1Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de Sartine to the American Commissioners, 5 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library <Versailles, July 5, 1778, in French: As I need Captain Jones for a certain expedition, I would like him to remain here. If this does not prove inconvenient, please leave him at my disposal, and give the command of his vessel to his second.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 265.
2Thomas Thompson to the American Commissioners, [before 29 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I thot before this to have given you an acct. of our departure; nothing Hinders but wind and weather. Shall forward the accts. &c. at my Departure, and write you fully; I recivd Mr. Franklines Inclosing Mr. Boudiens; also a Letter from Mr. Lee Informing of a spy’s being in Lorient; the time of sailing and the way I intend to go is a matter that remains...
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, September 10, 1778: M. Montaudoüin has learned from Mr. Kergariou, commander of the French frigate Oiseau , that the Guernsey and Jersey privateers which infest this bay provision in Bilbao under pretense of being American. I hope this practice can be stopped.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII . This prominent Nantes merchant, identified...
4Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 27 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; variant copy: Yale University Library <Nantes, June 27, 1778: In my last letter I told you that I could take aboard some of the goods which, Captain William Jones informed me, you wish to send. In that case I should be glad to know so that I may load the ship accordingly. Masts are so expensive that I have repaired the lower ones, and believe they will...
5Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library I have received your Favour of the 3d Instant. I have concluded as the shortest and cheapest way to send a Boat out with a French Officer from this place, who has my particular orders relative to his Business. I find that the person you direct me to consult with is returned to [ blank in MS ] I shall therefore write you from thence in a day or two, to which...
6Domenico Caracciolo, Marchese di Villamaina, to the American Commissioners, 8 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, National Archives, Massachusetts Historical Society Je suis persuadé, qu’il est deja a votre Connoissance, que le Roy des Deux Siciles mon Maitre á ordonné de tenir ouverts les Ports dans tous ses domaines au Pavillion des Etats Unis de L’Amerique au moyen de quoi pour eviter tous espece d’equivoque dans ces tems, que la mer est couverte des armateurs de differente...
7Dumas to the American Commissioners, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les nouv[elles] de Hambourg du 10e, le Mercure de Janvier et l’article de Nantes 6e fevrier dans la gazette de Leide Suppl[ément] No. 14 &c. The news from Hamburg was doubtless another report from his correspondent in Berlin; the one in his letter of Feb. 10 came via Hamburg. The issue of the Mercure is impossible to trace. The news...
8Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais to the American Commissioners, [6 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Je recois, Messieurs, une Lettre de Messieurs Bérard freres de Lorient qui me confirme que vous leur avez donné des ordres positifs et réitérés de vendre la cargaison de l’amphitrite et de n’en remettre les fonds qu’à vous seuls. Ma situation souffrante ne me permet pas d’entrer dans de grands détails, mais cette cargaison m’appartient et je...
9Dumas to the American Commissioners, 27 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <The Hague, October 27, 1778, in French: Last Saturday [Oct. 24] I received your letter of October 10. The Grand Facteur is very satisfied with it. Our friend [van Berckel] was pleased and assured me several times it would make a good impression on the burgomasters of Amsterdam. He strongly...
10Abraham Whipple to the American Commissioners, 19 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <On board the Providence , Brest, August 19, 1778: I wrote you from Paimboeuf on July 31; since then the Boston joined me and on Aug. 8 we proceeded in company to Brest, delayed by unfavorable winds until the 14th. I found here that Lt. Simpson had obeyed my orders of July 24th in quickly preparing for sea. But I was surprised to...
11The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 21 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives (two), Library of Congress, Harvard University Library <York, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1778: The British commissioners have arrived, sent their credentials to Congress, and received the answer printed in the Pennsylvania Gazette of the 20th. General Clinton, now commanding the British army, evacuated Philadelphia on the 18th and...
12Schweighauser to the American Commissioners, 24 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives <Nantes, September 24, 1778: I received your letter of the 14th [13th] only yesterday covering one from Capt. Richard, together with the documents relative to the cargo of rice and indigo shipped by A[braham] Livingston of Charles Town. The person in charge of the vessel, M. Peltier du Doyer, tells me that, on orders from M. de Beaumarchais, he has already sold the...
13Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 1 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society These with my due Respects on my Arrival may serve to inform your Honours, that after a very fatigueing Passage of forty two Days I arrived at this port with Joy, having the pleasure of landing the Honble: John Adams Esqr. safe in the City. By Richard Palmes Esqr. the Capt. of Marines under my Command I send you inclosed a Copy of my Instructions and...
14Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioners, 18 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (three): American Philosophical Society I am directed by the Board of Treasury of the United States to transmit to you a List, shewing the Numbers the Bills of Exchange are to bear, which will be drawn upon you and issued from the respective Loan Offices. Agreeable to this Order I now enclose you an Invoice of such Bills as have been forwarded to each State from my Office, ascertaining...
15John Patterson to the American Commissioners, 29 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As Ambassedors of the United-States of America, of which I am a Subject, I make bold to address my-self to you, on the present occassion, I arrivd. at Bordoux the 18th Septr. last from Baltimore with my Brig the General Lee’ with a cargo of Tobacco, consignd. to Messrs. Tessier George & Co. of that place, where unfortunately two of my Men run away which...
16Penet, D’Acosta freres & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 3 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, September 3, 1778, in French: We are enclosing a letter for you brought from Boston by our ship Le Courier de l’Europe and renew our offer of services.> Penet’s new partners in Nantes. D’Acosta frères were a Nantes merchant firm which was engaged to a significant degree in transatlantic trade: Villiers, Commerce colonial , p. 405.
17Dumas to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1777: abstract (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les feuillets du Mercure Novembre sur le Genl. Arnold, &c.; et la Gazette de Delft sur le même. Les Barrils expediés à Mr. Holker à Rouen. Extrait de la Lettre de Lalande et Finje. Probably the Mercure historique et politique , The Hague. The shipment of butter and cod.
18John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honour of writing to you the 17th. inst. but having reced no Answer take the Liberty to inform You that the Ship I expect to go in to America is expected here hourly—Mr. Livingstone being arrived by Land to day. Without your compliance with my former request I cannot go with him in which Case I can’t think any blame can fall on me. Capt. Joiner is...
19The Eastern Navy Board to the American Commissioners, 9 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress The Navy Board Eastern department, present their Respects to the Honble: Commissioners at the Court of France, and Inclose them the Gazettes to this date, by the Ship Providence. Other Packages, they have by them for the Honble. Commissioners, they don’t think proper to risque thro’ the dangerous Channel this Ship is obliged to...
20Sartine to the American Commissioners, 10 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: Library of Congress; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society <Versailles, August 10, 1778, in French: Since I wrote you on July 29 the commissaire des classes at Nantes informs me the American agent there has entrusted him with some British prisoners. M. de la Porte, intendant at Brest, has written me that the cargo of the Ranger’s prize is spoiling. I await your reply in order to...
21Henry Waldegrave Archer to the American Commissioners, 14 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, June 14, 1778: I want to join the American Army and become a citizen. Although I am an Englishman I did not enter the King’s army, because it would have meant fighting my conscience; that army will probably become the instrument of despotism. In the United States, on the contrary, the disciplined soldier and the free citizen are compatible. I want...
22Gourlade & Monplaisir to the American Commissioners, 29 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Nous nous empressons de vous informer que les deux frégates du congrès Le Raleigh et L’Alfreid ainsi que le Shloup le Mars sont appareillés cet après midy, sur les Trois heures avec un Bon vent de nord èst qui promet de favoriser Beaucoup leurs projèts. Nous ne devons pas vous Laisser ignorer qu’elles sont accompagnées de La frégatte Du Roi La Silphyde dont...
23Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 16 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library My last to Mr. Dean in answer to his of the 8th. informed you that I intended to go to Painbeuf, to give you a fuller account of the Lion, but various affairs have prevented. I have now ordered every article that relates to that Ship to be collected and sent on board with the utmost dispatch and by the end of this Week I intend she shall be compleat in...
24Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 17 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library <Passy, July 17, 1778: I appreciate your confidence in approving my drafts on Mr. Grand, and am ready to account for them up to May 30; the expenses since I left Nantes will go on a new account. Might you not appoint some one to compare the bills and receipts with the charges, subject to your later approval? > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 304....
25William Lee to the American Commissioners, 19 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; autograph copy: Virginia Historical Society I shall be obliged to you for furnishing me with a Copy of the Treaties you have enter’d into with the Court of France, that I may not propose any thing inconsistent therewith to the Courts of Vienna and Berlin for which places I intend to set out on Saturday next. Any information or advice that you may be...
26Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 18 July 1778: résumés (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two of each), Massachusetts Historical Society <Versailles, July 18, 1778, in French: Letters from Lorient tell of the trouble between the commander of the Boston and the French volunteers and sailors in his crew, of whom twenty-eight—twenty-five volunteers and three apprentices—have been sent ashore. Their grievance was against the first lieutenant and two other...
27J.-D. Ramier de Raudière to the American Commissioners in Verse, 3 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We publish this rhymed letter as a sample of the tributes that poets—or poetasters—were showering on Franklin and his colleagues during the period. Others were as fulsome as Raudière; but he, perhaps because he was the neediest, was by far the most prolific. This brief stanza was part of a bombardment. With it came four massive enclosures: (1) a twenty-one...
28John 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...
29Jonathan 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...
30Matthew Ridley to the American Commissioners, 3 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this is Mr. Ebenezer Platt; with whose sufferings in the cause of America you are not unacquainted. He has lately got released from his confinement in consequence of a Petition from the Committee for American Prisoners. Mr. Platt is desirous of returning to his Country; and every mode but the one through France being stop’d I have taken the...
31Dumas to the American Commissioners, 5 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, May 5, 1778, in French: I send translations of two letters from Germany; the Grand Facteur has also sent copies. I have received strange news from France, but you doubtless know about the pettifogging, etc., that goes on there. Yours of the 30th has just arrived, and I shall call on the Grand Facteur and our friend...
32Thomas Bell to the American Commissioners, 11 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I sailed from Philad. the 6 of Sept. I Recd. no Letters from the Committe of Congress. The privet Letters I Recd. from Mr. Deane and the Honbl. Richard Henery Lee & Mr. Carmichell as to the dispatches for the Court of France I Recd. them from Monsr. Gerard as to Aney Other Letters I Recd. non— Gentln. I shall Sail Shortly for Philad. If you have Aney...
33Joseph 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,...
34Dumas to the American Commissioners, 28 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, July 28, 1778, in French: I enclose summaries of twelve pages of diplomatic correspondence. It is reliably reported that there will be a suspension of arms in Germany until August 1 and it is generally thought peace will follow. This morning I took a copy of the treaty, omitting articles 11 and 12, to the Grand...
35Simeon Deane to the American Commissioners, 16 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Casco Bay, Falmouth, April 16, 1778: I arrived yesterday on the Sensible and leave today for Congress; my time here is too short to collect news. No word of the fleet that left France in February, or of Capt. Courter from Spain. The chevalier Marigny is worried about British cruisers and anxious to leave as soon as possible. He and his officers have...
36Sartine to the American Commissioners, 1 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society; Library of Congress (two) <Versailles, October 1, 1778, in French: For certain reasons I am asking His Majesty to grant Mr. Fagan passports for three British ships to carry goods from France to England. I request you to grant him whatever documentation he needs for protection against privateers. The merchandise involved consists only of goods belonging...
37Joy Castle to the American Commissioners, 2 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This May Inform you That I have got My Ship Which I ham Much Obliged to you all for and Shall Sail for the Contanent Verey Soon. If there is aney thing In My power to Sarve you In I Should be glad To have the honner to Execute your Comand. I Shall Mack for the Caps. of Virginia if Posable. I Should a Sailed Before this But My Whife has Been Verey Bad I...
38Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 13 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copies: Library of Congress, National Archives; (II) copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 2. de ce mois. Je sais que vous chargés vos Agens dans differens Ports du Royaume de fournir aux prisonniers Americains echapés, ou revenant d’angleterre, les objets dont ils peuvent avoir besoin à leur arrivée; mais il ne paroit pas...
39James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 11 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am this moment informed by a Gentleman from Brest, that the Ranger Frigate Cap: J. Jones arrived in that port with a prize of 16 Guns the 8th. Instant after laying a Town on the Coast of Ireland under contribution. I have not yet learned any further particulars of his Voyage, but I suppose Cap: Jones will inform you of them when he gets ashore. I have the...
40John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 12 May 1778: Letter and résumé (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I have just time in Compliance to Mr. Livingstons request to write your honors that an offer has been made him of a vessel to be compleatly fitted and armed provided your Honors will grant a Commission. His desires in this appears to spring from the advance it would give him of rank at his Arrival in America. If this should meet your...
41Dumas to the American Commissioners, 28 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, April 28, 1778, in French: We await the return of your letter in final form, so that I may present it. The memorandum for which Mr. Lee provided the material will be published within a few days; the public here must learn that Congress will make peace only on equal terms and in concert with its allies. Beware...
42John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 4 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, November 4, 1778: I am applying to you again for money to meet my necessary expenses. Without assistance I can neither avail myself of an opportunity to sail for America nor fulfill my duty to Congress; my attachment to the American cause precludes my receiving help from my family. Had I not been captured on my last attempt to get to America, this...
43Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de Sartine to the American Commissioners, 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives J’ai l’honneur, Messieurs, de vous envoyer un mémoire qui m’a été adressé d’Alresford, par un Chirurgien François pris sur le Batiment Americain Le Gest. Si les Etats unis ont adoptés quelques precautions pour faire passer des secours à leurs Sujets, detenus en Angleterre, je ne doute pas que vous ne les...
44Laborde Lissalde to the American Commissioners, 22 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pour nous conformer à l’article 11 du Réglement du 27 Septembre dernier nous avons l’honneur de vous addresser la déclaration que vient de rendre pardevant nous le Sr. Néhémie Story cidevant chef de prise du Senaut anglois l’Esperance de Bristol chargé de morue, qui, ayant été pris par le Sr. Jean Leach commandant le corsaire le francklin de Salem et...
45Rawlins Lowndes to the American Commissioners, 18 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The State of South Carolina having Resolved to procure three Ships of War in foreign parts for the Protection of their Coast and Trade, Have intrusted that Service to their Commodore, Alexander Gillon Esqr. a Zealous and approved Friend to the American States, who embarkes for France with some other Officers to manage that Business. The Legislature have...
46Franco and Adrianus Dubbeldemuts to the American Commissioners, 8 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We had the honnour to write You Our Last on the 21st of Last monthy since which we are honoured with Your moast Esteemed favour of the 23 of Last month in answer Serves that we are Greatly obliged to you for the Goodnes you have had to forward the papers Send you and as we are willing to send according Your good advice the Duplicat to our frends in st....
47Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 14 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <On board the Boston , Port Louis, July 14, 1778: A letter of the 8th from Mr. Livingston tells me that a prisoner exchange is possible. I enclose a list of those on board, and a list of men recaptured, I suppose, in one of my prizes; the other two have already arrived. I am waiting on orders to join Capt. Whipple. He tells me he will be ready by the 20th...
48John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 4 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor to inform you of the Arrival of the Honble. John Adams Esqr. per the Boston Captain Tucker from Boston. He setts off to day for Paris and will be in Town soon after the receipt of this. The Boston is in want of a general Careen. I shall take Captain Tuckers instruction supplying him with every thing he may be in want of and shall have the...
49Jonathan 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...
50John Ross to the American Commissioners, 29 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; two copies: National Archives The present unhappie situation of Mr. Thomas Morris American Commercial Agent, now dangerously ill, and according to the opinion of his Phisician not likely to recover, oblige me to address you Honble: Gentlemen, that the necessary step may be adopted immadiately, to prevent the Worst of consequences to both Public and Private...