141C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 4 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Our friend and I propose to undertake an initiative in regard to his town more ambitious than any yet attempted. With God’s help and that of our enemies, who further our strategy by continuing to mistreat this Republic, we hope that it will lead us into the final, great phase of establishing a perfect union between the two sisters. To achieve this we must give our friend additional material,...
142John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 30 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor of writing to you by the last Post that Monsieur De la Prevalaye, the present Commandant here, had absolutely refused to continue the Guard which Comte D’Orvilliers lent me for the security of Prisoners of War taken by the Ranger, and Confined on board the Prize Brig Patience in the Road. I then promised to use every possible means to have the Guard continued until you could...
143John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 29 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Since my last of the 26th I an honord with your favor of the 19th. Commissioning the emediate purchase of fifty six pieces of Cannon say Twenty eight 24 pounders and Twenty eight eighteen pounders. From the search I have already made I suspect it will be November before they can be all colected. I propose going to the Forges next week on that Account. I shall take every precaution both with...
144John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 28 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have this moment been with Mons. De la Prévalaye by Accident. That Gentleman you know, Commands here in the Absence of Comte D’Orvilliers. He has told me that as there are now no Ships of War in the Road he can no longer furnish a Guard for the Prisoners taken by the Ranger and now on board the Prize Brigantine Patience. I could have no dependence on the Officers and Marines of the Ranger...
145John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 26 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Last Evening Arrived at this Port a prize Brig call’d the Archangel from Archangel for London taken by the privateer General Mifflin: Cap. Daniel M’Neil of Boston in Lat 72 North Long 25°East of London. The American Arms may truely be said to extend to the Poles. The views of having a privateer to Cruize in them Seas must be truely Partiotic. It can afford no other object than to destroy the...
146James Moylan to the Commissioners, 26 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
The General Mifflin Privateer Cap: McNeal arrived here yesterday. He sail’d from Portsmouth the 8th. of May last and has been for two months past cruizing in the North Seas, where, and at the mouth of the Channel, he made thirteen prizes, five of which he sunk. The rest he sent to America and this Kingdom, one of which is arrived in this port, (a french Brig loaded with suggars Coffee and...
147Puchelberg & Co. to the Commissioners, 26 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Nous avons l’honneur de nous referer à nôtre lettre du 24 de ce mois, et celuy d’annoncer très humblement à vos Excellences que depuis hier il est arrivé sur nôtre rade un Batiment Anglo Americain de 20 Canons nommé le General Muffelin Mifflin commandé par le Capitaine Daniel MaKenil McNeill venant de Portsmouth dans La nouvelle Angleterre, c’est depuis 4 mois que le dit Capitaine est en...
148Puchelberg & Co. to the Commissioners: A Translation, 26 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have the honor to refer to our letter of the 24th of this month and very humbly to inform your Excellencies that yesterday an Anglo-American vessel of 20 guns, the General Mifflin commanded by Captain Daniel McNeill, arrived in our harbor from Portsmouth, New England. This captain had been cruising for 4 months, and three days ago took back from a Guernsey privateer a French vessel coming...
149Ralph Izard to the Commissioners, 25 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
In a Letter which I have lately received from Florence, and which I have had the honour of laying before you, it is recommended that an endeavour should be made to interest the Min istry in favour of any Loan that may be attempted in Genoa for the United States, as it is probable the Genoese may require the security of the Court of France, for the payment of such sums as they may have it in...
150Thomas Read to the Commissioners, 25 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I Received yours by Capt. Barns. I have been So unwell that I have not been out of my Room, am now recuiting fast, and in a few days to be fit to do any Business. I have got my Vessel Clean’d and near fitted, and have sent her down to Pellrene le Pellerin . I understand by the agent here, that the y have not goods belonging to the Publick. The y have told me the y wrote your Honors to know...
151Muscoe Livingston to the Commissioners, 24 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
My having been very unwell ever Since Capt. Tuckers departure from this place, has prevented My writing you, on the Subject, of the three prizes, which he Sold to Monsieure Peuchelburg, of L’orint for Account of Mr. Scweighauser of this place; it appears by Capt. Tuckers certificate as well as by other papers in My possession (which shall be sent you, if Necessary) that Mr. Peuchelburg assured...
152Puchelberg & Co. to the Commissioners, 24 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Nous avons l’honneur de remettre très humblement à Vos Excellences la lettre ci-jointe dont M. Lee demeurant chez M. Schweighauser a Nantes nous chargea hier à Son Passage par cette Ville Et vous voudrez bien nous faire la grace de nous en assurer la reception. Comme nous sommes les associés du dit M. Schweighauser: c’est avec un Empressement particulier que nous avons offrit à Vos Excellences...
