9251To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 17 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have already mentioned to you the Arrival of the Massachusetts State Ship Mars & I suppose both Mr Austin & Capt Samson have told you her Situation; I need not therefore make any further Introduction to this Letter, which I shall confine to that Subject. It seems the State expected Mr Austin would have succeeded in...
9252To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have just received a Letter from Mr De Segray of which he tells me he has sent you a Copy. You will see by it that it is not the Regisseurs des Poudre but les Fermier Genereaux that must give the permission desired. Please to obtain this & send it to Mr De Segray as soon as possible, in the mean time I have desird him to...
9253Jonathan 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...
9254To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed is brought by my Cousin & Namesake Jon Williams who comes passenger in my Ship three Friends: I also inclose you a Paper.— I congratulate you most sincerely on your late sole appointment, not as being advantageous to you, for I do not know how Honour could be added to your Character, but on accot of my Country whose I am sure all the advantage...
9255To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 31 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Captain Thompson Commander of the Gen Lee who sent an Express to you from Brest is arrived here by land, and on his arrival he gave me news which I immediately made Public supposing the particulars to be sent you from Brest; But as Mr de Chaumont who arrived here to day tells me no mention is made of it in your Dispatches, I set down to give it to you as I...
9256To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Major Sherburne who will deliver this has already several Introductions to you, I cannot however let him go away without adding my assurances that I think him a Gentleman worthy of your Friendship & Civility & I therefore request you will honour him with your particular notice. I am as ever most dutifully & affecy Your Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor...
9257Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 19 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library Since my last I am not favoured with any of yours. The Goods are all gone to the Ship and I hope by the begining of the Week will be all Stowed away. I find there are here a number of Americans, two or three vessells that have lately come in being for Sale; If you think proper to encourage any operation of a Warlike...
9258To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The present serves to introduce to your Acquaintance Doctor Mason Weems and his Companion Mr Manifold; these Gentlemen mean both to go to Britain, the former to pursue the study of his Profession in Edinburgh, and the latter for some affairs which will make his stay but short. I request you to honour these Gentlemen with your kind Notice, and to favour them...
9259To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be presented to you by Mr Samuel Bradford a young Townsman of mine, warmly reccommended to me by my Friends, & by his deportment & agreeable Manners, he appears to deserve all they have said of him. I take the Liberty to introduce him to your notice & am with the greatest Respect Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman Addressed: The Honourable /...
9260To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 June 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Agreeable to a Message from Lord Shelburn, I waited on the Prince de Masserano spanish ambassador, for a Book which his Lordship informed me was for You. After my Name was sent up, his Secretary came and asked if I spoke French, and answering in the affirmative I was immediately admitted into the Princes Chamber, where he was dressing. He then told me that the...
9261To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I understand Mr. Schweighauser has informed the Commissioners of a Dispute that has happened between us relative to the Ship Drake which I have lately bought of him, and as you, being one of the Commissioners will of course hear the Story on his side, which may not be much in my Favour, I hope you will excuse the Trouble I give you by a Relation of the...
9262To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd. your Favor of the 2d Instant recommending Mr. Fontevieux, who waits to hear from Paris to obtain Mr. Montieu’s Permission to embark in the Duchesse de Grammont. I hear to day that Mr. Deane is recalled, and it is told as matter of Joy by those who seem best informed on the Subject; This Circumstance cannot affect me as to what relates to...
9263To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am highly pleased to find that my Inclination to settle in France meets with your approbation, and I will do my best endeavours to preserve the good opinion you are pleased to honour me with. This place seems to me the best calculated for carrying on the american Trade, especially in time of war. I understand that all vessells that come on this coast are...
9264Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 10 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Wind still continuing to the Eastward the annonyme is not yet arrived. I hope to hear of her tomorrow. In answer to Mr. Deans favour relative to adams’s Capture I inclose an account I have got from Capt. Porter who is just come to Town. He seems to be a very clever intelligent Man and as I thought my duty to do to a Countryman suffering in the Cause, I...
9265To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society, copy: Yale University Library I received a Letter from Billy per last Post in which he tells me you desire to know the general run of the Orders I have recvd from America. Bohea Tea composes much more than half, and the remainder is assorted— The articles are too numerous to give an exact accot of them, but in general they run on what is called necessarys...
9266To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Farmers General notwithstanding they had exempted the Cloths employed in the Cloathing from the Duties of Consumtion, have now demanded of me the payment of the whole Duties, which if paid will amount I suppose to 30 or 40,000. In the first Place these Duties are not due because the Goods have been exported; it is only the Form of the Business that can...
9267To Benjamin Franklin from [Jonathan Williams, Jr.], 19 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I am happy to convey to you two Letters which I think must give you pleasure because they come from your old Friends. I wish I could convey to you as many more as (if it was thought they would arrive safe) your other Friends wish to write. I know of no material alteration among them, all I have lately seen are well. The good Bishop with his amiable Family...
9268Jonathan 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...
