101To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. de Chaumont has written to me consenting to the appropriation of the officers Cloathing to the public Accot agreeable to your desire and I have accordingly paid the amount of the Invoices £25970.6 by my 2 drafts on you—Viz. 23810.19.10 @ 10 days sight to the order of M Chaumont & 2159. 6. 2 @ do to my order both marked HO 25970. 6. 0 which please to...
102Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 31 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I arrived here late last Evening. The Mere Bobie has not taken in the Bales I ordered, on account of a difficulty which the Custom House Officers have made relative to the Duties, but on application to the Directeur des Fermes I have so succeeded, that I am in hopes to have them aboard this evening, and wind permitting, she...
103To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I received a Letter from Mr. Dubourg desiring me to be concerned in his plan. I have given such an answer as any one who knows not what the particulars of the plan are would naturaly give. I refer him to you, and if any rational Scheme can be made out I will under take as far as you advise, but must first request...
104To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, 1957) I was most sensibly affected this morning to see one of my Bills on Mr de Chaumont return protested, I was obliged immediately to reimburse 4100 Livres and I find I am to expect at least 30,000 l.t. more tomorrow: I was therefore under the necessity of raising Cash, & accordingly have negociated Bills on you...
105To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have just received your kind Letter of the 23 Inst. My preceeding Letters will have explained the Affair of the Bills. They were drawn to fall due at 2.. 3.. & 4 Usances because M. de Chaumont so directed, & I suppose he directed so because he imagined it would facilitate the negociation. I can however avoid negociating...
106To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your agreeable Favour of the 8th Instant per Mr Adams, who did me the Favour to send for me immediately— I pressed him very much to accept a Bed at my house, which he declined, I however had the pleasure of his Company to dine with me the Day after his arrival with several Gentlemen of this place. We went together on Sunday to Painbeuf, &...
107To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library As It is proper for every prudent Man to know on what Ground he proceeds before he engages too far, and as now we have a general Peace there can no longer be a Reason for keeping the Terms of it Secret, I beg you will kindly resolve the following Questions. 1 Does the Prohibition of English Goods in America cease, on Britains...
108Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 24 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library M. Boux has been on board the Lion for a passage. Capt. Nicholson wished to accomodate him as well as he could, but on account of the many am[erica]n Passengers who have escaped hither from England he has not been able to make such provision as he desired and as M. Boux expected. He therefore returns to Nantes, and seemed rather disgusted with his...
109Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 6 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library In the Extracts from Mr. Deans Letters to me, which I had the honour to give in to you some time since, I refered to the whole Letters of the following Dates, June 27. July 19. July 28. Augt. 1. Augt. 7 and Nov. 15, all in 1777. I have now the honour to inclose Copies of the whole of these Letters, and shall be happy if they are of any use to you. I propose...
110To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library In the Newspapers which Mr. Johnson sent you last post you will see an Extract from one of my Letters to Mr Dean in which the word Connection is mentioned and represented as a proof that I had some commercial Concerns with Mr Dean. I send you enclosed a Copy of the whole of the Letter & you will see that the Paragraph has no...
111Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 8 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Having carried to your Credit all the drafts I drew on Mr. Dean payable at M. Grands, and the Letter of Credit I gave, for the first purchase of the Lion, in favour of Peltier Du Doyer; I have desired M. Grand to observe the same Regularity, that our accounts may agree, and Since your Letter of Credit of the 18th Sept. I have drawn directly on M. Grand, and...
112To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I arrived here last evening, with Mrs Williams, she is not well enough to be left immediately or I should have paid my Duty to you in Person. I beg Billy will let me know by a Line how you are, & I hope in a few days to be able to see you, in the mean time I remain as ever Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman Addressed: A monsieur / Monsieur Franklin /...
113To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library As the Process which Mr Mercier thought fit to make against me is decided in my Favour, I according to the promise I made in my answer to the Memorial he presented to you herewith transmit his acct against the late Commissioners of the United States with the Vouchers exactly as I received it. I take the same Opportunity to...
114To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 11 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I am informed by the Admiralty here that I cannot have the Condemnation of the prize Goods taken by the Mifflin untill they receive from you the Papers & the Judgment by the Conseil des Prises at Paris. I therefore request you to return the said Papers with the Judgment that I may be able to transmit the Accot Sales to my...
115To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library This serves to inclose an Accot furnished by Mr DeSegray & Co for the Expenses which have attended the Saltpetre, which please to return me with your Approbation at the Foot of it & I will pay accordingly. I also inclose Extract of a Letter I have receivd from the Commr of the Genl Mifflin Privater with Copy of his Prisoners...
116Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 10 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Intention of this is to ask your Interest in favour of a poor american Sailor who I am afraid will otherwise be executed for Murder. The Fact as it was related to me by his Captain is this. The deceased and the prisoner were going asshore in the Boat with only one oar which the Deceased was sculling with, and being a little in Liquour he fell overboard...
117Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 6 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library The principal occasion for troubling you at present is to inform you that on account of the great Demand for Government every large anchor in this place is engaged. We shall find the other sizes easy enough, but unless you can obtain from the minister 2 Anchors of 2400 wt. and 2 of 2200 wt. our purchase I fear will be by so much incompleat. By advice from...
118Jonathan 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...
119To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library This will be presented to you by Mr Foster March Penny the son of one of my Friends in Boston. His Fathers Estate lies in the Island of Jamaica and He desires me to send this young Gentleman to London whence he is to embark for that Island. I take the Liberty of reccommending Mr Penny to your friendly notice while in Paris, and I request you to assist...
120To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Sensible Frigate is arrived in Corogne in Spain & by her I have a Letter from an intimate & well informed Friend dated 14 Nov. the day she put to sea. He tells me that Mr Adams is on board & with Credentials as minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of London. This extraordinary piece of Intelligence I have thought proper not to give out in public, for...
121To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd a Letter for Mr Moylan relative to the Bills payable to Mr Dennie, & therefore request you to make no opposition to the Payment of them.— It is said that a Cartel with the american Prisoners on board is arrived in the River— I am not sure of it, but have no reason to doubt it.— The american Gentlemen are almost all of them near their Departure—...
122To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have received your kind Favour of the 9th Inst. and thank you for the Employ you are pleased to give me. I will endeavour by my Conduct to do honour to your obliging preference. I shall conform to your Orders in drawing for Funds, I would observe however that Bills at 15 Days sight lose in general half Per Cent on the...
123To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am obliged to you for mentioning the welfare of my Friends which gives me great satisfaction. The many Instances you give me of your friendship demand my warmest gratitude and lay me under indispensable obligations to endeavour to merit your Favour by my conduct, which is the only return I can make. The...
124To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., [21?] January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed is for the Deputies. I propose to expedite Monsieur Le Chevalier de mauduit du plessis in the mercury, for I know of no better way and the warmth of his Reccommendation requires the best. Altho’ I can say nothing in alteration of what I have written to the Deputies about Mr. P, yet I confess it creates an uneasy Reflection, for I hope it is no...
125To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have only time before the departure of the Post to inform you of the Arrival of the Brig Betsey from Philadelphia & to forward the inclosed for you.— I am as ever most dutifully & affectionately Notation: Jona. Williams Nantes. 19. Janr. 1782. Commanded by Bernard Gallagher (b. c. 1751), the ship had eight guns and twenty-seven men. Gallagher had received...
126To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I arrived here last Evening & agreeable to my Expectation found every thing that I had to do relative to the Marquis de la Fayette very well executed by my Clerk & the ship in the Stream all ready for Sea, as she has been some Days. I have no Instructions relative to the final Departure of this ship & I should suppose your Dispatches necessary, it is for...
127To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 11 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Sollicoffre of whom you have already received recommendations will soon sail to settle in our Country, I believe in Virginia. He requests a Letter of Reccommendation from you to some person in that part of the Country and desires me to write to you for that purpose. I have been acquainted with him from the time of my first coming to Nantes and have...
128To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On looking over some Papers I found a Congress Commission & Warrant, which remaind after filling up those for the Dean. As it is probable you may want them for Capt Jones, and as they ought to be at your Disposal only, I herewith transmit them and request you in the next Letter you write me to do me the favour to mention the reception of them. A Dutch...
129To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library When I transmitted my last account to the Commissioners I made a memorandum at the Foot showing that when all the demands were paid the Balance would be in my favour. I now enclose the account as it now stands only £2979.19.9. and the Deans anchors, yet unpaid for which Mr. Gourlade this day demands of me amount to £6350..13.— Being under a Cruel accusation & my...
130To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I write by this Post to the Ministers to which I refer for the reason of my Business here. I assure you I will endeavour to avoid all possible Dispute with Mr. Lees Deputy; but it is not in my power to allow his power to be superiour to those the Commissioners gave me, unless You authorize me so to do. Lieut. Simpson who is under arrest is very desirous...
131To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library The Marquis de la Fayette is at length arrived at L’Orient & as soon as the Freight she brought round from Bordeaux is delivered she will begin to take in: All that depends on me is ready, & you may depend there will not be a moments Delay that I can prevent.— I have written a Letter to the Minister which I inclose for...
132Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am sorry to find that poor adams is realy taken I hope the mere Bobie will be more Successfull. I sent the Capt. away yesterday morning she must be therefore now at sea. Capt. Wilson in a Large ship Loaded with 1260 Casks of Rice and a quantity of Indigo on Account of the massachusetts States is Safe arrived from Carolina she has brought nothing Fresh...
133Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 22 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am favourd with yours of the 19th Inst. and in Consequence have told Capt. Thompson that I should Take his paper. As to the Duc de Chartres She is not yet bought because the persons who are to Sell her have not Received their answer from Paris and till they have power to Sell it is needless to make any more offers. Capt. Nicholson is here and with...
134To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The inclosed Letter I recvd by this days Post from my House at L’Orient. I am at same Time informed that the Sailors you wrote Williams Moore & Co about are set at Liberty. I refer you to my last which was on the subject of your affairs with Mr de Chaumont. I am as ever with the greatest Respect most dutifully & affectionately...
