1Arthur Lee to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, 28 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Your Letter informing me of the Alteration of your Intention, not having reached my House till some time after the Hour you had appointed for setting out for Versailles, I was gone before it arrived. I informed Count Vergennes, that you were coming, and we waited till 5’ O’Clock under no small Embarressment, especially myself, to conceive what detained you. Count Vergennes says, that as there...
2Arthur Lee to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, 20 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
My fever not being yet sufficiently removd to permit me to come to you; I write to you to submit the absolute necessity there is of informing the Minister without delay of the State of our Finances and that the Supply we have askd is immediately necessary. It is possible they may wait for such information before they put the intention we are told they have of supplying us in execution. We...
3John Paul Jones to Franklin and John Adams, 9 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Dartmouth College Library; copy: National Archives <Lorient, December 9, 1778: A Virginia pilot boat arrived in twenty-three days from Boston. Her captain reports that comte d’Estaing had sailed on a secret mission a fortnight before, that the Somerset was lost on Cape Cod and her crew made prisoners, that the Providence, Boston , and Ranger arrived with prizes, that the Raleigh was...
4Arthur Lee to Franklin and John Adams: Two Letters, 7 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) LS : American Philosophical Society I have been informd that Dr. Bancroft is soon to go to England, charg’d with a Comission from us, or which concerns the trust, which is jointly repos’d in us. I beg the favor of you to inform me whether this is true. I have the honor to be, with the greatest esteem & respect Gentlemen, Your mst. obedient Hble Servt. Addressed: Honble. B....
5——— McLaughlin and ——— Creery to Franklin and John Adams, 26 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Conductors of the americans States I take the Liberty of writing to your Honours of my Distress’d Situation in the french troop in Berwicks Regemt. now lying in penbeff which I by misfortune Engag’d into by the perswations of some fellows in Bourdoux who inticed me from the Boston frigat which came into Bourdoux april last command’d by Captain tucker in...
6Jonathan Williams, Jr., to Franklin and John Adams, 31 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: University of Virginia Library; transcript: National Archives I am well informed that two Indorsements have been made on the Accots I have had the Honour to present to the Commissioners, one of which contains Accusations as injurious to my Reputation as they are false & malignant. The first of these Indorsements is on my Accot dated Sept. 10 1778 and...
7Pezerat to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, 1 August 1778 (Adams Papers)
Sans Etre Connu de vous Je prens La liberté de Vous Ecrire, Parce que Je Pense que les Réprésentans d’une nation, qui doit son Existence à ses Vertus, sont assés amis des hommes, pour Vouloir Bien, Eclaircir un de leurs Semblables Sur les moyens qu’Il Se Propose de Parvenir au Bonheur. Les Travaux d’une Vie active, honorables puis qu’Ils Sont Utiles, dérogent En france, par L’Effet d’un...
8D’Acosta frères to Franklin and John Adams, 12 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons l’honneur de vous adresser copie de la lettre que M. Arthur Lée nous a ecrite en date du 28–9bre. & do. la Reponse que nous y avons faite. Ce n’est pas pour nous plaindre à vous de votre confrere; que nous prenons la liberté de vous envoyer ces copies mais uniquement pour parer aux impressions défavorables que son injuste prévention pourroit vous...
9From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, 1 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Mr. Adams and Doctr. Franklin and sends them his notes on the treaty with Prussia. He prays Mr. Adams, when he shall have perused them to send them to Dr. Franklin and proposes to meet them on the subject at Passy on Thursday at 12. o’clock. He sends the Prussian propositions, Mr. Adams’s and Dr. Franklin’s notes, and the former project and observations which...
10Arthur Lee to Franklin and John Adams, 9 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor of forwarding you a Letter just receivd. As I know the Gentleman who offers himself to be unexceptionable as to character & abilities he has my approbation, & I hope will meet with yours. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem Gentlemen Yr. most oblid. Humble Servt Notation: A. Lee Feb. 9. 1779— The preceding letter.
11Arthur Lee to Franklin and John Adams, 17 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Chaillot, May 17, 1778: Because I am not well enough to come to Passy I send you my drafts of important letters; alter them as you wish. If our subordinates disregard our orders, and involve us in debt without accounting for what they spend, we and the public suffer.> Published in Taylor, Adams Papers , VI , 130.
12C. W. F. Dumas to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 19 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
My last was of the 16–18 of this month. Contrary to our expectations and to our great surprise, nothing happened today at the Assembly of Holland. There were no deliberations, only the reading of the Ambassador’s latest memorandum. Today I have had five meetings with the Ambassador, and as many with our friend (once at the edge of town where he was dining). To the Ambassador I wrote the...