153Puchelberg & Co. to the Commissioners: A Translation, 24 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
We have the honor to forward very humbly to your excellencies the enclosed letter which was given to us yesterday by Mr. Lee, who resided with Mr. Schweighauser when he was in Nantes, and ask you to please acknowledge its receipt. As associates of the aforementioned Mr. Schweighauser, we have been eager to offer you our humble services in this area. Our wishes would be most fulfilled in...
154James Smith to the Commissioners, 24 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
This is to inform you that when I arrived at Calis the 4th of May 1778 I had part of my Baggage detain’d by the Custom House Officers under the pretence of their being contraband. They consist of Household Linnen and some articles included under the denomination of plate which had been in use for some time and appeared to me as necessary for the comfort of a private family unused to the...
155British Prisoners of War to the Commissioners, 22 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
This to inform your honouers we perisoners was Taken By Capt. Tucker Commander of the Boston was Sent on Shore the 3 Instant to Nantzs and from Nantzs to this town we humble beg Your Honouers to Grant us Lebertiy to Goe home for we have no mony and no Cridet here we have Dun Nothing amiss to our knowalage more then aney other Captains th e y all Gott there Liberty we humbley beg your honouers...
156Abraham Whipple to the Commissioners, 19 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I had the pleasure of writing you July 31 from Paimbeufe where I had been wind bound for fifteen days. The Boston had not joined me Then. She afterwards did and August 8th we proceeded for Brest in Company. Contrary winds proving unfavourable detained us at Sea till the 14th when we arrived at Brest. I here found that Lt. Simpson had strictly attended to my Orders of July 24th and done every...
157C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 18 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Depuis mes dernieres, il ne s’est rien passé ici qui valût la peine de vous l’écrire. Cela ne veut pas dire cependant, que je n’aie tous les jours quelque occasion d’agir pour le bien général, et par conséquent de fréquenter tous les jours l’hôtel de F——, de recevoir des intelligences et des Lettres, et d’en dormer des Extraits, qui passent quelque fois au Cabinet, mais le plus souvent, et...
158C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 18 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Since my last letters, nothing worthy of writing about has occurred. That is not to say, however, that every day I have not had some occasion of acting for the general welfare of the cause and, therefore, of visiting the French embassy daily in order to receive intelligence and letters, or to provide extracts which sometimes are sent to the Cabinet, but more often, and even with regularity, go...
159John Ross to the Commissioners, 18 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the honour to Address You, on the 16th and 23d. Ultimo —Not on business of my own but that which Regards the United States, and consistent with the common Rule of Regularity, claimed an Answer long since. Mr. Delavile holder of Mr. Ceronio’s bills applyed to me again by letter, on last Saturday, and the bills being drawn, on public Account, shall be glad to know what Answer am to...
160James Moylan to the Commissioners, 17 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Brig Lady Washington Cap: Rowntree arrived here yesterday from James River Virginia loaded with Tobacco. She sail’d from thence the 8th. July. The Captain tells me the two army’s were then in the Jerseys, and that the Enemy’s ships were still in the Delaware, in order I suppose to insure it’s retreat if necessary, that General Washington’s army amounted to 18,000 men, the people in general...
161John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 16 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Captain Ayres I have found in a very ill State of Health and apprehend he will not be able to proceed in the Vessel. The Brig will be ready for Sea at the reception of your dispatches. Should the Captains Health not permit to proceed you will please to give me your instructions to whom you would transfer the Command. These vessels being built for quick swift Sailing, should the plan I had the...
Je m’empresse, Messieurs, de repondre aux observations que vous m’avez adressées par La Lettre que vous m’avez fait L’honneur de m’ecrire le 13 de ce mois, sur Le projet d’un reglement pour les Prises et prisonniers des Etats respectifs. Je Crois en avoir rempli l’objet par une Nouvelle redaction des Articles 2 et 14 dont je joint ici un nouveau Texte, avec des Exemplaires des differentes loix...
163Sartine to the Commissioners: A Translation, 16 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I take the earliest opportunity to answer the observations addressed to me in the letter which you did me the honor to write to me the 13th. instant on the project of a regulation for the prizes and prisonners of the respective U States. I Conceive that I have fulfilled the object by digesting anew the 2. and 14 Articles of which I annex another text with copies of the different Laws that have...
164John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 15 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have now been five days in this place since my Arrival from Passy—during which time neither seen nor heard from Lieutenant Simpson. But Mr. Hill, who was last Winter at Passy and who sailed with me from Nantes, informs me truely—that it is generally reported in the Ranger and of course throughout the French Fleet and on Shore—That I am turned out of the Service—and that you Gentlemen, have...
165Peter Frederick Dobrée to the Commissioners, 11 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
My Father in law has just now comunicated me the Honble. 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 in the anonimous Letter, but beg you...
