301Sartine to the American Commissioners, 22 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Library of Congress <Versailles, December 22, 1778, in French: You are undoubtedly aware that American seamen escaping from English prisons often arrive in French ports without the basic necessities. I can instruct the commissioners in ports where you have no agents to treat these men as they would French escapees. Regarding British prisoners taken by Americans, I propose they be...
302The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We mean in this letter to give you a succint view of the state of our military affairs. You must long before this reaches you have been made acquainted with the signal success of the american arms in the northern department, particularly the several Engagements in that quarter previous to the surrender of...
303Sartine to the American Commissioners, 16 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress (two) J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer, Messieurs, des Exemplaires du Reglement concernant les Prises que des Corsaires françois conduiront dans les Ports des Etats unis de L’Amerique; et celles que les Corsaires Américains ameneront dans les ports de France. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec une parfaite Consideration, Messieurs, votre très...
304Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 21 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Je reçois dans le moment, Messieurs, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 19. pour m’informer que vous avez rendu compte au Congrès des Etats Unis des plaintes renfermées dans le Raport de M. de la Ruelliere Consul de France à Madere. Je vous prie d’agréer mes Remercimens de l’usage que vous avez bien voulu faire de la Communication que je vous en...
305John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 10 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 10, 1778: Capt. Tucker hopes to start careening his ship next week and be finished by Easter. He has instructed the ship’s officers to make returns of the stores wanted. The local officers of the farmers general have ordered him to land and declare the tobacco brought by the Boston . I refused to comply, and they agreed to await further...
306Jonathan 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...
307Pierce Powers to the American Commissioners, 22 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Brest hospital, June 22, 1778: I was wounded in the engagement with the Drake , and am recovered enough to go home. Now that I can no longer serve my country, please get me passage as soon as possible. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 231. Jones had corroborated his story some weeks before: ibid. , p. 164. He obviously got no reply, for on July 7...
308John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 4 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum Inclosed I send you Copies of my Letters since the 10th February. As the Port of Brest is so crowded with Shipping that the Ranger was prevented from entering into it I thought it the most expiditious to return here to clean her bottom which is now effected. On surveying the Masts it has been concluded that they...
309John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 6 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, June 6, 1778: Since Captain Tucker left I have had to settle additional charges, of which I enclose details. The conspiracy has been diligently investigated by the intendant, but nothing can be proved. > Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 185–6. He left Bordeaux on May 17 and put to sea on June 6: ibid. , p. 109 n. He is referring back to a...
310Rocquette, Elsevier & Rocquette to the American Commissioners, 20 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS or ALS : American Philosophical Society A certain advice has been received from the Hague here that Mr. Beranger, who is charged with the transactions of the Court of France, in the absence of the Ambassador, has Communicated to our States, that the King his Master, did acknowledge the Americains as a free, and independant Nation, and that in Consequence he had Concluded with them a Treaty...
311Pierre Rïou to the American Commissioners, 23 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Sr. Riou ainé Neg[ocian]t a Brest et Interprette Breveté pour les affaires de Sa Majesté seulement a l’honneur de remontrer tres humblement a Messieurs Les Plenipotentiaires des Etats unies de L’amerique, que Le Corsaire ameriquain Le Hamden de Piscatua sous le commandement de thomas Pickeren Esqr. arivé en ce port y a fait conduire le 6. de ce Mois une...
312Berubé de Costentin to the American Commissioners, 4 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, September 4, 1778, in French: In accordance with your request of August 15, Thomas Wilkinson left yesterday for St. Pol de Léon. I await your orders regarding the prisoners here.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VII .
313René-Etienne Henry Vic Gaiault (or Gayault) de Boisbertrand: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, 5 September … (Franklin Papers)
ADS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Harvard University Library; copies: University of Virginia Library, National Archives <September 5, 1778, in the third person, in French: At the beginning of May, 1776, Dubourg and Penet asked him to join the U.S. army; he was then a lieutenant colonel in the French cavalry. He would carry dispatches about the ministry’s attitude toward the...
