301The Farmers General: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, 14 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Les Fermiers généraux avanceront deux millions aux termes proposés. Le premier million sera payé le 15 May préfix. Le second le 15 Aoust et ils en seront remboursés en Tabacs qui leur seront livrés dans les ports de france avant la fin de décembre prochain. Le prix proposé de 4 s. la livre dans les Magasins de la Virginie et du Maryland est...
302Favi to the American Commissioners, 10 February 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai fait passer en son tems à ma Cour le projet du Traité, que vous m’avés fait L’honneur de m’adresser. :Les principes, sur Les quels il est fondé sont trop conformes à ceux du Gouvernement Toscan pourqu’ils ne soyent pas adoptés, et vous ne devés pas douter, Messieurs, que Les Sujets des Etats unis del’Amerique n’obtiennent dans Les Etats, et dans Les ports dela Toscane sur Le pied d’une...
303Favi to the American Commissioners, 26 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Le projet du Traité, que vous m’avés fait l’honneur de m’adresser dans le mois de Decembre dernier, et que vous avés proposé à Son Altesse Royale Msgr. L’Archiduc Grand Duc de Toscane mon Maitre etoit trop conforme à Ses principes pourqu’il ne fût pas agrée. Ce Prince, après L’avoir pris en consideration est venu dans la determination d’y adherer, et c’est par son ordre, que j’ai L’honneur de...
304Francesco Favi to the American Commissioners: Résumé, 16 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: National Archives ⟨Paris, November 16, 1784, in French: I sent to my court your letter of September 30. Your invitation was very agreeable to His Royal Highness, and he will receive with pleasure the communication of proposals.⟩ Published in Jefferson Papers, VII , 533, and, with an English translation, in Adams Papers, XVI , 430.
305Favi to the American Commissioners, 10 October 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu la lettre, que vous m’avés fait L’honneur de m’écrire le 30 du mois passé, et par La quelle vous m’avés fait la grace de m’annoncer la commission et les pleins pouvoirs, dont vous avés eté revetus par Les Etats unis de l’Amerique assemblés en Congrés pour proposer, et former des liaisons d’amitiè, et de Commerce avec Les Etats de Toscane. Je me ferai un devoir de donner cette...
306Francesco Favi to the American Commissioners, 16 November 1784 (Adams Papers)
Je n’ai pas manqué de faire passer à ma Cour La Lettre, dont vous m’avés honoré Le 30. 7b e dernier relative à un Traité d’amitié, et de Commerce entre Les Sujets de Msg̃r L’archiduc Grand Duc de Toscane mon Maitre, et ceux des Etats unis de l’Amerique. Je dois avoir L’honneur de vous informer, Messieurs, que cette invitation a eté très agreable à Son Altesse Royale, et qu’Elle recevra avec...
307Favi to the American Commissioners, 11 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai reçu avec la lettre, que vous m’avés fait L’honneur de m’ecrire Le 8 de ce mois Les observations qu’elle renfermoit sur Les changements, que la Cour de Toscane a fait à quelques articles du Traité, que vous Lui avés proposé. Je Les Lui ferai passer incessamment, et aurai L’honneur de vous informer en son tems de la reponse que j’en recevrai, presumant qu’elle sera pour La Conclusion de...
308Favi to the American Commissioners, 16 November 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Je n’ai pas manqué de faire passer à ma Cour La Lettre, dont vous m’avés honoré Le 30. 7be. dernier relative à un Traité d’amitiè, et de Commerce entre Les Sujets de Msgr. L’Archiduc Grand-duc de Toscane mon Maître, et ceux des Etats-unis de l’Amerique. Je dois avoir L’honneur de vous informer, Messieurs, que cette invitation a eté trés agreable à Son Altesse Royale, et qu’Elle recevra avec...
309Francesco Favi to the American Commissioners, 26 April 1785 (Adams Papers)
Le projet du Traité, que vous m’avéz fait l’honneur de m’adresser dans le mois de Decembre dernier, et que vous avéz proposé à Son Altesse Royale Msgr̃ L’Archiduc Grand Duc de Toscane mon Maitre etoit trop conformé à Ses principes pourqu’il ne fût pas agrée. Ce Prince après L’avoir pris en consideration est venu dans la determination d’y adherer, et c’est par son ordre, que j’ai L’honneur de...