166Sartine to the Commissioners, 10 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Depuis la letter, que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire, Messieurs le 29 du mois dernier, le Commissaire des classes a Nantes m’a marqué que l’agent des Etats unis lui avoit remis des Prisonniers Anglois qu’il avoit fait enfermer au Chateau ou l’agent pourvoit a leur Subsistance. M. de la Porte, intendant a Brest m’a egalement ecrit au Sujet d’une prise du corsaire americain le Ranger dont le...
167Sartine to the Commissioners: A Translation, 10 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Since the letter that I had the honor to write you on the 29th of last month, the Commissionaire des Classes at Nantes has informed me that the agent of the United States has entrusted him with some British prisoners whom he had confined in the castle, the agent providing for their subsistence there. Mr. de La Porte, Intendant at Brest, has also written me concerning a prize taken by the...
168John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 6 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
By a resolve of Congress the Seamen who engaged to Serve in the Ranger under my Command were furnished Individually with forty Dollars, the Landsmen with Twenty Dollars Advance in Continental Bills at the time of Entry. They have Also been supplyed with Slops from time to time to a considerable Amount. And they received a small Advance in Cash from my hands at Nantes last Winter. I conceive it...
169C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 3 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
J’ai eu l’honneur de vous envoyer copie de la Lettre que j’aiécrite à Mr. Van Berkel Pensionaire d’Amsterdam le 27 du mois passé. Il m’a répondu ce qui suit de l’endroit òu il est allé passer l’Eté, peu éloigné d’Amsterdam. Je vous ai bien de l’Obligation, pour la bonté que vous avez eue de m’envoyer la Copie du Traité d’Amitié et de Commerce, conclu entre la France et les Etats-Unis de...
170C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 3 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor to send you a copy of the letter that I wrote to Mr. van Berckel, Pensionary of Amsterdam, on the 27th of last month. Writing from his summer place not far from Amsterdam, he replied with the following: I am greatly obliged to you for your kindness in sending me the copy of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce concluded by France and the United States of America. And, since it was...
171John Paul Jones to the Commissioners, 2 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Captain Jones begs the Commissioners to oblige him with Copies of the following letters—or with the liberty of taking Copies of Monseigneur De Sartines letter to the Commissioners respecting Captain Jones, of their Answer to that letter, of the Commissioners letter to Lieutenant Simpson in consequence of Captain Jones’ proposition in his favor, and of the paper dated the 4th of July—which...
172James Moylan to the Commissioners, 1 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
The Frigate Boston saild this morning with her three prizes. Captain Tucker happend accidentally to have mention’d to me, that he had your orders to take on board some goods here, but that as the wind was fair, he determind not to wait for them. If it is a disapointment to you, which in any manner can be remedied by loading them on a french bottom, I can give you freight for them on reasonable...
173Titus Ogden to the Commissioners, July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Pardon the freedom I take in thus addressing your honours unknown but as an American I trust you will not take it amiss. On my arrival here the begining of april in the Ship Harmony Hall loaded with Tobacco &c. I was boarded by a Mr. Moylan who shewed my me yours letters impowering him to act as Agent here on which account I consigned my vessell and Cargo to him and must confess the dispatch...
174John Ayres to the Commissioners, 29 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I arived Yesterday in 26 days from Boston, with a packet for Your Excellencys With Positive Orders to deliver the Same with my Own Hands, which should have done with greatest Pleasure, but my Ill State of Health Prevents me that Honour. Therefore have desir’d Mr. Texier, a friend off Mr. Bondfield, to take the Charge, Which he Readily Accepted, and make no doubt will Come Safe to hand. I trust...
175Sartine to the Commissioners, 29 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Versailles, 29 July 1778. LbC ( Adams Papers , French text of both letter and enclosure). For other contemporary copies of the French text of the letter and regulations, the latter as transmitted and later amended as a result of the Commissioners’ letter of 13 Aug. (below), and for English translations of the two documents made at the same time, see PCC , No. 83, 11, f. 467, 46Q–476. For...
176C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 28 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Voilà, Messieurs, la quintessence de douze pages Hollandoises in folio, que je viens de par courir. Les dépêches de Cologne, Paris, Elseneur, Hambourg, Bruxelles, Londres, et Smyrne ne contiennent rien qui puisse vous interesser. On a ici la nouvelle sure d’une suspension d’armes en Allemagne jusqu’au ier. d’Août; et lon croit généralement que la paix s’ensuivra. Le Roi a fait venir ses...
177C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 28 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Here, Gentlemen, is the substance of twelve pages in folio, in Dutch, that I have just skimmed through. The dispatches from Cologne, Paris, Elsinore, Hamburg, Brussels, London, and Smyrna contain nothing of interest to you. One has here reliable reports of a suspension of arms in Germany until 1 August; and it is generally thought that peace will follow. The King has summoned his chief...