314The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 16 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS and three duplicates: American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) <York, April 16, 1778: Congress today empowered William Bingham to draw on you for a maximum of 100,000 livres, so that he may discharge debts incurred for the United States. He will forward American newspapers with this letter, explain why he should turn to you even though we have...
315The Commerce Committee to the American Commissioners, 16 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress <York, May 16, 1778: We enclose a contract with Theveneau de Francy as agent for Caron de Beaumarchais. You will please liquidate and send the property of the accounts of Roderigue Hortalez & Co., taking care to distinguish the property of the crown from the company’s private property. We send an invoice of the articles to be...
316John Ross to the American Commissioners, 12 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library I did myself the honour to address you on the 26th. and 28 Ultimo. Being since without the favour of any of Your’s, Permit me to repeat my request of being informed by you Honorable Gentlemen What has been done with those books and papers carryed off from hence by Mr. Wm. Lee. Yesterday I heard, and not before , of a very timely precaution he took on the day of...
317Cornic, 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...
318Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; copy: University of Virginia Library The Fleet sailed from Quiberon the 25th Instant, but the Winds have since been rather unfavourable. I am extreemly sorry to inform you that the Duchesse of Grammont is according to appearance left behind. This Ship sailed three Weeks ago to join the Fleet, but being badly stowed was obliged to put back. She has since been...
319Isaac Van Teylingen to the American Commissioners, 12 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Le Navire le Chester, et sa Cargaison, dont la proprieté sans aucune restriction ou dubieté quelquonque appartenoit aux Negocians Hollandois, aiant eté pris par un Corsaire Americain, et conduit à Charlestown, Les proprietaires ont pris La Liberté de s’addresser le 30me. d’octobre a vous Messieurs, et aiant eté Honorés d’une Reponse Claire et satisfaisante...
320John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 7 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, July 7, 1778: The Sally , which arrived here yesterday from Edenton, reports that the fourth regiment of Col. Maitland’s expedition has been captured and that several ships, among them the Roderigue with a cargo of great value, have arrived in the Chesapeake. Consorting here with agents and consuls of European states shows me the advantages that...
321S. and J.-H. Delap to the American Commissioners, 19 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We received the Letter you did us the honor of writing us the 18th July last covering one for Capt. Wm. Hill Sargeant and a Blank Bond for him to fill up and sign; inclosed we return you said Bond executed by him and us for £1000 lawful Money of America, which is from what we could learn, the Security usually given for a Vessel of Cap. Sargeant’s Burthen...
322Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 13 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; two copies: Library of Congress <Versailles, May 13, 1778, in French: The farmers general have informed me that Capt. Tucker of the Boston has refused to allow their agents on his vessel because she is a warship. We must know whether she is, or merely a privateer; once you have established that, she will be treated like the ships of...
323Thomas Middleton to the American Commissioners, 20 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Three LS : American Philosophical Society I received Two Bills of Exchange drawn by Francis Hopkinson on you for Interest due to me on Money lent the Publick, & having had the Misfortune to loose these drafts I advertized them as you will see by the enclosed paper which however has not produced a return of the Bills & lays me under a Necessity of Troubling you to request that you will not pay...
324William Carmichael to the American Commissioners, 30 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library I arrivd at this place last night in forty four hours from Paris. The Vessels which it was intended I should stop saild eight days ago, and it is most probable that the court knew of that circumstance because it is confidently asserted a french Frigate convoyd them as far as Ushant. Mr. Williams immediately took the proper steps to profit by your advices had...
325Pierre Rïou and Thomas Pickerin to the American Commissioners, 23 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society <Brest, December 23, 1778, in French and in the third person: Thomas Pickerin, captain of the Hampden , recaptured La Constance , took it into Brest, and, in accordance with the marine ordinance of 1681, addressed himself to Rïou within twenty-four hours. Captain Moodey of the prize ship was in attendance, and two Frenchmen from on board the ship were also...
326Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 17 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives Par la Lettre Messieurs que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 28 aoust dernier, vous avez demandé la main levée de la saisie faite à Calais d’une partie des bagages du Sr. Smith. J’ai pris à cet egard les informations les plus exactes et il en...
327Sartine to the American Commissioners, 6 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de M’écrire le 30. du mois dernier. Je vous suis très obligé d’avoir bien voulu me communiquer ce qui vous est revenu sur les avantages que les Anglois tirent de la pêche de la Baleine, qu’ils font sur les côtes du Bresil, à la hauteur de la riviere de la Plata....
328Dumas to the American Commissioners, 13[—18] September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, September 13[–18], 1778, in French: The Assembly of Holland has resolved to increase the republic’s naval forces in Europe by 32 ships of the line as well as frigates and 8,000 crewmen. The address of the bourse of Amsterdam has arrived as has one from a number of Rotterdam merchants. The merchants of Dort are...
329Godet to the American Commissioners, 20 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The Motive of my Writing you this time Arises from a Disagreeable Circumstance, Which I think a Matter incumbant on my Attachment toward the publick good; and Highly Necessary to be Communicated to you. Mr. Merckle being incumberd With a parcell of Arms Contracted for the publick, and being ready to Sail, Is apprehensive of being arrested and being...
330Dumas to the American Commissioners, 23 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <Amsterdam, April 23, 1778, in French: I received your letter of the 10th on the 21st and forwarded it with its enclosures to the Grand Facteur. He promises, once I present the letter, to back me with his influence. I came here and found our friend [van Berckel] ready to help; he agreed with the Facteur that the letter is...
331Dumas to the American Commissioners, 22[–26] May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, May 22[–26], 1778, in French: The Grand Pensionary wants to acknowledge your letter but cannot give you, until authorized, your due titles; he has offered to communicate verbally through me, and I shall wait until I can furnish him a copy of the treaty. Our friend [van Berckel] wants to know how the British...
332Hezekiah Ford to the American Commissioners, 21 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In my Passage to Virginia, on Board a small Cutter, I had the Misfortune to be taken, and carried into Jersey. And as you are perfectly acquainted with my Sentiments (which I am still immoveably determined to retain, let the Consequences be what they will) I hope you will excuse the Freedom I have taken in solliciting your further Favours. Among the...
333Gérard to the American Commissioners, 4 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library J’ai recu la lettre dont vous m’avés honoré. Comme je ne pourrai prendre que demain les ordres du ministere sur son contenu, je vous prie de trouver bon que je differe ma reponse jusqu’à ce que je les aye reçu. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec respect et estime Messieurs Votre tres humble et très obeissant serviteur In response to the preceding note. On the morning...
334Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives In December last I recvd at Nantes from Messrs Horneca Fitzeau & Co of Amsterdam sundry merchandise on accot of Mr Grand as appeard by the Invoices, immediately on their arrival I wrote to Mr Grand to know their Destination, his answer was that his name was only lent & that the Goods were for Accot of the Commissioners, I...
335The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 12 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy and transcript: National Archives Not having received any letters from you since the 26 of May we were severely chagrined yesterday upon the arrival of Capt. John Folgier, who, under the name of dispatches from the Commissioners at Paris, delivered only an enclosure of clean white paper with some familiar letters, none of which contained any political intelligence. You will see by the...
336John 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...
337Benjamin Gunnison to the American Commissioners, 14 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brigantine Morris , Roscoff [Brittany], December 14, 1778: I have just arrived after a passage of forty-two days, and await your instructions. I intended to make the ports of either Nantes or Bordeaux but was prevented by violent gales off the coast. My sails and rigging are badly damaged; with a bit of repair I believe they would get me into Morlaix [...
338Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 11 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <On board the Boston , Bordeaux, April 11, 1778: I shall careen my ship next Tuesday, and hope to be soon ready for sea; Mr. Bondfield will expedite matters. You will have sent Capt. Palmes, I hope, before this reaches you. I shall be happy to hear from you.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 27–8.
339Dumas to the American Commissioners, 30 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, October 30, 1778, in French: As a result of the merchants’ address the Assembly of Holland will reconvene next Wednesday, the corps of nobility of the province has withdrawn a counter-address and an important personage seems to be alarmed. The British party is also concerned. The Grand Pensionary is displeased...
340John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 21 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, November 21, 1778: The Inspector of Artillery visited the port yesterday to inspect M. Bertin’s cannon. On the basis of appearance alone, their quality seems good, but this must be confirmed by testing. I herewith enclose a list indicating their specifications. Other cannon belonging to the same company made from the same mold can be procured...
341Gérard to the American Commissioners, 30 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai recu avec la lettre dont vous m’avés honoré, la traduction que vous avès bien voulu me faire remettre. Je rendrai compte du contenu de votre lettre et je travaillerai sans delai à l’examen de la traduction. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec une consideration respectueuse Messieurs Votre très humble et très obeissant serviteur Addressed: A Messieurs /...
342John Ross to the American Commissioners, 24 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library Your very respected favour of 18th Inst: I received by Capt: Nicholson. Contents thereof I duly Note. The Safe arrival of the Hamburgh vessel, you may suppose gave me pleasure, and tho at L’orient when I had advice of it, I embrace’d the first post to give you the earliest Notice, recept of which you acknowledge in this now before me. I must take the liberty to...
343John 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...
344——— Bailly aîné to the American Commissioners, 10 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La Reponse que me Raportent par le Courier de ce jour mes Banquiers et que vous leur aves fait a de quoy m’etonner. En vous faisant passer la lettre D’advis de votre representant a la Martinique Mr. Bingham, que Je trouvay dans Celle de Mr. J. Hurlot qui y est le mien, J’eus l’honneur de vous ecrire et de vous dire que je connoissois beaucoup M. Villiam...
345James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 17 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to refer you to what I had the honor of writing you the 15th instant since which one James Miggins Sailor, a native of America, writes me from on board the Hawk privateer belonging to London, which was brought into this harbour some time since by the Oiseau Frigate, that on his passage from Nantes to America on board the Ship Hancock and Adams...
346The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 1 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress, National Archives As we wish the subject of this letter to be well attended to and understood, we shall confine ourselves intirely to the business of such french Gentlemen as have returned without getting employment in north america and particularly those of Monsr. du Coudray’s Corps. Whatever may be the Clamour excited by...
347John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 29 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, August 29, 1778: I have received your letter of the 19th commissioning the purchase of 56 pieces of cannon. I suspect it will be November before I can collect them. I presume they are for naval use; let me know where to send them. I am without instructions for the General Arnold ; the delays cause very heavy expenses which are charged to me....
348John Ross to the American Commissioners, 2 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library Previous to the shipping any of the Property purchased at Germany &ca. and collected to Hamburgh under my care and direction on Account of the United States, I consulted You on the propriety of having it Insured Round here and I doubt not youl Recolect Your opinion on that point Vizt. “that it was Customary for all Nations to run the Risque of what was for...
349Dumas to the American Commissioners, 2 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, December 2, 1778, in French: Enclosed is the resolution I promised, which deserves to be published in both English and French. I hope for good news from America before the Provincial States [of Holland] reassemble in ten to twelve days. The London Evening Post of November 26 reports Clinton has been roughly...
350Poreau, Mackenzie & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 7 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS or ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dunkirk, July 7, 1778, in French: When some Americans and others appealed to us for support, we asked you for a privateer’s commission. The Captain you chose seemed deserving and trustworthy, but found the vessel too small for his large ideas of glory. A more powerful one would have cost more than twice the thirty to forty thousand livres we were...