621The 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...
622Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioners, 9 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Three ALS : American Philosophical Society I have to inform you that since my last of Sept 18th. I have emitted Loan Office Bills of Exchange as follows Viz To the State New Jersey 10 Setts for 36 Dollr. each Numbered 989 to 998 Inclusive 10 . . do. . . 60 . . . . do. . . . . 328 to 337 — 10 . . do. . .
623Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In expectation of hearing from you I have only at present to inform you that I am just returned from Painbeuf, and have had the pleasure of seeing as fine a Ship as any of her size in any Navy. I am in expectation of seeing Capt. Nicholson soon and if our obstacles are removed I shall soon finish the Expedition; the Ship is all rigged, Guns mounted and...
624Sartine to the American Commissioners, 16 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two), Library of Congress <Versailles, September 16, 1778, in French: I have received your letter concerning the French ship Isabelle recaptured by the privateer General Mifflin . The naval ordnance of 1681 assigns captains of recaptured vessels a third of their value if retaken within 24 hours. American privateers in France benefit...
625Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioner or Commissioners, 6 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of the 14th. of Jany. the following Setts of Exchange have issued from my Office Viz To Pennsylvania Dolls 150 setts 36 Dolls. No. 2218–2367 = 5,400 To New Jersey Dolls 50 setts 30 Dols. No. 2026–2075 = 1,500
626William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 6 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A Singular Omission on the part of the Minister has been the Cause that several Articles of the Treaty of Commerce entered into betwixt his most Christian Majesty & the United States of America, & operating to the Advantage of the American Commerce, have not been enforced here—the General not having as yet received a Copy of the Treaty with Orders for the...
627Dumas to the American Commissioners, 24 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, July 24, 1778, in French: It is reported that France has declared war on England, causing the British stocks to decline in Amsterdam. It is also reported the British have released the Dutch ships they captured. Thank you for forwarding me the packet from the committee of secret correspondence. I will continue to...
628Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 15 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be delivered by my very good Friend Mr. Beaugear, who has been very kind in rendering me every Service in his power since his Arrival, as I have recommended his House here in a former letter have but little to add on that Subject, they Continue to do every thing in their power to Assist me and makes my detention as Agreeable as possible. As their...
629Thomas Barclay to the American Commissioners, 26 June 1786 (Adams Papers)
This day week we arrived here, since which I have had two audiences from His Majesty, the first a public one & the second a private one of yesterday. It is but a few minutes since I heard that a Courrier will depart this Evening for Daralbeyda, & I have not time to enter into particulars. It will be agreable however for you to know, that the last draught of the Treaty is made, & will probably...
630Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 28 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society These may Serve to Inform your Honours that I am Now Lying Wind bound ready for Sea and Shall Imbrace the first Opportunity after a Long Detention for the want of Seaman. The Last three weeks I was in Bordeaux my Crew was very Sickly. I had the misfortune to Loose Several from the Hospital Who died with a Pluricy fever. Then troubled with a Pack of...
631Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 4 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I this day received yours 26th. Decemr. and shall pay due Attention to the Contents thereof. I shall emeadiately proceed for port L’Oriont and Execute that Bussiness and make my report Accordingly, as soon as possible. I shall take particular Care to Send my letters as you Direct and all my Letters will be directed to the Honourable Doctor Franklin, untill...
632Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 18 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives, Library of Congress (two) <Versailles, December 18, 1778, in French: Dr. Smith’s effects have finally been found in the customs at Calais. They are a packet containing twelve tablecloths, twelve knives, and twelve iron forks with silver ferrules. He must pay the usual charges...
633Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 25 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library M. Peltier has recvd. his Instructions from M. Montieu, but they are not exactly similar to yours, M. Montieu intending to put all his Goods on board the Chalotais, and I prefer putting as much of yours as I can on board of this Ship, which by the tenor of your agreement it appears I have liberty to do. However rather than have any further Difficulty or...
