201The 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...
202Continental Congress to the American Commissioners: Instructions, [7 May 1784–3 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives; press copy of copy: American Philosophical Society The instructions that follow established a new diplomatic commission to negotiate and sign a total of twenty treaties of amity and commerce with European and North African powers. Their creation was a long and contentious process. On October 29, 1783, Congress authorized the peace...
203Gustavus Conyngham to the American Commissioners, 4 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since I wrote you last I went on a Cruze and fell in with the Brig Gracieux Mr. Augustin Letournois from London Bound to Spain with A Cargoe of Dry Goods the most of the Bills of Lading Consignd to Order. On my Asking the Capt. if he new that his Cargoe was British property or not he made Answer. I seen where he Loaded and that I had a Good prize. On this...
204Cornic, Veuve Mathurin & fils to the American Commissioners, 28 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons l’honneur de vous confirmer les deux lettres que nous avons eu celui d’Ecrire a M. Le Docteur Francklin des 16. et 21. de ce mois concernant l’arrivée sur nos Côtes du navire le morriss capne. Benjamin Gunisson chargé de Tabac. La presente est pour vous donner avis que le dt. navire Le morris vient d’entrer sur Nôtre Rade de morlaix en lieu de...
205Cornic, 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...
206David & Son to the American Commissioners, [16 January 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: American Philosophical Society The Success of Baltimore John Nicols Master coming from Maryland is arrived here yesterday with 140 Hogsheads of tobacco. This vessel was destined for Nantes or Bordeaux, but having been chased by three Men of war without Colours and which we believe to be the three that saild last from Brest, the said Capt. taking advantage of the night got clear and is...
207Simeon 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...
208Debrissac de Saxey to the American Commissioners, 18 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I congratulate myself very much of the happiness of your acquaintance on my last Stay in Paris of your token of friendship of your trust and the preference you are willing to give us of the orders for you or friends when they wille call for concerning the linen of this fabrick. You ought to receive in this month your commissions from America. I take the...
209S. and J.-H. Delap to the American Commissioners, 18 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS or LS : American Philosophical Society We take the liberty of forwarding you Inclosed a Letter from Captn. William Hill Sargeant. He informs us it is Requesting you to give him a letter of Marque Commission and that he has offered you our House as Guarantee that no improper use will be made of same. If this formality requisite and that you think us sufficient Security for any improprieties...
210S. 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...
211Desegray, Beaugeard fils & Cie. to the American Commissioners, 8 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society If we are Somewhat late in our Congratulations Concerning your Glorious transactions with the French Ministry, We hope you won’t take it amiss; and that you will not doubt of our most sincere Wishes for your welfare and happiness, as also for the Continuation of the Union and good harmony betwixt the United States of America and France. We have had here of...
212Peter Frederick Dobrée to the American Commissioners, 11 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library My Father in law has just now comunicated me the Honorable Mr. Lee’s Letter of the 4 Instant, which he received Yesterday, together with sundry extracts which would greatly alarm me, was not I consious of my Innocence. I will not take too much upon those precious moments which you so laudably dedicate to your Country, to refute the false accusations contained...
213Delfino to the American Commissioners, 27 September 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
C’est avec la plus grande satisfaction, que je viens de recevoir La Lettre, que vous m’avez fait L’honneur de m’ecrire. Je ne manquerai pas, Messieurs, de transmettre au Senat votre information, et aussitôt que j’en aurai reçu Les reponses, je me ferai un devoir de vous Les communiquer. J’ai L’honneur en attendant d’être avec toute La consideration, et L’attachement possible: Messieurs Votre...
214The Duke of Dorset to the American Commissioners: Résumé, 24 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: National Archives; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society ⟨Paris, November 24, 1784: I transmitted copies of the two letters you sent me to the Marquis of Carmarthen, His Majesty’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and am authorized to assure you of our ministers’ readiness to consider any proposals that will establish a system of mutual and permanent advantage to our two...
215The Duke of Dorset to the American Commissioners, 26 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
Having communicated to my Court the readiness you express’d in your Letter to me of the 9 th. of December to remove to London for the purpose of treating upon such points as may materially concern the Interests both political & commercial of Great Britain & America, and having at the same time represented that you declared yourselves to be fully authorized & empowered to negotiate— I have been...
216Dorset to the American Commissioners, 26 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Having communicated to my Court the readiness you express’d in your Letter to me of the 9th. of December to remove to London for the purpose of treating upon such points as may materially concern the Interests both political and commercial of Great Britain and America, and having at the same time represented that you declared yourselves to be fully authorized and empowered to negotiate, I have...
