21Jonathan 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...
22To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed is the proportion of the little Ship I mentioned in my last. The price you will find more reasonable than either of those proposed by the other Builder. A Ship arrived the other day from Carolina; an Officer who came passenger in her is I suppose by this time with you, I am very sorry I did not see him. I am much disappointed by not receiving...
23To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd your and Mr. Deanes Favour of the 5 Inst. and wrote a short Letter to Mr. D. by Mr. de Francy this morning. I shall do the best in my power for the Interest of the Concerned in everything that comes under my Direction. I am glad you approve of a Connection with Mr. S. I imagine I can form one in a commercial way, but as I have no capital I must only...
24Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 13 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Upon examination of the Concord, her Inventory was found very deficient, those things which we thought would be a diminution of her price of at least 5000 Livres were not in her. It seems the owner has lately fitted out a large Ship for the Coast of Guinea and has taken from one to supply the other. This determined Mr. Peltier to purchase the Count de...
25Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 16 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed is from Mr. Lee who set off this Morning, for Bourdeaux. The Dispatches &c. went with Mr. Morris to paimbeuf yesterday and are I hope by this time on board. I have the pleasure to inform you that an american Frigate supposed to be Capt. Weeks has sent a prize laden with Codfish into l’orient; This news comes by a Gentleman who arrivd from...
26To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have written the inclosed to Mr. Blunt because I thought it my duty so to do. If you don’t think so, please to keep it. The one to Mr. Vaughan does not contain a word of a public nature. Please to forward it. I have not answer’d Mr. Alexander, because I want your assistance to know how it should be answered. I shall be infinitely obliged if you will...
27Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 19 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I went to Painbeuf on Sunday and returned hither last Evening. Mr. Peltier and myself went on board the Count de Vergennes and gave the necessary Directions. As I consider Dispatch of the utmost Consequence, I desired that as many Workmen as could be procured should be immediately employed. These are at present Scearce, but as a little more expence is no...
28To 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...
29To 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...
30Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 22 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor of your Favours by Messrs. Portail &c. There is no opportunity for them to embark exceept via St. Domingo, unless the packet Boat should be sent. I say nothing to them of the Count de Vergennes as you do not express an Intention that they should go in her. They do not seem to like to go in a Ship under american Colours least they should be...