634John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 26 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, August 26, 1778: Last evening arrived one of Captain McNeill’s prizes, the brig Archangel , taken at latitude 72° N. longitude 25° E. while en route from Archangel to London. A boat from Boston belonging to Basmarein & Co. has arrived but brings no news. Captain Ayres continues to decline; I have sent him to the country but the doctor believes he...
635John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 4 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, July 4, 1778: The Union left Edenton on June 6 and arrived here on the 2nd but unfortunately, after so short a passage, brought no news. Accounts come in of losses on the Carolina coast caused by pilots’ misconduct; the inhabitants mislead our ships or refuse help, and the state government should take notice. Mr. Sartine has invited local...
636Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library Since writing by this days post I have received the inclosed plans and Memorandum from Messr. Jean henry Wilfelsheim & Compy. who wish to be employed to build in some port in the Baltic Sea ships of war on account of the Congress if they or you for them will give orders. They say that they can do this in a very advantageous manner that being the Country...
637Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 24 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Since my last of 21st Instant I have nothing to inform your Excellencies relative to Business, the weather having been such as to prevent any operation. The last post from Brest brings accounts of the Return of Monsr. la motte Picquet with his Fleet. He left our Ships in Latt. 42 Longd. 17 with a fine wind which continued fifteen Days. After Seperation...
638Baron Schulenburg to the American Commissioners, 15 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Benjamin F. Stevens, ed., Facsimiles of Manuscripts in European Archives Relating to America, 1773–1783 (25 vols., London, 1889–98), VII , no. 656. J’ai recu la lettre que vous m’avez faite l’Honneur de m’addresser le 14 passè et Je n’ai pas manquè d’informer Le Roi de L’empressment que temoignent les Colonies Angloises de L’Amerique septentrionale, a ètablir avec nous un...
639Gérard 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...
640Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 11 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library I send inclosed the agreement made with the proposed Captain of the Lion which I request you to sign your approbation of and return by the next post. The Sum is as small a one as I could possibly agree for, and I hope you will not think it too much. When 5 and 6000 Livres has been given, this does not seem very extravagant. The articles relative to the...
641Friedrich Wilhelm von Thulemeier to the American Commissioners: Résumé, 8 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: National Archives ⟨The Hague, October 8, 1784, in French: I have notified the king without delay of the dispositions of the United States for the conclusion of a treaty of amity and commerce, contained in your letter of September 9. His majesty has furnished me with full powers to conclude this treaty, of which I am enclosing a copy. It appears unnecessary to send you a copy of...
642Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library Inclosed is a Letter from Capt. Nicholson by which you will see the number of prizes is much less than the prize master here told me. I hear that one is Arrived at Dunkirk I have as yet heard nothing of the other Six. Mr. Morris Returnd from Bordeaux the day before yesterday. I sent the prize master to him Explained the reason of my Conduct and gave up...
643Dumas to the American Commissioners, 3 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <The Hague, November 3, 1778, in French: Our friend has warned Mr. Baker, the secretary of the Amsterdam Admiralty, that if the Admiralty’s preliminary advisory serves to weaken the protest to the English court he will communicate the action to the entire business community. Such an action would...
644John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 13 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, October 13, 1778: We learn from an American privateer which arrived at Corunna on September 30 that Admiral Howe tried to relieve Rhode Island. His and d’Estaing’s fleets were severely damaged in a storm; he has returned to New York and d’Estaing regained his post off Newport. The privateer took two packet boats from which he has brought into...
645William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 12 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society Above is Copy of my last Respects, and am still without any of your esteemed Favors. The last Accounts from America were of the 26 April, by which I find the Operations of the Army had not as yet commenced; but it was expected every Day that the Campaign would open. By an Extract of a Letter from Genl. Washington to the Congress, there is reason to believe...
