241Geoffroy Chalut de Verin to the American Commissioners, [before 6 January 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Chalut de Verin prie Messieurs Franklin, Monsieur Dean et Le Chevalier Lée de lui faire l’honneur de venir diner [mardi 6] janvier Jour des Roix. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Benjamin Franklin / A Passy The farmer general: above, XXIV , 348 n. The “Jour des Roix” or Epiphany, Jan. 6, must have been in 1778: a year earlier BF was not in Passy, and a year...
242To Benjamin Franklin from Jeremiah Terry, 7 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I set out from London the 2d. Inst. and arrived here about 4. o’Clock this Evening. My Principal Business is to learn a more Satisfactory account of my Countrymen in America, than I have been able to do in England, for which Purpose if you will Signify when you will be at leasure I will do myself the Honor to wait on you. In the meantime I remain with great...
243To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas-François Dalibard, 8 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Dalibard a l’honneur de souhaiter le bonjour à Monsr. Le Docteur franklin et de lui adresser M. de Roussille qui desire avoir l’honneur de le voir et de s’entretenir avec lui pour quelques expéditions qu’il voudrait faire dans l’amérique septentrionale. M. Dalibard suplie Monsieur franklin de vouloir bien accorder à M. de Roussille quelques momens...
244To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Milly, 8 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. le comte de Milly de l’academie des Sçiences de paris est venu pour avoir l’honneur de voir Monsieur le docteur franklin et le prier de lui faire l’honneur de diner ches lui lundy 13: de ce mois, avec plusieurs de ses confreres qui seront tous fort aise de voir de près le grand homme qu’ils ont admiré de loin. M. le comte de Milly demeure rüe dauphine la...
245Chaumont to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. de Chaumont a l’honneur d’informer Messieurs les deputés du Congrès qu’il peut leur procurer deux cents milliers de salpestres de l’inde pres a L’orient a soixante le quintal pareil a celuy qu’il a deja procuré a M. Dean payable en lettres de change acceptées sur Paris Londres Amsterdam Bordeaux ou Nantes. Il faut unne prompte décision parceque les...
246The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress; Yale University Library Captain Hammond having been detained longer than we expected, furnishes us with an opportunity of giving you the information we have since our last received from the Army, thro a Committee of Congress left at Philadelphia; for we have yet had no regular accounts from General Washington. On the 2d....
247To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 9 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Chaumont desires me to inform you, that he has received a Letter from Mr. Montaudoin (whom you saw at Nantes) in which he mentions, and desires you may be informed of it; that there is a Scotchman arrived at Nantes, in a Dutch Vessel from New-York, who says, that General Howe had embarked ten thousand Men for the purpose of attacking Philadelphia. Mr....
248To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [9 January 1777?] (Franklin Papers)
J’envoy savoir Mon cher Docteur des nouvelles de votre rhume. Hier au soir je voulus vous aller voir je ne pus trouver de voiture à cause du froid. J’espere que M. Deane va mieux. Vous savez combien je vous suis sincèrement attaché pour la vie. J’ai lu hier un mémoire qu’on vous destine mais l’auteur a dans ce moment la goutte cruellement. Les vuës de ce mémoire me paroissent bien bonnes....
249To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Gloro, 10 January 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Hennebon, near Lorient, January 10, 1777, in French: I have served the Compagnie des Indes since 1752, and was returning from China in 1776 when my ship put in at Ascension Island to revictual and take on turtles. There I encountered a Mr. Benjamin Salter, out of St. Eustatius from Bermuda, waiting to make purchases from passing vessels. I made friends...
250To Benjamin Franklin from Nathan Rumsey, 10 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this day a letter from Mr. Guerin of Auray in which he requests me to let you know that he had forwarded for your perusal under Cover to the Count de Vergenes the Copy of a letter from the Admiralty officers of Vannes to those of Auray. There appears to be a jealousy between these officers and Mr. Guerin, from the latter having ventured on such a...
251To Benjamin Franklin from [Louis Dupas?] de Vallenais, 10 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As you was very busy this morning, when I have been to present my respects to you: I would not be so bold as to disturb you; though I intended confering with you before my departure. Mr. de Chaumont’s Ship in which I was to embark has lately set sail; but I know there are several others ready to sail in two or three weeks time. They are directed to Mr....
252[Samuel Wharton to Edward Bancroft] with a Postscript to Franklin, 10 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I am still without any of your Favors, although two Mails arrived Yesterday. I am wholly at a Loss to account for your not answering my several Letters, and can only ascribe it to Illness, or an Interception of Yours. I will however persevere in my Correspondence, While, I think, There is a possibility, of my being any Ways useful. The Report of ten thousand...
253Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 11 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Immediately After the Receipt of your favr of 26th Decr. 1 Set out for L Orient and have Executed the Businss you Desird there in the best maner The time and Surcumstances Would Admitt. I have no Great Appinon of the 60 Gunn Ship As Shee is an Oald Ship and A very Slow Sailer. Another Very Great Objecktion is her Draft Water being to much for our American...
254To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas-Antoine de Mauduit, Chevalier du Plessis, [c. 11 January? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society De Mauduit Chevalier du plessis, Lieutenant au corps royal d’artillerie, agé de 22 ans, né au plessis près Lorient en bretagne brûle d’envie de passer chez les insurgens, il demande le même traitement qu’on a dejà fait aux officiers de son grade qui y sont passé. Depuis près de 8 ans il sert, au corps royal, s’est beaucoup appliqué a son métier, et se flate...
255To Benjamin Franklin from [Duportail], [12 January 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer quelques nouvelles conditions que je desirerois entrer dans notre arrangement avec celles que nous avons ecrites hyer. J’en useray de même s’il me vient encore à l’esprit quelque chose d’important qui doive estre arreté d’avance entre nous. Comme il est juste que vous prenièz de votre coté les informations necessaires sur ce...
256To Benjamin Franklin from Juliana Ritchie, 12 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The agreeable manner in which I lived for several years in the (once happy) Citty of Philadelphia made too deep an impression upon my mind for either time, distance or the vicissitudes of fortune to erase; you will not be surprised, Sir, after this declaration, when I inform you that the unhappy situation of the affairs of America, has caus’d me to pass...
257The King’s Answer to the American Commissioners, 13 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
D and two drafts: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Vergennes had required time to consider the commissioners’ propositions in their letter of January 5, but discussion of them began almost immediately in the highest circle of government. On the 7th some one, presumably at Versailles, wrote a longwinded memorandum on the crisis that confronted France. The hand cannot be identified,...
258To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Bissy and Dangeul, 13 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Comme Mr. le Baron de Bissy en faisant ressouvenir Monsieur le Docteur francklin, aura peut être oublié de lui parler de l’heure de diner chez M. de Dangeul, laquelle sera Two o’clock precisely Tomorrow . On lui en renouvelle l’avis: Mr. le Docteur n’y trouvera que quatre ou cinq amis de M. de Dangeul et des Insurgens, y compris le Baron de Bissy. M. de...
259To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Blondel de Lantone, 13 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This letter is the first in a series from writers who sought, to the best of our knowledge unsuccessfully, employment in the American armed services either for themselves or for others, usually their sons. We publish the earliest letter as a sample, and summarize here the others that fall within the scope of this volume. They seem to have produced nothing,...
260To Benjamin Franklin from Michaël Kôváts de Fabricÿ, 13 January 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, January 13, 1777, in Latin: I am Hungarian, trained in the Prussian army, where I rose from the ranks by merit and valor to be chief officer of the Guards. I have come here on my own to offer my services to Congress. Through the help of M. Fadeville, a merchant of this city and a supporter of the American cause, I have secured a passage with...
261The Secret Committee to the American Commissioners, 14 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; LS : American Philosophical Society, Harvard University Library; copies: Library of Congress, British Library. I have the honor to enclose herein a Copy of two Resolves of Congress passed the 19th and 29th Novr. by which the Secret Committee are directed to import two hundred and twenty Six Brass Canon and Arms and equipage compleat for three thousand...
262Thomas Morris to the American Commissioners, 14 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society I embrace this opportunity of Captain Nicholsons return to Paris to acquaint you with my arrival here yesterday about four O’Clock in the afternoon. Mr. Penet having some bussiness at Orleans, detained us at that place a few hours, which together with the badness of the roads rendered it impossible for us to make greater dispatch than we did. I have now the...
263Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 14 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have bin Waiting Ever Since I wrote you Last for the Inventory of St. john and have not Recd. It yet therefore Conclude Mr. Gourlade has Sent it forward for Parris. Captn. Nicholson Arrivd here yesterday and produc’d your Instrucktions to him concerning the vissiting and Inspecting the Ships at L Orient. But I think I have Done Everything that Captn....
264To Benjamin Franklin from Meschinet de Richemond, fils, 14 January 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <La Rochelle, January 14, 1777, in English: Respect for the brave defenders of American liberty makes me want to establish contact with them. But they have hitherto seemed ignorant of our harbor, and used Nantes or Bordeaux instead. This haven is safe, frequented by ships of all nations and particularly those from French America, and a good market for...