Translation of the within Letter from his Excell cy. Sidi Hadg Taher Ben Abdelhack Fennish to their Excell cies: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Esq rs.— Grace to God who is the Sole unity Whose Kingdom is the Only Existing one To their Excellencies John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Esq rs. This is to Acquaint You that I am ordered by the Emperor my Master (whom God preserve) to Acknowledge the...
311From Taher Fennish to the American Commissioners, [28 June 1786] (Jefferson Papers)
To their Excellencies John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Esqrs. This is to Acquaint you that I am ordered by the Emperor my Master (whom God preserve) to Acknowledge the receipt of your Letter, Signed London and Paris on the first and Eleventh of October 1785, which has been delivered into his own hands by the Honble. Thomas Barclay Esqr. who Came to this Court, in order to negotiate an Amicable...
312Hezekiah Ford to the American Commissioners, 30 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paimboeuf, June 30, 1778: Captain Turner learned on his voyage that two Connecticut privateers, out of Boston, fell in with two British letters of marque bound to the West Indies, and after a sharp engagement captured both. The cruisers off this coast have deterred me from sailing on Mr. Ross’s ship; unless you have dispatches for me, which would justify...
313Hezekiah 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...
314Hezekiah Ford to the American Commissioners, 25 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, June 25, 1778: Mr. Ross has got me passage to Virginia on a ship of his. I am told, furthermore, that Capt. Whipple considers his clerk as chaplain, and would not deprive any one of his office. I expect to sail in about ten days. If you have dispatches for Governor Henry I will gladly take them. General Howe’s cruelties infuriate me, and I regret...
315Alexander Fowler to the American Commissioners, 6 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society That your Petitioner served His Brittannick Majesty Eighteen Years with Honor and Reputation as will be seen by the Annexed Testimonials of His Conduct and Character. That in the year 1773, your Petitioner being then quartered in the City of Philadelphia, when it was no longer doubtfull that the British Legislature had formed a Plan to entail Slavery on the...
316Christopher Gadsden to the American Commissioners, 15 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot deny myself the Pleasure of endeavouring to introduce the Bearer Commodore Gillon to your Notice. He hath been always very active in promoting the American Cause and been of great Service to it in several respects as well generally, as particularly to this State and our Assembly during its last Sitting appointed him Commodore of our Navy and in...
317Shubael Gardner to the American Commissioners, 22 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <London, December 22, 1778: I am not used to making addresses of this kind; please excuse my errors and accept my simple offering. Many Americans who have been brought here have entered the British whale fishery to save themselves from having to serve on men of war. None would have done so if there had been an alternative; I believe they would all return to...
318Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 7 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 7, 1779: We believed, in consequence of the “Treaty of Alliance, Friendship and Commerce,” that our commercial engagements would be encouraged and protected by this kingdom. We requested of M. de Sartine and yourselves to solicit protection for a number of vessels destined with valuable cargo for several American states. The Minister...
319Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 28 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 28, 1779: The memorial from the undersigned American gentlemen, merchants and commanders of vessels at Nantes, shows that merchants now incur an inconceivable expense in outfitting their vessels, many of which may not sail because of the unjust conduct of the seamen and lack of an official to arbitrate disputes between American captains and...
320Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 21, 1779: We thank you for your letter of January 13 and its enclosures. The weather here has suddenly turned severe, rendering navigation on the river impossible. We have had to haul our vessels onto shore, but not before they suffered considerable ice damage, which unfortunately cannot be repaired until the river opens. Repairs should...
321Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 15 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, December 15, 1778: We have received yours of the 5th enclosing copies of your letters of November 11 and 27; the original of the first had never arrived. We are grateful for your efforts respecting a convoy. The letter from the Minister of the Marine indicates he cannot provide an escort beyond Cape Finisterre. A convoy that goes only that far is...
322Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 7 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, November 7, 1778: Repeated captures of American vessels off this coast induce us to seek more effective protection. The intelligence our enemies obtain about the departure of our ships allows their capture as soon as the French frigates part from their convoy. Not only are supplies to our country threatened, so are the American gentlemen intending...