I am well informed that two Indorsements have been made on the Accounts I have had the Honour to present to the Commissioners, one of which contains Accusations as injurious to my Reputation as they are false and malignant. The first of these Indorsements is on my Account dated Sept. 10 1778 and is written in the following Words.— “N B The Order from B Franklin and John Adams Esqrs. to the...
14Arthur Lee to Franklin and John Adams, 10 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I perceive by the letter you have sent me that Mr. Deane’s claim is ascertaind by marks, and therefore have signd the letter. But I think enquiry shoud be made after those goods which were bought with the public Money in Holland, and which those now given up were supposd to be. I am unwilling to sign the Letter to Capn. Jones, because it does not contain the...
15Charlotte and Peter Amiel to Franklin and John Adams, 17 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. and Mrs. Amiel present Compliments to Mr. Franklin and Mr. Adams, will do themselves the pleasure to accept their obliging invitation for next Friday. Addressed: Doctor Franklin / Passy For the husband see the note on Lee to BF above, April 2. The Amiels were frequent dinner guests of the commissioners; so was Jonathan Loring Austin, who also accepted on...
16The Prince de Poix to Franklin and John Adams, [12 April? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Mrs. Harry Hull, Washington, D.C. (1957) Le Prince de Poix est venu pour avoir l’honneur de voir Messieurs Franklin and Adams. Il a le plus grand empressement de faire connoissançe avec Monsieur Adams qui a eu la bonté de lui apporter une lettre de M. de la Faÿette. Il aura l’honneur de repasser mardy matin et de lui offrir tous ses serviçes pour ce qui pouroit lui etre agreable dans ce...
17Arthur Lee to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, 7 February 1779 (Adams Papers)
To a written Letter, one of you was civil enough to return me a verbal answer, that Doctor Bancroft was appointed to transact business for us in England, and that his instructions shoud be sent to me. Why you shoud think that in the choice of a person to represent us, I shoud have no voice; I am at a loss to conceive. The notorious character of Dr. Bancroft as a Stockjobber is perfectly known...
18John Paul Jones to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, 9 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that this day Arrived here a Virginia Pilot boat from Boston in 23 days. The master reports—that Comte Destaing had saild from thence a fortnight before on a Secret destination—that the Summerset was lost on Cape Cod, the materials saved and the Crew Prisoners —that the Providence, Boston, and Ranger were Arrived having taken two or three Merchant Vessels—That...
Since the Early Period When I Had the Happiness to Be Adopted Among the Sons of America, I ever Made it My Point to do that Which I thought Would prove Useful to Her Cause or Agreable to Her Citizens— After We Had Long Stood By ourselves, France did join in our Quarrell, and So Soon as Count d’Estaing’s departure Made My Presence Unnecessary, I Had a Permission to Return to France Where, Among...
20John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 30 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By last Post I was honor’d by William Lee Esq. with his Deputation of Commercial Agent for the Secret Committee of Congress at the Ports of Bayonne Bordeaux Rotchfort and La Rotchell. Permit me in that Character to assure you of my steddy adherence to the instructions I have and may receive and to a due observance of any Orders you may please to command,...
21Elijah Hall to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, 3 June 1778 (Adams Papers)
I request your Honours Favour in behalf of the Officers and Men, that you would point out some Method to bring the Prizes to sail, which we took on the late Cruize, as we are much in want of Cloathing and other Necessaries which we cannot do without. Many of Us have Wives and Children now suffering in America, the Time for which most of the People engag’d being now almost expired, and no...
22Vergennes to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 9 January 1779: résumés (Franklin Papers)
(I) L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress; (II) L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress, National Archives <Versailles, January 9, 1779, in French: I have received your undated letter. We will take its contents into consideration as...
23Arthur Lee to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, 17 May 1778 (Adams Papers)
Being too much indisposd to come to Passi this morning, and thinking the subjects of the enclosd Letters of pressing importance; I have sent you what I think shoud be written. You will make such Alterations as you think proper. But if the subordinate Servants of the public continue to obey or not obey our Orders as they please—to act as they will, without taking our orders—to involve us in...
Mr̃ Jefferson’s compliments to M r. Adams & D r. Franklin, and incloses to them the letter to the D. of Dorset on the separate articles. he also sends one on the general subject & in the general form as had been agreed when they parted last: but thinking that it might be better, by reciting what had been done with mr̃ Hartley to keep the ground we have gained, and not to admit that we...