265To Benjamin Franklin from Nathan Rumsey, 14 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yrs. of the 6th Instant by Mr. Penet, and of the 11th. by Mr. Williams I safely rec’d. I am happy that Messieurs Morris and Penet are safely arrived. The papers respecting the Prizes I have put in Mr. Morris’s hands. Nothing material has been agitated with respect to a reclamation since I had the Honor of writing to You last. Cap. Cod has offered to...
266To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This is the first letter in Williams’ extensive correspondence from Nantes. He went at Deane’s suggestion, and expected to return as soon as he had inspected the stores that Peltier, the agent of Hortalez & Cie., was loading on the Mercure . But he also had other tasks assigned him. One, to judge by this and the following letter, was to investigate Penet,...
267Jonathan 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...
268To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Ternant, 15 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am but just arrived at Bourdeaux after a dangerous Illness and shall have scarce time to buy the goods I Intended to carry with me before our vessel sails. Such a hasty departure makes me doubtful of receiving the letters you promised to send me for North america. However if they could not reach me before I leave this port, Messrs. Pecholier, freres...
269To Benjamin Franklin from Chaumont, 16 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. Bernier et gourlade qui vendent avec moy la fregatte que vous avez fait visiter par le Capitaine Lambert Vickes me prient de leur envoyer promptement vostre decision; Ils veulent vendre cette fregatte quatre cents mile livres. Il fait beau tems, venez diner avec nous amenez vos deux confreres et nous concluerons. J’ay l’honneur d’estre avec Respect...
270To Benjamin Franklin from Nicholas Davis, [c. 16 January 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Davis’s most respectful Compliments wait on Mr. Franklin begs leave to acquaint him that he is waiting below in the Coffee Room till Mr. Franklin is at leisure when Davis would be glad of the favour of speaking to him. One of the Americans who got money from the commissioners on false pretenses; see their letter to the committee of secret correspondence...
271To Benjamin Franklin from [Duportail], 16 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Comme je ne trouve point à vous proposer d’autres conditions principales de notre arrangement que celles exposées dans ma derniere lettre du 12, je vous seray obligé de les examiner et m’instruire le plustôt possible du party que vous prenèz. J’ai absolument besoin de scavoir à quoy m’en tenir sur tout cela et d’ailleurs, selon ce que vous m’avèz fait...
272The American Commissioners to the Committee of Secret Correspondence, 17[–22] January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS and two copies: National Archives; copy: South Carolina Historical Society We joined each other at this place on the 22d. of December and on the 28th. had an Audience of his Excellency the Count De Vergennes, one of his most Christian Majesty’s principal Secretarys of State and Minister for Foreign Affairs. We laid before him our Commission with the Articles of the proposed Treaty of...
273Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 17 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook draft: Yale University Library The two last days have been employed in going to Painbeuf (about 30 miles hence) examining the Mercury, and returning to Nantes. I have the pleasure to inform you that what I have hitherto seen is very satisfactory, the Mercury appears to be a very good Ship, 7 Years old, burden 300 Tons (Mr. Peltrier thinks 350,)...
274To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier d’Anmours, 17 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Madam La Marquise de Saineville, has Sent me, inclos’d in one of her letters, another, which at her Recommandation, and that of Mr. l’abbé Raynal, you were So good to write in my favour to Mr. Moris, your friend in Philadelphia. Your Réputation, Sir, makes me acquainted with its Value, and that Value Engages my most Sinceres Sentiments of Gratitude. Accept...
275To Benjamin Franklin from [Samuel Wharton], 17 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society My last was the 14th, since Which I have not been favored with a Line from your Side. Every Day more and more confirms your just Observation, That “implacable Malice and Hatred” would soon (in Case of Separation) take place of mutual affection, and Friendship. In the politest and best Families of this City, and among Even the most gentle, and humane of the...
276Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 18 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclos’d you have a letter and Inventory of the Frigate the Count of Maurepat. It is the same Vessell that I saw at L Oriont and Calld the St. John. I think her Inventory is very short and will want a Large Addition if fitted for a Ship of War. The Defishencys I Hope will be pointed out by Capt. Nicholson When translated into Inglish. I hope Capt. Nicholson...
277Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 18 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library In your instructions to me you mention another Vessell which Mr. Beaumarchais proposes to send to America with Stores, but I can gain no Information of any such Vessell, Mr. Peltrier tells me he knows nothing about it. There is indeed a Ship (the St. Dominique) which Mr. Peltrier bought at the same time that he bought the mercury, and which he is to load on...