323Gérard to the American Commissioners, 17 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library Je suis chargé de vous annoncer que vous serés presentés au Roi vendredi prochain, si vous voulés bien vous rendre ici vers dix heures du matin. Mr. Le Comte de Vergennes espere que vous voudrés bien ensuite lui faire l’honneur de diner avec lui. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec la consideration la plus distinguée Messieurs Votre très humble et très obeissant...
324Gérard 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...
325Gérard 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 /...
326Gérard to the American Commissioners, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Connecticut Historical Society; AL : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai recu la lettre que vous m’avés fait l’honneur de m’ecrire avec celle qui y etoit jointe et dont je suis chargé de vous remercier. Voici le paquet dont les deux passagers voudront bien se charger. Il est adressé au Commissaire ordonateur de la marine. On ne lui mande pas leurs noms, et celui de Deane...
327Gérard to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Translation reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution . . . (revised ed.; 6 vols., Washington, D.C., 1857), I , 472 I have acquainted his majesty’s ministers with the fresh demand respecting the 11th and 12th articles of the treaty of commerce. The king having approved these two articles, agreeable to your unanimous wishes, they can not be...
328Conrad-Alexandre Gérard to the American Commissioners, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress Once the news of Saratoga arrived, the French government lost no time. This polite note arranged a meeting the next day, which revealed that a turning point had come in Franco-American relations. Gérard began the interview by telling the commissioners that Maurepas and Vergennes had sent him to congratulate them and to ask for any...
329Conrad-Alexandre Gérard to the American Commissioners, 6 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society; Library of Congress On desireroit qu’on voulut bien suspendre la Communication du Memoire signé contenant des Demandes particulieres. On aura l’honneur de prevenir du Moment ou elle pourra se faire. En attendant on pourroit se borner a faire Part du Memoire d’Eclaircissemens relatif a l’etat des Choses en Amerique, ainsi que des Pieces qui y sont...
330Marie-Nicole Grossart de Virly Gérard to the American Commissioners, 26 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Harvard University Library J’avois envoyé a mon Mari, mon portrait et celui de ma fille, sur une Boete que M. Williams de Nantes a fait partir par un vaisseau qui a ete pris et conduit a Grenezay. M. de Chaumont m’a dit Messieurs que vous auriez la bonté pour moi et mon mari d’employer votre Correspondant a Nantes, qui a son gendre fils du Maire de Grenezay pour [racheter?] cette Boete...
331John Gibson to the American Commissioners, 8 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives In pursuance of an order of the Board of Treasury, I inclose you the following Resolutions, and beg leave to inform you, that notwithstanding the order of Congress for immediately striking Bills of Exchange to a greater amount, the Interest of the Continental Loan Office Certificates Issued to the 10th of March last will not exceed...
332John 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...
333John 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...
334John 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...
335John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 16 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, November 16, 1778: Having received no answer from you, I am writing a third time to request money to join my regiment in South Carolina. A convoy is expected and the vessels will be ready to sail. It is the custom of every nation to supply an officer who has been taken prisoner with the amount of his pay to rejoin his station. If this were not so,...
336John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 17 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this Moment the honour of your Letter of Novr. 10th: in answer to mine of Octr. 6th: since which time I had the honour to write you Novr. 4th. past, and not receiving an Answer sooner, I yesterday wrote a third time which I imagine you will receive before this. I am by your letter rendred compleatly distressed. Nor do I know which way to turn myself,...
337John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 15 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am sorry to be under the necessity of troubling you so often on so disagreable a subject and have no Apology but that to offer for again taking up your Attention. I have had the honor to write you several letters stating my uncomfortable Situation, and flattered myself I had given reasons sufficient to induce a compliance with my requisition in those I...
338Alexander Gillon to the American Commissioners, 25 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, January 25, 1779: I arrived here today from our continent via Havana. I embarked for Spain on November 17; on the 19th instant I encountered a small fleet about fifty leagues east south east of Cape Finisterre commanded by de Grasse, who suggested that I make for Brest with the frigate Fortunée , Capt. Marigny. To expedite the business I am sent on...