178Thomas Simpson to the Commissioners, 27 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I wrote you from Nantes that I had arrived there, and was to take my passage for America in the Providence, the 25. Mr. Livingston arriving from Paris informed me that you had appointed him to the command of the Ranger, but on Captain Jones delivering up my parole, you were pleased to honour me with that appointment. Your Honours letters to Captain Whipple, and Mr. Schweighasser coming to...
179C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 24 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Le g—— F—— ay ant oublié de me renvoyer le 21 mes Nouvelles d’Allemagne, je fus obligé de les traduire à la hâte, telles que je vous les envoyai ce jour-là. Voici quelques Extraits. Les Papiers Anglois et les Lettres d’Amsterdam sont remplis de ce que les François auroient déclaré la guerre à l’Angleterre. Les fonds Anglois ont baissé à Amsterdam de 2 p% environ: il ne se presénte pas même des...
180C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 24 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Because the Grand Facteur forgot to return my news from Germany on the 31st, I was obliged to translate in haste that which I sent that day. Here are some excerpts. The English papers and the letters from Amsterdam are filled with the allegation that the French have declared war on England. The British stocks fell about 2 percent in Amsterdam; there are no buyers even. It is reported that the...
181C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 21 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Ma derniere est du 17e. Je viens de recevoir, traduire et porter au g— F— une Lettre Allemande. En attendant qu’il me renvoie mon feuillet, après en avoir fait tirer copie, j’aurai l’honneur de vous dire, que les Etats d’hollande se sont séparés, et que le Prince part aussi pour Los en Overyssel. On n’a point donné d’Instructions nouvelles au Comte de Welderen, ie. parce qu’après avoir fait...
182C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 21 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
My last was of the 17th. I have just received, translated, and delivered a German letter to the Grand Facteur. While waiting for him to return it after making a copy, I have the honor to inform you that the Dutch States General have adjourned and that the Prince is leaving for Los in Overyssel. No new instructions were given Count Welderen because: 1. after doing his duty in reclaiming the 2...
183Muscoe Livingston to the Commissioners, 21 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I arrived here Last night, deliverd my letters to Capt. Whippie, and shall have his Instructions for Capt. Tucker and Sett out immediately for Lorient. I will be Exceedingly Obligd you, to do me the Favour, to give me two, or three Lines, either to the President of congress or by way of Certificate, Mentioning, what Capt. Tucker Said of My Conduct, during my being on board the Boston; as it...
184William Hill Sargeant to the Commissioners, 18 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Having lately Arrived in a Very fast Sailing Vessell from the State of Virginia whose Owners not having it in their Power to arm her in that Country gave me full power So to do here (As well to take the Advantage of any thing that might Offer as to protect our Vessell and Cargo). I therfore take the Liberty of Requesting the favour of your granting me a Commission for that purpose, and least...
185Sartine to the Commissioners, 18 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Versailles, 18 July 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:166–167 ( JA ’s English translation). For the French text, see Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 94. Sartine recounted reports that he had received concerning problems with the French members of the Boston’s crew. Their...
186C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 17 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Quoique je sois tous les jours avec le G—— F—— et avec notre Ami, cependant, comme il ne se passe rien d’extraordinaire, j’ai cru pouvoir différer de vous écrire, jusqu’à-ce que les Etats de la Province se séparassent. Ce qu’il y a eu d’essentiel pendant cette Assemblée, a été la proposition d’augmenter les troupes, laquelle ayant été absolument rejetée par la ville d’Amsterdam, n’aura...
187C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation, 17 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Although I have seen the Grand Facteur and our friend every day, since nothing extraordinary has happened, I have postponed writing to you until the States General adjourned. The major question during this assembly was the proposal to increase troops, but because it was firmly rejected by the town of Amsterdam, it will certainly not be adopted. There were great debates in the Assembly on the...
188Jonathan Williams to the Commissioners, 17 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
I am highly sensible of the Confidence you honour me with by your Approbation of my Drafts on Mr. Grand, and am ready to account for the expenditure of them up to the 30th May. The Charges since my Departure from Nantes, to go to new Account. As your Time is too constantly and too importantly employed to attend to the Details of commercial Concerns, would it not be well to appoint some...
189Sartine to the Commissioners, 15 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Versailles, 15 July 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:161–162 ( JA ’s English translation). For the French text, see Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 94. Sartine’s letter concerned James Niggins and John Selby, prisoners at Nantes, who claimed to be American seamen pressed into...
190Sartine to the Commissioners, 14 July 1778 (Adams Papers)
Versailles, 14 July 1778. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams , ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:161 ( JA ’s English translation). For the French text, see Adams Papers, Microfilms , Reel No. 94. Sartine noted that, because of the war, supplies from France to the inhabitants of the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon were in...