217The Duke of Dorset to the American Commissioners, 24 November 1784 (Adams Papers)
I transmitted without loss of time to the Marquis of Carmarthen, His Majesty’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Copies of the two Letters which you had done me the honor of addressing to me; and am in consequence authorized to assure you, on the part of His Majesty’s Ministers, of their readiness to take into consideration any proposals coming from the United States that can tend to the...
218Dorset to the American Commissioners, 24 November 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I transmitted without loss of time to the Marquis of Carmarthen, His Majesty’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Copies of the two Letters which you had done me the honor of addressing to me, and am in consequence authorized to assure you, on the part of His Majesty’s Ministers, of their readiness to take into consideration any proposals coming from the United States that can tend to the...
219Nathaniel Dowse to the American Commissioners, 5 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, May 5, 1778: I sailed from Virginia as master of the Mercer , with tobacco consigned by Congress to the Delaps. On May 4 my crew mutinied and took me in to Whitehaven, where I was imprisoned until I escaped and found a vessel that arrived here yesterday. I tender you my services. Several local merchants have made me offers, but I shall wait until...
220Franco and Adrianus Dubbeldemuts to the American Commissioners, 30 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives Comme Interessée dans Le Navire et Cargaison, dont Les papiers ci Incluse font Mentions, Nous prenons la Libertée, Messieurs, de vous Les remêtre, et de vous recommander tres particulierement cette afaire afin que par votre pouvoir, Le dit Navire (dont nous vous protestons, q’auqune autre Nation que hollandaise, est Interessee) soit rendue aux Proprietaires. Ils est...
221Franco 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....
222Dumas 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...
223Dumas 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...
224Dumas 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.
225Dumas 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...
226Dumas 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...
227Dumas 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...
228Dumas to the American Commissioners, 20 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <The Hague, November 20, 1778, in French: Returning here, I learned from our friend that the Provincial Assembly by majority vote has resolved against providing convoys and in favor of the Admiralty’s advisory. Amsterdam has inserted a formal protest, which it demands be published, because the...
229Dumas to the American Commissioners, 20 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Recevez, pour les Etats-Unis, et pour vous-mêmes, les sinceres félicitations d’un de leurs plus fideles serviteurs, sur le grand coup d’Etat qui vient d’être frappé. Dieu les bénisse, et leur Alliée, et tous les Amis de cette heureuse Union. L’excès de ma joie ne me permet pas d’en dire davantage. Que vos nobles coeurs...
230Dumas to the American Commissioners, 10 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Les conseillers du Committé d’Hollande, après avoir été, par pure formalité, chez eux ad referendum (car on n’a pas même daigné de délibérer de nouveau là-dessus) sont revenus ici: l’augmentation demandée par le Corps des Nobles est refusée tout net. C’étoit le dernier effort du Parti Anglois, la seule lueur d’espérance qu’il...
231Dumas to [the American Commissioners], 21 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les Extraits des dernieres Dépêches de Petersb. Dantsic Stockh. Berlin, Vienne, Ratisbonne, Paris et Lisbonne. Item l’Extrait de la Lettre importante de Messrs. Delalande & Fynje d’hier 19e d’Amsterd. sur laquelle je demande prompte réponse. &c. Jacob de la Lande and Hendrik Fynje were Dumas’ business associates in trading ventures...
232Dumas to the American Commissioners, 11 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook draft: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Je ne saurois plus longtemps résister à la tentation de vous écrire, que j’éprouve à chaque ordinaire, et à laquelle je succomberois régulierement, si la crainte d’être importun, plus qu’utile, ne me retenoit. Enfin la joie de pouvoir vous féliciter des succès de nos amis l’emporte sur cette crainte. Trois...
233Dumas to the American Commissioners, 4 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, September 4, 1778, in French: Mr. van Berckel and I propose an ambitious initiative for which we need supporting papers. Please send either a proposal for a general treaty of amity and commerce or a declaration that you desire the Netherlands to conclude with the United States a treaty similar to the American...
234Dumas to the American Commissioners, 30 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (letterbook draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Mes dernieres, du 12e., 16e. et 19e. de ce mois, répondoient à celles du 4 et du 8, dont Mr. A. Lee a eu la bonté de me favoriser. Aujourd’hui j’ai l’honneur de vous donner avis, que Mr. le grand Facteur partit d’ici vendredi au soir, après m’avoir fort recommandé de continuer mes visites chez son substitut pendant son absence, et de lui...
235Dumas to the American Commissioners, 6 January [i.e. February] 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Je crois toujours bien faire, de vous communiquer les intelligences, authentiques comme les ci-jointes, que les circonstances me permettent de me procurer. Je me prescris pareillement, de suivre toujours, quant aux adresses de mes Lettres, et des enveloppes, les premiers ordres que j’ai reçus de Mr. Deane lors...