25Arthur Lee to Franklin and John Adams, 28 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Your Letter informing me of the Alteration of your Intention, not having reached my House till some time after the Hour you had appointed for setting out for Versailles, I was gone before it arrived. I informed Count Vergennes, that you were coming, & we waited till 5’ O’Clock under no small Embarressment, especially myself, to conceive what detained you....
26[Edward Bancroft] to [Franklin and John Adams], [before 7 August 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Two copies and transcript: National Archives In early 1778 Silas Deane and his friend Edward Bancroft had used their inside knowledge of the Franco-American treaty negotiations to wager on the London stock market. Unfortunately for them, Musco Livingston, a young ship captain, saw a letter written by Bancroft to a Mr. Wharton (probably Samuel Wharton, Bancroft and Deane’s partner, but perhaps...
27Henry Grand to the American Peace Commissioners, 10 May 1783 (Adams Papers)
It is some Months ago since I had the honor to write you, & am well persuaded, altho I received no Answer thereto, that it will have engaged your attention. I earnestly wish it may have been productive of an Improvement to the Finances of Congress which I then foresaw would be short of our Wants & which is unfortunately too much the case at present. Last Month I remitted to the Honorable R t....
28Henry Strachey to the American Peace Commissioners, 5 November 1782 (Adams Papers)
Knowing the expectations of the Kings ministers that a full Indemnity shall be provided for the whole Body of Refugees, either by a restitution of their property, or by some stipulated compensation for their lossess, & being confident, as I have repeatedly assured you, that your refusal upon this point will be the great obstacle to a Conclusion and Ratification of that Peace which is meant as...
29John Paul Jones: Questions for the American Commissioners, [after 20 June 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society I ask the Commissioners Whither they do or do not mean that the Ranger should depart before her Prizes are Realized? Whither the advances paid to the seamen must be deducted from their Prize Money, and at what Rate? And whither it is not inexpedient for a ship that is Crank, that sails slow, and that is of a triffling force, to pursue a tract where there is...
30Dumas to the American Commissioners, 17 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, July 17, 1778, in French: I have seen the Grand Facteur and our friend every day, but have waited to write until the States General adjourned. Increasing the army was the principal subject of debate; Amsterdam rejected the proposal, and it will not be adopted. Our friend differed on it with the Grand...
31Arthur Lee to Franklin and John Adams, 22 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: University of Virginia Library M. Monthieu calld on me yesterday, but I was too ill to see him. I suppose it was to urge the payment of his demand, which I am by no means yet satisfyd is due. The Papers he has given in, instead of vouching it, render it suspected. The only true & sufficient Voucher is the receit which Mr. Williams did give, or ought to have given to M. Peltier duDoyer at...
32From the Abbés Chalut and Arnoux to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, [before 27 July 1780] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Les abbés Chalut et arnoux ont l’honneur de souhaiter le bonjour aux deux respectables deputés du Congres genéral. Ils sont bien fachés de ne pouvoir pas se rendre à l’honneur de leur invitation, pour vendredi prochain ils sont empechés Ce jour là, ce qui excite leurs regrets. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / Ministre plenipotentiare / des états...
33Dumas to the American Commissioners, 27 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (incomplete draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Je crois ne pouvoir vous donner de plus agréable nouvelle, que celle de l’arrivée, en bonne santé de votre grand ami le Facteur. Nous avons eu un entretien d’une heure ensemble, lui, le Substitut et moi. Vous pouvez facilement en conjecturer la nature, sans qu’il soit nécessaire de la hazarder sur le papier....
34Arthur Lee to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, 22 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
M. Monthieu calld on me yesterday, but I was too ill to see him. I suppose it was to urge the payment of his demand, which I am by no means yet satisfyd is due. The Papers he has given in, instead of vouching it , render it suspected. The only true and sufficient Voucher is the receit which Mr. Williams did give, or ought to have given to M. Peltier de Doyer at the time he sa id ys he deliverd...
35Arthur Lee to Franklin and John Adams, 8 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having not seen the Letter of Mr. Williams to which one of those sent me is an Answr. I cannot form any judgment of it. As there are no marks mentiond by which Mr. Deanes claim to any of the Goods in the possession of the public Agent can be ascertaind—as all the Goods in question, were, when received, declard to be on account of the public; & as I perceive...
36Richard Grinnell to the American Commissioners, 23 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is with Pleasure that I Can Inform your honnours that this Day a Rived heare the Brigg Interprise Capt. Paul Peas from London Bound to the Braizels. She was Taken by Belpoole french frigate of thirty two Guns. I have the pleasure of Informeing your honnours that Capt. Francis Macy in the Ship Pitt from London was Taken the Same time by the Venger french...