278To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Echlin, 18 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Tho’ I have not The honour of being personally known to you, I thus venture to address you, not as a Country man, but as a fellow creature, who is reduced by a Captivity of upwards of three years; by Sickness, and Every sort of Evil to the last degree of unhappyness. I am thus compel’d to have Recourse to this most humiliating method of Subsisting. Your...
279To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Paulze, 18 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Paulze souhaite le bonjour à M. francklin et lui rapelle la promesse qu’il a faite a M. Grand de lui faire l’honneur de diner chés lui mardi prochain 21 de ce mois avec M. son petit fils et MM. Dean, Lée et autres des MM. du Congres qui voudront lui faire cet honneur. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Docteur f[ranklin] / hotel D’hambourg / rue Jacob....
280To Benjamin Franklin from Pecholier Frères, 18 January 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society ⟨Bordeaux, January 18, in French: Our good friend M. Ternant, who sailed for Cap Français on the 15th, sent us the enclosed letter for you, which we hasten to send on. If you wish to write him by us, we will forward your letters with the same promptness.⟩ The letter above, Jan. 15.
281To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have written the inclosed because I feel myself very uneasy least I should be liable to the charge of double dealing but if you do not think a longer silence will be construed to my disadvantage, I confess it appears best that the Letter should not go. You know my only motives, and can best judge of the probability of my return or stay, I therefore beg...
282To Benjamin Franklin from [Duportail], 19 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosphical Society Faute d’entendre suffisamment l’anglois et plus encore de le lire non imprimé je n’ay pu comprendre la Reponse que vous m’avèz fait l’honneur de m’adresser à versailles. J’esperois trouver icy un de mes amis qui y auroit suppleé mais comme il est absent je suis obligé d’avoir Recours à vous même. Cependant autant que j’ai pu deviner il me semble que vous...
283The Duc de La Rochefoucauld to Franklin and Silas Deane, 20 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This is the first communication from a man who, with his mother, soon became part of Franklin’s circle, and who corresponded with him intermittently for the rest of the Doctor’s life. Franklin had met the mother, the duchesse d’Enville, on one of his earlier visits to Paris, and the son at a dinner in London in 1769; but the connection seems to have been...
284Dumas to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook draft: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Depuis mes deux Lettres du 22 et 26e. Nov. qui sont, je pense, celles dont Mr. Deane m’accuse la réception dans la sienne du 13e. Dec. J’eus l’honneur de lui en écrire une autre le 17e. du dit Dec. et enfin une dans les derniers jours du même mois de l’année passée, dont j’ai oublié de marquer sur mon...
285[Duportail] to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Je suis bien faché d’avoir entendu précisement le contraire de ce que vous me faisièz l’honneur de m’ecrire et que cela nous ait fait perdre un temps pretieux: mais je vais tacher de le reparer. Je pars ce soir pour versailles afin de scavoir les intentions du ministere, car (ainsi que je crois vous l’avoir dit) il me parut la derniere fois s’etre un peu...
286Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have finished my examination of the Mercurys Cargo and have patterns of the several kinds of Goods, which I shall shew you at my return: I have opened in all ten Cases and Bales and find them in good order. The last Lighter Load of Goods will be ready to go to the ship tomorrow morning, and I hope to include in it all the provisions &c.; by the common...
287To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 21 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dubourg’s inventiveness seems to have been his chief, if not his only, qualification as an entrepreneur. When he learned that the commissioners’ negotiations with the farmers general had broken down on the issue of shipping, he returned to the “grande affaire” that he had mentioned in an earlier letter, that of forming a company to bring the tobacco to...
288To Benjamin Franklin from Montaudoüin, 21 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Cette lettre vous sera remise par Mr. de L’Etombe Conseiller au Conseil Superieur du Port au Prince isle St. Domingue. Ce Magistrat recomandable par son honnetete, ses moeurs, et ses lumieres a un grand desir de vous connoître. C’est un desir asses naturel, on aime a rendre hommage a la vertu, et a la science. Il m’a prié, Monsieur, de vous le recommander,...
289To 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...
290Barbeu-Dubourg to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dubourg a l’honneur de souhaiter le bonjour a Monsieur Franklin, Monsieur Deane et Monsieur Lee; et les supplie d’accorder une audience favorable a M. Bayard qui a des objets importans a leur communiquer, et sur l’honneteté et la solidité duquel ils peuvent compter avec la plus parfaite assurance. Notation: Notes of no Consequence Bayard & Cie. was a...