721Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 17 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook draft: Yale University Library The two last days have been employed in going to Painbeuf (about 30 miles hence) examining the Mercury, and returning to Nantes. I have the pleasure to inform you that what I have hitherto seen is very satisfactory, the Mercury appears to be a very good Ship, 7 Years old, burden 300 Tons (Mr. Peltrier thinks 350,)...
722Edward Bancroft to the American Commissioners, 3 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Bancroft was beginning to find a spy’s life hard on the nerves. In July, worried because the British kept the originals of some letters he had stolen, he made new financial demands on them. By the beginning of August he was urging Wentworth to look after his interests, “which, till lately, he never shewed much anxiety about, and indeed seemed to be quite...
723Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 22 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor of your Favours by Messrs. Portail &c. There is no opportunity for them to embark exceept via St. Domingo, unless the packet Boat should be sent. I say nothing to them of the Count de Vergennes as you do not express an Intention that they should go in her. They do not seem to like to go in a Ship under american Colours least they should be...
724Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I have the pleasure to inform you of the happy return of the Mercury in 23 Days. As there are no public dispatches from Congress nor the appearance of any important action, and as the post goes out as soon as I could send a Courier, I think it best to save that Expence: the amphitrite arrived safe in portsmouth,...
725The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 6[–9] October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society, Maine Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) Since ours to you by return of the Packet from New Hamshire and duplicates by Mr. McCreary from Maryland, we have not written, nor have we received any of your favors during the last two months, except a letter of old date (Apr. 29th) signed by Mr. Deane and Doctr. Lee. Capt....
726Boux to the American Commissioners, 7 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous est rendu conte Messieurs Du premier marché aresté pour la construction D’un Vaisseau, et c’et avec un plus grand plaisir que je vous ennonce la parole donnee pour un segond, qui ne coutera que 200 milles florins, c’est a Dire plus de 35 milles franc de france de moins que le 1er. J’espere que cette semaine les deux contrats seront passé pour...
727Barbeu-Dubourg to the American Commissioners, 1 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society MM. Dubourg, Debout et Compagnie, ayant pris des engagemens pour fournir a la ferme generale vingt mille boucauts de tabac des crus de la Virginie et du Mariland, se proposent de porter de france dans les ports des Etats unis de l’Amerique des marchandises de fabrique françoise, pour rapporter en retour non seulement des tabacs, mais diverses autres denrées...
728Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 27 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library When the Count de Vergennes was bought it was thought that she would be much too large for her Cargo, and you in consequence ordered purchases sufficient to fill her. In determining what would be sufficient, we had only for our guide the goods that were left here, and those advised from orleans, and we made our...
729The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 8 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: University of Virginia Library, Library of Congress, National Archives At the Time this will be delivered to you, Bills of Exchange will also be presented for your acceptance drawn by the Honble. Henry Laurens Esqr. of Charlestown S. Carolina who was elected President of the continental Congress on the first day of this month; of which we...
730Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 13 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Upon examination of the Concord, her Inventory was found very deficient, those things which we thought would be a diminution of her price of at least 5000 Livres were not in her. It seems the owner has lately fitted out a large Ship for the Coast of Guinea and has taken from one to supply the other. This determined Mr. Peltier to purchase the Count de...