236Dumas to the American Commissioners, 16 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ma derniere étoit du 27 au 29 Janvr. Le Jeudi d’après, 4e fevrier, l’Assemblée d’Hollde. résolut à la pluralité la réponse à donner à la France, mise sur le tapis le jour auparavant, contre laquelle Amsterdam renouvella formellement sa protestation du 19 xbr. Après quoi l’Assemblée se sépara. Elle reprendra ses séances ici le 25 de ce mois. Les...
237Dumas to the American Commissioners, 21 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, July 21, 1778, in French: I have just received, translated and delivered a German letter to the Grand Facteur. The States General have adjourned and the Prince is leaving for Los in Overyssel. No new instructions were given Count Welderen concerning the British capture of two Dutch ships carrying tobacco for...
238Dumas to the American Commissioners, 13 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <[The Hague], November 13, 1778, in French: Next Wednesday a resolution on refusing convoy for naval stores will be decided by plurality vote [of the states of the Province of Holland]. Amsterdam has protested that the constitution requires unanimous consent in this case. Mr. van Berckel and the...
239Dumas to the American Commissioners, 13 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (incomplete draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief The intelligence reports that make up all but the conclusion of this letter are interesting enough to be printed in full, as a sample of the news that the commissioners received from their principal informant in the Netherlands. He is here supplying every possible tidbit of information because Europe was in...
240Dumas to the American Commissioners, 16[-18] January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, January 16[-18], 1779, in French: The French ambassador has informed a number of high officials that Dutch shipping except for that of Amsterdam henceforth will be excluded from French trade privileges. These officials expressed their displeasure, claiming it was unprecedented that France should treat with only...
241Dumas to the American Commissioners, 2 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, June 2, 1778, in French: The French Ambassador expects, as I do, that you will send me a copy of the treaty in time for the Grand Pensionary to circulate it among the members of the States before they meet on July 1. You will see by the enclosed that war is about to break out in Germany; that will do us no...
242Dumas to the American Commissioners, 9 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <The Hague, June 9, 1778, in French: The enclosed will show that war in Germany may be expected any day. An anti-British pamphlet has recently appeared, dedicated to Mr. Franklin; it is badly done but has attracted many important readers. I and the Grand Facteur and the Grand Pensionary are all waiting for what I requested; do not be too long about sending...
243Dumas 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...
244Dumas to the American Commissioners, 6 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Algemeen Rijksarchief J’ai reçu l’honneur de la Lettre de Mr. Deane. Comme il dit fort bien, de grands événemens sont à la porte; et ici, comme par toute l’Europe, nous ne sommes pas peu en suspens à cet égard. Je suis charmé, mais nullement surpris, du plaisir que lui fait le personnage avec lequel il a plusieurs fois diné: similes similibus...
245Dumas to the American Commissioners, 27[-29] January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, January 27[–29], 1779, in French: Yesterday the States of Holland resolved to annul the resolution of November 18, which excepted ships’ timbers from convoy protection, and to protect their commerce to the fullest extent guaranteed by the treaties [with Britain]. Tomorrow the assembly will work on the response...
246Dumas to the American Commissioners, 31 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je viens de recevoir les doubles des deux Lettres du Committé des affaires étrangeres, que vous avez eu la bonté de m’envoyer. Voici quelques Extraits des Depêches ministériales pour ce qu’il y avoit de plus essentiel. Ici rien de nouveau, si ce n’est que la désertion est très forte parmi les troupes de la république. Pas moins de 1500 déserteurs pendant...
247Dumas to the American Commissioners, 19[-24] January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, January 19[-24], 1779, in French: The only thing that happened at the Assembly of Holland was the reading of the ambassador’s latest memorandum. I met five times today with the French ambassador and as often with our friend. January 20: The pensionaries of Amsterdam have expressed to the ambassador their hope...
248Dumas to the American Commissioners, 18[-28] December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives; transcript: Harvard University Library <The Hague, December 18[-28], 1778, in French: Committees have been established to work on the new British complaints and on the response to the French ambassador. I am translating Amsterdam’s protest and will have copies made for Congress. December 19, morning:...
249Dumas to the American Commissioners, 25 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Depuis le départ d’ici de Mr. Sym. Deane, j’ai eu l’honneur d’écrire le 30e. Octob. à Mr. Sil. Deane, le 14e. Nov. à Mr. W. Carmichael, et 18e. à l’hon. Commission en général comme la présente. Il y avoit aussi dans celle du 18e. une ouverte pour Mr. le Chev. Grand. Nous avons avis de notre bon ami Mr....
250Dumas to the American Commissioners, 24 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Voici ce qu’on m’écrit d’Amsterdam en date du 22e. “On soutient aujourd’hui, que la guerre a été déclarée vendredi à Londres contre la France. L’agitation est visible ici: l’un par la crainte pour ses fonds; l’autre par celle que notre république ne soit embarquée avec...