339Godet 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...
340Gourlade, Bérard frères & Monplaisir to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society In Consequence of your letter of 12th: Instant we have acquainted Mr. Beaumarchais we were ready to account with him for the whole Proceeds of the Cargo of the amphitrite of which we have already remitted to him part of the amount and Shall continue. If our accounts of disbursements for the two frigattes have exceeded your expectations you cannot with any...
341Gourlade, Bérard frères & Monplaisir to the American Commissioners, 6 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Connecticut Historical Society We have the satisfaction to inform you of the arrival in this Road of two Continental fregattes one the Rolly of 32 Guns Capn. Thompson the other Alfred Capn: Hindman of 20 Guns. Both sailed from Portsmouth the 22d. of August last. They have brought under our Island of Groix two Jamaica Men belonging to London taken at the mouth of the channell one the...
342Gourlade & 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...
343Gourlade & Moylan to the American Commissioners, 9 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The present only serves to advise you of the arrival this day of the Schooner Dauphin from Boston wch. place she left the 16 November last. Amongst the different Dispatches for Court and private letters wch the Owners of this vessel recommended we shou’d see the Cap: deliver the Commissary there did not appear any to your address, and the only news she...
344Isaac-Jean-Georges-Jonas Grand to the American Commissioners, [6 April? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Translation: American Philosophical Society Mr. Grand is the more sorry for not having had the honour of seeing yesterday the honourable Mr. Franklin as he was desirous to speak to him of two interesting subjects, the one Mr. Boux nephew who does nothing at Nantes altho’ in the States’ Service. He would be more usefull at Amsterdam as well to forward the Construction of the Indian as to bring...
345Georges Grand to the American Commissioners, 27 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society J’arrivai avant hier soir en bonne santé, avec mon Compagnon de Voyage, malgré les mauvais chemins et la difficulté des passages. Nous avons commençé à visiter les Chantiers, et nous allons tout de suite, entrer en conférences avec les meilleurs Constructeurs, pour traitter et faire metre la main à l’ouvrage; il ne manque ni de matériaux ni de bons...
346Marie Silvestre Grand to the American Commissioners, 5 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mme. Grand presante une requette a Messieurs Les Deputés assemblés pour luy accorder un jour pour luy faire l’honneur de venir Diner ches elle a commencer des samedy Prochain son demenagement ne luy ayant pas permis de le faire plutot. Addressed: A Leurs Excellences / Messieurs Les Deputés / De Lamerique septentrionale Mme. Ferdinand Grand. The date set was...
347[Ferdinand Grand]: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, [before 25 September? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AD : University of Pennsylvania Library This document, on the evidence at hand, cannot be precisely dated. It was written to help the commissioners draft the one that follows, their memorandum of September 25 to the Bourbon courts, which they had been considering for almost a month. On August 29 Arthur Lee received a letter from John Berkenhout, a close friend from their student days together...
348[Ferdinand Grand]: Draft Contract for the American Commissioners, 1 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Nous soussignés en vertu de nos pouvoirs donnons ordre et pouvoir á Mr. [ blank in MS ] de nous procurer au mioeux possible et le plus promptement que faire se pourra quatre flutes de Guerre Comme Celle qui se construit en hollande. Nous nous engageons en Consequence de fournir les fonds et les avances necessaires à sa requisition; nous en rapportant á tout...
349Ferdinand Grand: Receipt for the American Commissioners, 10 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay reçu de Messieurs Franklin Dean et Lee Cinq Cent mille Livres dont Je leur tiendrai Compte. Notation: Monsr. Grands Rect for 500.000 Livs The third installment of the two million from the French government; the first was received on Jan. 17 and the second in April: above, XXIII , 198, 199 n.
350[Ferdinand Grand]: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, [before 28 August? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): American Philosophical Society Le Congrés a authorisé ses Comissionaires a emprunter en Europe 2 millions Stl. soit 46 millions argent de france remboursable dans 10 ans a l’interret de 6 pct. tous fraix faits. Les Comissionaires ont en consequence commence par faire imprimer pour 4 millions de promesses. Quoyqu’ils n’en ayent pas encorre fait usage ils ont tout lieu d’esperer que...