37Thomas Mifflin to Franklin and John Adams, 20 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives I have the Honor to transmit to you the following Acts of Congress relating to the formation of commercial Treaties &c Viz— N 1. Letter to the Ministers plenipotentiary at the Courts of Versailles and Madrid dated 17th. of October 1780— N 2. Instructions to the Ministers of the United States for making Peace with Great Britain dated May 30th. 1783 N 3. Instructions to...
Although a stranger to you, I take the liberty of writing because I think that, as the representatives of a nation owing its existence to its virtues, you are sufficiently the friends of mankind to care to clarify for one of your fellow men the means by which he proposes to achieve happiness. In France, by the effect of a national prejudice, the labors of an active life, honorable as they are...
39Isaac Van Teylingen to the American Commissioners, 12 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Le Navire le Chester, et sa Cargaison, dont la proprieté sans aucune restriction ou dubieté quelquonque appartenoit aux Negocians Hollandois, aiant eté pris par un Corsaire Americain, et conduit à Charlestown, Les proprietaires ont pris La Liberté de s’addresser le 30me. d’octobre a vous Messieurs, et aiant eté Honorés d’une Reponse Claire et satisfaisante...
40Dumas to the American Commissioners, 13[—18] September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, September 13[–18], 1778, in French: The Assembly of Holland has resolved to increase the republic’s naval forces in Europe by 32 ships of the line as well as frigates and 8,000 crewmen. The address of the bourse of Amsterdam has arrived as has one from a number of Rotterdam merchants. The merchants of Dort are...
41Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bennett Lloyd to Franklin and John Adams, [2 July? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd present Compliments to Messrs. Franklin and Adams, and will do themselves the honour to dine with Them on Saturday next. Addressed: Messrs. Franklin & Adams For the two see XXVI , 343 n. In the husband’s hand. We assume that they were accepting for the celebration on Saturday, July 4, to which the commissioners invited all the American...
42From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, 17 October 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Mr. Adams and Dr. Franklin, and incloses to them the letter to the D. of Dorset on the separate articles. He also sends one on the general subject and in the general form as had been agreed when they parted last: but thinking that it might be better, by reciting what had been done with Mr. Hartley to keep the ground we have gained, and not to admit that we...
43The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 1 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress, National Archives As we wish the subject of this letter to be well attended to and understood, we shall confine ourselves intirely to the business of such french Gentlemen as have returned without getting employment in north america and particularly those of Monsr. du Coudray’s Corps. Whatever may be the Clamour excited by...
44Thomas Mifflin to Franklin and John Adams, 20 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of copy: American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives I have the Honor to transmit to you an Act of Congress of the 16th. Inst: together with Copies of the several Papers to which that Act refers. I am with the Greatest Respect, Gentlemen, Your obedient & humble Servant In L’Air de Lamotte’s hand. The enclosed resolutions of March 16 (Hist. Soc. of Pa.; see JCC, XXVI ,...
I have the honour to transmit to you herewith a packet containing one hundred passports for American Vessels which I have this moment received by a Courier from England. I take this opportunity of acquainting you that a proclamation was issued out in the King’s Name on the 14 th Instant, making known the cessation of hostilities which has been agreed upon between the several belligerent...
46David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 12 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Public Record Office, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society August 12 and 13 were of far greater diplomatic consequence than this exchange of formal letters about the birth of an English princess (the present letter and the commissioners’ answer of the following day) would suggest. On Tuesday, August 12, at the weekly meeting of ministers at Versailles, Franklin and...
47David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 14 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, William L. Clements Library, Massachusetts Historical Society; two incomplete copies and incomplete transcript: National Archives The American peace commissioners grew increasingly suspicious as they waited for Fox to respond to the article that Hartley had presented to them without prior approval on May 21. Hartley drafted another memorial for them on June 1, but...
48Daniel McNeill to the Commissioners, 12 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
After my Arrivall here I applyed to the Agent to recive the prisoners who promised he would the next morning, upon which I sent them a Shoar, but they ware refused to be Landed by the Comadant for want of Orders from the Ministry to that purpose, therefore was oblidged to Carry them onboard again, but shall not be able to Carry them out of France without turning at least twenty Americans a...
49Dumas 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.
50The Eastern Navy Board to the American Commissioners, 9 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress The Navy Board Eastern department, present their Respects to the Honble: Commissioners at the Court of France, and Inclose them the Gazettes to this date, by the Ship Providence. Other Packages, they have by them for the Honble. Commissioners, they don’t think proper to risque thro’ the dangerous Channel this Ship is obliged to...