9269To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have Received your Favour of the 15th Inst. by Mr Paradise and Mr Jones who arrived here last evening. I am astonished Mr de Chaumont should persist in such ridiculous as well as unjust Demands, he surely is much altered, for I think I can remember when he would have despised the same conduct in another; Our Defence is so...
9270To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library This document alludes to Jonathan Williams, Jr.’s, relationships with two key figures in Franklin’s life: Jacques Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont and Edward Bancroft. All three men were involved individually and with one another in private business ventures, Williams arranging for the shipping of thousands of livres worth of...
9271To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I beg leave to reccommend to your kind Notice Mr Purviance son to a Respectable Merchant in Maryland. This young Gentleman proposes to make a Tour to Ireland with a View of reestablishing his Health & visiting some Relations. I shall be much obliged by your giving him the necessary passport, and whatever Civilities you may think proper to show him you...
9272To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 April 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am highly obliged by your Favours of the 13th and 14th Janry, with which I received the Gum, with the Amount of which please to charge my Father and I will pay him here, as it will be needless to keep open 2 Accounts when one will be sufficient. After I have made the Rubbers I will take the liberty to inform you of their Success. I am obliged by your...
9273To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd. your obliging Favour of the 28 Inst. and am much rejoiced at Mr. Chaumonts success; I hope he will retain a Dedomagement for his Trouble and Kindness. If this Money is to be paid in America how am I to be reimbursed my Expences and paid Commissions? But I suppose the 50,000 Livres will be paid here; I beg Sir you will obtain this for me, for a...
9274To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Capt Collas is now ready to sail in a little Brig which Mr Johnson has given him & in which I have a small Share.— At His request I gave him the Privateer Commission which was made out for his intended Cruize last Spring in the Mediterranean, and in order to put the matter on a regular Footing I inclose you a new Bond in...
9275To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The Day before yesterday there were a number of Letters in Town announcing a Peace. The News came from the secretary of the Duc d’orleans who ’tis said informed that the King had announced it to the Duc. Such respectable Information prevented every Doubt and I among the Rest believed it. I immediately set myself to work to get a little fast sailing Brig...
9276To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have received your Favour 23 Inst and perfectly agree in Opinion with you. I thank you very much for your kind Expressions of Friendship which I will always study to deserve. The Seeds you will before this have received, I hope in good Order. I beg leave to introduce to your Notice my Friend Mr William Vernon of Boston. You...
9277To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library Mr De Chaumont has sent me Mr Bondfields Letter to you with authority to freight his Ships on the same Conditions as the King Freights which Mr Bondfield supposes to be 25 l.t. pr Ton & Insurance out & home without Premium. As it does not appear by Mr De Chaumonts Letter that he understands more than Insurance out & that at...
9278To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd your Favour of the 1st Instant & shall do all I can for Mr Dubourg.— I have sent to Nantes for the amt of what I owe the Commrs & expect next Post to receive it when I shall settle with Mr Gourlade as you propose. I shall send Mr Bache the Things you order by the Chr de Luzerne— The 15 Louis to Mr Richards are to your Credit.— I beg your...
9279Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 28 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this day drawn on you two drafts the first in favor of L Escuyer at one usance for 3801.15. the second in favor of Peltier Du Doyer at four Usances 2764.7: 6566.2. The first of these drafts is in payment for some Lining for the Soldiers Cloaths, and the last in payment for some Sail Cloth for the Lions Sails. I have recvd. part of the Soldiers...
9280To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Mr Barclay in consequence of his Commission from Congress as Auditor General of Accounts, has applied to me for all my public Accounts to be lodged in the Consular Office. As I have already lodged with you the originals of my public Accounts from the beginning to the End of my being in the public Service, I have referred him...
9281To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The last Post from Cherbourg brought me the inclosed Packet under a blank Cover with Mr Morris’s Name on the Back.— As the Cover was marked Collonie I imagine it has been laying sometime in the West Indies and therefore contains nothing new, but should there be anything interesting which can be communicated with propriety, please to desire Billy to give me...
9282Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 18 May 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, May 18, 1778: Mr. Schweighauser writes Capt. Jones that I pretend to an authority that is his, by right of a letter from Mr. William Lee, to dispose of the Ranger ’s prizes in this port. I came here to help Capt. Jones, and have not interfered in commercial matters. The Lord Chatham will either be sold by the admiralty or entrusted to M. Bersolle;...
9283Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 1 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library Capt. Nicholson is by this time alongside of Capt. Wickes under his american Colours. I have not yet collected all the Bills but I imagine this armament will cost you upwards of 300 Louis exclusive of what we were obliged to pay to the french Sailors from Havre and advance Wages to the present Crew which may amount...
9284To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., [25 April 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I shall give you pleasure by informing you that the Washington Capt Barney arrived at Phila the 12 March. This Comes by a Ship arrived at L’Orient from Virginia which brings no other news.— I suppose you know Mr Hardy is in Town. I am as ever most dutifully Yours. Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy. / Payez au Porteur 24 s. The first...