646Sartine to the American Commissioners, 26 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Harvard University Library On m’a remis, Messieurs, la Lettre que vous avez pris la peine de m’ecrire au sujet de la détention à Bordeaux de la Barque la Jane Capt. William Castle. Sur l’assurance que vous me donnez qu’elle apartient à un citoyen des Etats unis et qu’elle est destinée pour ce Pays, j’ai rendu compte au Roy de votre demande; et d’après l’aprobation de Sa M[ajest]é il va...
647Jno. Walke to the American Commissioners, 17 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Misfortune to Inform you that the Dispute Between Mr. B. and my Self was only Determind 15th Inst. After a Detention here of three Months and upwards. The Determination of the Parliment was that I had Leave to Depart Bourdeaux with my Vessell and Each party to pay for what Ever Expence we have been at for the Sute which has made the Matter faull...
648Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 7 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you the 3d. by post and the 5th. by Mr. De Francy. I have not received any of yours since Mr. De Francy’s Arrival. I should be glad of a Line from you, informing of your intentions in regard to my further distination. We are now all ready to heave down and only Wait for good weather, the Weather has been very bad this last Week or that Job would...
649Ebenezer Smith Platt to the American Commissioners, 21 April 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ADS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Paris, April 21, 1778: The petitioner recounts his role in obtaining the gunpowder landed at Savannah in 1775, and his subsequent arrest and imprisonment in Jamaica and in England. He was released through the efforts of a committee for American prisoners, arrived in Paris destitute, and asks help in getting home.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI ,...
650Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 3 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be delivered by Monsr. Becard a Very Worthy and respectable Merchant of this place and is disposed to enter into the American Trade. As he will Confer with you personally on this Subject, I shall refer you to him for the particulars of his Intentions on this head. As this Gentleman has been very Kind in rendering me every Service in his power at...
651John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 27 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, June 27, 1778: The Belle-Poule ’s engagement is considered here a prelude to war; all foreign produce is being bought up as speculation. Admiral Byron is apparently not bound for America. These developments may further recruiting there, which I am told needs a spur. The marquis d’Almodóvar left on the night of the 25th. The nonarrival of the...
652Conrad-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...
653Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 16 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed is from Mr. Lee who set off this Morning, for Bourdeaux. The Dispatches &c. went with Mr. Morris to paimbeuf yesterday and are I hope by this time on board. I have the pleasure to inform you that an american Frigate supposed to be Capt. Weeks has sent a prize laden with Codfish into l’orient; This news comes by a Gentleman who arrivd from...
654Dumas to the American Commissioners, 8 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft); Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, December 8, 1778, in French: English funds [government bonds] have fallen in value, and letters from England increase the qualms of those holding them. Amsterdam has printed and distributed copies of its protest against the resolution of November 18. This has shocked the English party. This morning the French...
655Gourlade & 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...
656Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners, 12 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <On board the Boston , Port Louis, July 12, 1778: The Frenchmen I took on at Bordeaux have given me much trouble. When we arrived here eight of them got shore leave; their sergeant complained so much of their treatment that the King’s officers, including General La Touche of Lorient, came aboard yesterday evening to ask them whether they would stay or go...
657Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 23 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received none of your favours by the two last posts. Things remain in the same Situation here as When I wrote you last. We are Suffered to go on and refit, but very Slowly the Tradesmen of this port Work but very slow and we Cannot hurey them Much for fear of being Stop’d. I think we Can be ready to Sail by the first of Next Month if not Stop’t here....
658John Ross to the American Commissioners, 18 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; three copies, National Archives <Nantes, August 18, 1778: I wrote on July 16th and 23rd respecting public business and have received no reply. Mr. Delavile has applied to me once more with bills of Mr. Ceronio on the public account. I need an answer for him. Likewise I require the funds owed Willing, Morris & Co. from the public account to terminate their...
659Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 22 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, September 22, 1778: When I laid my accounts before you, I left the general one open pending its completion; I now send it, closed and settled, up to May 30, 1778. You will also find accounts of the arms magazine, invoice of arms repaired, and the general account from June 1 to September 10, with a balance in your favor of 7,386 l.t. 18 s. 9 d. I...