135To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have this day received a Letter from Mr de Chaumont, in which he tells me, he has purchased the Breton & that she will be ready to take in at L’orient by the last of next Month, so that what I wrote you by the last Post need not be shewn to him, since the Business is now going on, and you may depend it will on my Side go on...
136To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 29 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I have not anything worth troubling the Deputies with by this post; the intention of this is only to inform you that Capt. Paddock has applied to me to know if he could get a passage in a French Ship to america and to be her pilot on the Coast. I have said nothing of the Count de Vergennes, but if the Deputies think...
137To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your Favour of the Inst per Mr Witherspoon. I gave it to your good Friend Capt All, who had heard with Pain what I before wrote to you, & who now rejoices at the Opportunity of confounding malicious Tongues. I send you inclosed a Newspaper in order to shew you the inhumane Conduct of Lord Rawdon, now a prisoner in Paris. I do not expect to...
138To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I beg leave to introduce to your particular notice my Friend Mr Mason of Virginia a Gentleman of a respectable Family & plentifull Fortune by showing him every civility & every mark of Friendship he may have occasion for you will very sensibly Oblige Dear & hond Sir Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman Addressed: The Hon. / Doctor Franklin / Passy...
139To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You must have already seen by my Letters how much pains I have taken to keep clear of Dispute, and yet obey my Orders. My last to the Commissioners from Brest will show you that I have ever avoided doing the Rangers Business for fear of disagreeable altercation. Notwithstanding this, I have a Letter from Mr. A. Lee by which it appears that complaints are...
140To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Situation of the american Merchants in France is not the Effect of the ill Conduct of any one but a general Consequence of the Peace, and I believe there is no Exception. Mr Grubb is one of us, and with a full Intention as well as Capacity to pay all, intends to apply for Letters of Surseance to prevent any little Creditor arresting his Property as it...
141Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, [19 January 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: American Philosophical Society On my arrival at Brest I went to the Commandant of marine to ask permission for the Ship to go to St. nazare to which I received a refusal for want of orders. I represented to the Commodore (at Quiberon) the inefficacy of the Convoy if we had not liberty to go to St. Nazare. That he said he could not help as the Commander at Painbeuf was not under him...
142Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library All the Vessells have now I imagine joined the Fleet. The wind therefore will only prevent its immediate Departure which I expect every Day to hear of. I cannot find another Vessell on any terms here. I would give as high as 150 Livres, but none are to be had. I have to day heard of a Ship which is at L’orient. I have written about her. If I can get her on...
143Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the pleasure to inform you that the last Lighter went to the Ship yesterday afternoon on board of which are all the provisions &c. except live Stock, which will be bought at Painbeuf. She is cleared at the Custom house and I hope will have all ready to heave up her anchor by monday. I shall go to her on sunday morning to give a last look and hope to...
144To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Yale University Library I beg leave to solicit your kindness in forwarding the inclosed to the Marquis de Castries and to add a Line in addition to my Request. You will see it is no Favour out of the common Line I therefore ask without hesitation. If I had 100 Tons of the public Stores here I could put them on board the Cato & land them in Boston...
145Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In consequence of the Remittance made to me by Mr. Delap of Bordeaux I have written the inclosed Letter to the officers and people of the Ranger, which if you approve please to return to be copied and forwarded. I have the honour to be with great Respect Your most obedient Servant Notation: J. Williams 16 July 1778. to Commrs At the request of the...
146To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 11 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Favour of the 23d Octo. I did not receive ’till the day before yesterday owing I suppose to M. Montieu’s return to Paris. As to the Prizes I am very much afraid that we are on all hands deceived for while M. C was amused with the Idea of returning them to us orders were absolutely given to confiscate, and after that, when he was again amused with the...
147To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this Mr Natl Nelson is the son of a particular Friend of mine now here, & his Object is a Visit to the other parts of his Family in Ireland. This young Gentleman lately arrived from Philadelphia whither he will probably return after having seen his Friends & reestablished his Health, which is another motive for his present Journey. I beg sir...
148Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 4 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since I last had the pleasure of writing to you I have been employed in collecting information relative to shipping, and am sorry that I cant give you any expectation of procuring a Vessell ready built and fitted that will answer for a packet Boat. I have already mentioned two that are here but I apprehend you will think them too large. I have since seen a...
149Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library The present serves to inform you that Mr. de Sartine has written to the Commissary here relative to the Lion in which he forbids that any munitions of war of any kind be embark’d or that any pretended Clearances be made. I have not nor can I appear in this Business, but I have desired Mr. Peltier to assure the Commissary that no munitions of War shall be...
150Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 15 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With the inclosed I recvd two large Packets, one for Congress the other for Gen. Washington, which cost 10 livres Postage. I shall send them forward by next opportunity unless you forbid it, but I think proper to inform you of it. I am with the greatest Respect Gentlemen Your obedient Servant Addressed: To / The Honble Silas Deane Esqr / Paris Notation: Mr....