9285To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library The Bearer Mr Jeremiah Allen of Boston is a Gentleman for whom I have a great Friendship and Esteem; we were Companions in our Infancy, and from that Time I have had more Reason to increase than diminish my Attachment. I beg leave to recommend him to your notice and am as ever Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman Notation:...
9286To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, 1957) Inclosed is a List of all the Bills I have drawn on M. de Chaumont for accot of the Cloathing from the first Bill to the present Day with the No date Term & every particular relating to each amounting to 741095 l.t. 18 s. 4 d. I intended to send this List at the same Time I sent the Accounts of this Operation,...
9287To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 3 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have received your Favour of the 29 Ulto. with Mr Schweighausers Letter to you & a Copy of your Answer, the former of which I return inclosed. I have given my Opinion as you desire on a Paper annexed. I have heard nothing from M de Chaumont about the Ship since I left Passy. I suppose he has not yet received a decisive...
9288To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 12 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In one of my Letters some time since I mentioned that an application had been made to me in behalf of Monsr. De Kerguelin to fit out a vessell of war in the Service of the united States, for which he wants in the first Place a Commission from the Congress, and such pecuniary assistance as you may think proper to give; if you do not choose to advance...
9289To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 22 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Mr Tardy who has been 4 Years in my ’Counting House goes to Paris for some Family Affairs. I have directed him to call on you. He can give you a full Accot of every thing that I know of Mr de C & by having the Letter I wrote you before him he will be able to answer any Question you may desire on...
9290To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have but a moment before the Departure of the post to inform you that a small Schooner called the Comittee belonging to Mr Dacosta is just arrivd from Phila. which reports that on the 26 September it was known at Philadelphia that Count d’Estaing was in Georgia and their blocked about 4000 English. The Confederation sailed with the Comittee but seperated...
9291To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Notwithstanding my Industry, which I believe is equal to that of any new married Man, I have not been able to finish the Paper you left me. I am however far advanced & think I can promise it to you tomorrow morning at farthest.— I send my Servant to give you this Information least you should expect it to day, please to return my Bills by him if they are...
9292Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Pleasure to inform your Excellencies that the Duchesse de Grammont sailed the 7th Instant, and that the Wind has since continued very favourable. The french Sailor who escaped from Prison after being taken in the Lexington appearing to have a just claim for his Wages, I have paid him up to the time of Capture. I am informed that the Congress...
9293To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I recd your Favour of the 9 Inst some days since, and beg your Pardon for the delay of my Answer which the hurry of Business has occasioned. I thank you for espousing my Cause with Mr de Fleury, but I find the minister will not grant the Exception requested. The packet was sent by our admiralty without my knowledge, they never...
9294To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Friend Mr Grubb will have the pleasure to present this & I beg Leave to recommend him to your Notice & Civility. This Gentleman proposes a settlement in France in the Commercial Line in Company with Mr Hazlehurst, & I doubt not will ever merit the Attention you may think proper to honour him with, which will particularly oblige Dear & hond sir Your...
9295Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 27 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Credit you have been pleased to establish for me at M. Grands being all employed, I have to request you to give me another Letter of Credit on him. I cannot fix the precise Sum that will be necessary but I imagine about 200,000 Livres will be sufficient for the completion of what Business I have at present in hand. Be that as it may the Funds shall be...
9296To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The Bearer is Capt George Meggs of the 71st Regiment taken in his Passage from N york to London by the Ship Marquis de la Fayette, arrived here to my Address. As this Gentleman has some pressing Business in London & wishes to return thither as soon as possible, I have taken the Liberty of giving him his Parole as far as Paris,...
9297To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 28 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) Copy: Yale University Library This will be delivered you by Capt. Archd. Balneavis, Lieut Archd. MacLean, Mr. Ochiltree & Capt. Wm. Hamilton all paroled at York town the 26 Oct 1781. & taken on their Passage from NYork to London by the Ship Marquis de la Fayette arrived here to my address as they have pressing business in London they prefer going by land & on their way will wait...
9298To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library My Arbitration is not yet finished, but the Gentlemen have so well informed themselves that I think there is but little to do as to their Judgment. They have ordered my Accounts to be all transcribed from the Beginning and they intend to write their Opinion on the Set of accounts so transcribed, in doing this they will make...
9299To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This is Williams’ first surviving letter after he left for Paris at the end of August. The reason for his trip was the two prizes that Babson and Kendrick had brought in to Nantes earlier that month. Almost immediately after the ships’ arrival, William Lee and Williams sold them and received part of the money. The French government then seized the captures...
9300To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Looking over some old Papers I found the inclosed Note from our good Friend Mr Hutton. I do not remember to have seen the same Verses under your Portrait,—I think them better expressed than those in print, tho’ the Idea is the same. Our good Friend labours to distinguish between Tyranny & ministereal Influence. You will judge of his Success.— I send you Mr...