660The Massachusetts Council to the American Commissioners, 31 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress Above you have a Copy of our last, since which we have received from the Secrett Committee of Congress Three Letters addressed to you, and they request that we would forward them by any Vessel going to France, but under the Care of a discreet Person to be employed by us at Continental Expence to go Passenger. We have employed Mr....
661Dumas to the American Commissioners, 10 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (incomplete draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Je crois vous avoir dit déjà que je donne aussi copie au Su[bstitut] des Extraits que je vous envoie, et que cela lui fait grand plaisir. Jamais on ne m’a parlé avec plus d’ouverture, qu’après avoir vu l’Extrait ci-joint de Paris. On m’a avoué enfin, que toutes les apparences sont pour une guerre...
662De Souza to the American Commissioners, 27 September 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
L’Ambassadeur de Portugal a l’honneur de prevenir Messieurs Francklin, Adams, et Jefferson qu’il a reçu leur lettre et qu’il l’a fait passer immediatement a sa Cour dont il attend la reponse pour pouvoir communiquer avec eux sur les articles relatifs au Traité de Commerce. RC ( DNA : PCC , No. 86); in a clerk’s hand, unsigned; endorsed in part: “The Ambassador of Portugal.” Tr ( DNA : PCC ,...
663François-Auguste-Pompée Hennet to the American Commissioners, 26 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. hennet a l’honneur de saluer Messieurs Francklin et Deane et de les prier de vouloir bien lui faire savoir s’ils ont eu avis de l’arrivée à Nantes des fusils qu’il y a fait expedier de la manufacture de Maubeuge, pour leur compte et par leur ordre. M. hennet est chez M. Brillon où il attendra la réponse de ces Messieurs, il se randra chez eux si ils...
664John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 27 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor to inform you that from Paris I reached this place in 56 hours. As I have in my possession repeated Orders from Congress to Afford Aid and protection to the American Commerce, I conceive it to be my duty to give my best protection and safe conduct to the Squadron with Supplies now nearly in readiness to sail from hence, until they are at...
665Charles Thomson to the American Commissioners, 13 August 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
In pursuance of the orders of the Committee of the States I have the honor to transmit to you the copy of a letter signed T. Gilfillan dated London the 19 feby 1784 with the copy of an inspection roll of Negroes taken on board certain vessels at Anchor near Staten Island on the 30 Novr. 1783. to be made use of in any negotiations you may have with the Court of Great Britain agreeably to the...
666Peter Collas to the American Commissioners, 8 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Passy, October 8, 1778: Last August 6 I left here for Nantes and sailed on the 29th for Boston on the Dispatch , Corbin Barnes, master. I was captured on September 1, and taken into Guernsey; I made my way from there to England and finally to Calais. My trunk was searched and a number of articles were held on the supposition that they were made in England....
667John Ross to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Extract and transcript of extract: National Archives The Ship three friends ownd by Mr. Williams & Co. being detained still here owing principally to the want of hands, will am in hopes from the assurances of the Capt. and owners depart tomorrow . . . I have since advisd them (the Committee of Congress) of the change of property in the Ship La Brune in Consequence of your accepting of the Ship...
668Conrad-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...
669William Lee to the American Commissioners, 20 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Virginia Historical Society As you have now furnish’d me with the copy of the Treaty, I do not know of any reason for remaining here any longer, therefore propose setting out for Vienna in two or 3 daies to execute my appointment at that Court, provided you will supply me with the necessary funds to bear the expence of my Commission. The money will not be immediately requisite, as a...
670James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 2 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honor of advising you the 29th. ultimo of the departure of the Raleigh and Alfred Frigates. I am now to inform you, that in consequence of your power to me dated December last, I apply’d to Mr. Gourlade of this place on the subject of it; as much from a desire of complying with your and Mr. Chaumont’s intention, as judging him worthy of that...