateer which was partially owned by his father. He asked me for a written statement of what the captain had said, but I preferred to send it to you, as a representative of the country to which I am accountable. I shall now...
45John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 21, 1778: I am mortified to learn from Mr. Dobrée that you have refused my bill. Since I have received no letter from you, I can only assume that your correspondence is not adequately protected. There is one final recourse, namely, for you to endorse a bill drawn by me on the President of Congress. Certainly Congress would consider such a...
46Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 21, 1779: We thank you for your letter of January 13 and its enclosures. The weather here has suddenly turned severe, rendering navigation on the river impossible. We have had to haul our vessels onto shore, but not before they suffered considerable ice damage, which unfortunately cannot be repaired until the river opens. Repairs should...
47Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 20 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives Vous avez bien voulu minformer, Mrs., que les batiments destinés pour l’amérique et pour lesquels vous avez demandé des convois, se trouvent dans le port de Nantes; j’en ai prévenu M. de Sartine, et ce Ministre vient de me faire à ce Sujet la réponse dont vous trouverez la copie ci jointe....
48Dumas to the American Commissioners, 16[-18] January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, January 16[-18], 1779, in French: The French ambassador has informed a number of high officials that Dutch shipping except for that of Amsterdam henceforth will be excluded from French trade privileges. These officials expressed their displeasure, claiming it was unprecedented that France should treat with only...
49Richard Price to the American Commissioners, 18 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copies: National Archives (two), South Carolina Historical Society <London, January 18, 1779: Dr. Price returns thanks for the invitation from Congress to become a member of the United States and assist them in regulating their finances. Honored as he is at their favorable opinion of him, he knows himself not qualified, and is at such an advanced age...
50Dumas to the American Commissioners, 12[-14] January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, January 12[-14], 1779: The States of Holland reassemble tomorrow. The French ambassador has received an express message from his court. January 13: I learn that Amsterdam will have permission to trade with the French West Indies, and I have been authorized to inform certain friendly merchant houses of this....