9231To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I hope you will not think me troublesome by requesting you to forward the Inclosed to Mr de Fleury with a short Letter informing him who I am and your Opinion of my Capacity & Probity.— I have the maintenance of my Family to think off and I wish by my own Labours to rise in the World. It is not therefore extraordinary that I should seize every Occasion...
9232To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I received your Favour of the 27 Sept too late to answer it by the last Post. The Accot of Bills and the other Cloathing Accounts are making out as fast as possible, they are very long so I cannot send them by this Post but you shall have them in a Day or two. I am glad to hear you are likely to get a Pasport for the Salt...
9233To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have written the inclosed because I feel myself very uneasy least I should be liable to the charge of double dealing but if you do not think a longer silence will be construed to my disadvantage, I confess it appears best that the Letter should not go. You know my only motives, and can best judge of the probability of my return or stay, I therefore beg...
9234Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 30 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library My last by the Post informed you of the return of the Mercury and the summary of the News she brought. I now send you a number of papers which did not come to my hands ’till to day being brought by one of the Ships Officers. The Captain tells me that about the 10th or 12th of May Capt. manly with a Frigate of 36...
9235To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed are two Letters to the Deputies, one of which you will find on a particular subject, which I leave to your wisdom whether to communicate or not. I wrote it because I feared it might be thought neglectfull if I should hereafter be known to have omitted such information. I am highly obliged by your kind offers of assistance and must determine in...
9236To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have received a Letter from Mr DeSegray at St Malo of which I send inclosed a Copy. You will see by it the Difficulties that will attend the Transportation of the Saltpetre; That relative to Mr Schweighauser I have obviated by desiring him to write & relinquish his Pretentions, which he has promised in consequence of a...
9237Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 2 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By my Letter to day I am in expectation of Dispatches for Young which may perhaps be sent off before you receive the last important Express. I take the earliest opportunity to inform you that it will be my wish, in that case, to detain Capt. Youngs dispatches ’till I hear from you supposing you will choose to make some addition to them, and I request that...
9238To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 13 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library The Bearer of this Mr Wanton Casey is the son of Mr Silas Casey of Rhode Island, he came hither about 2 Years ago warmly recommended to me by Aunt Mecom & has been ever since in my Counting House. I beg leave to introduce him to you as a very worthy Young man & request you will honour him with your Notice & Civility. I am as ever most dutifully &...
9239To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Agreeable to my promise I send you two of your Chapters. I have but 3 & take the Liberty to keep one for myself which hope you will permit.— The wind & weather has been the best possible for outward Bound Ships these 15 Days past, had I been under Sail I should be at least onehalf the Distance between this & America. I impatiently wait the arrival of Monsr....
9240Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 29 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library My last was written on board Ship at Painbeuf, after sealing it Mr. Niver came on board and I repeated to him my offer to take 4 passengers. I told him to avoid giving any preference, they might settle among themselves either by Lot or otherwise who those 4 should be. He returned without deciding whether he would go or not. The Wind having fail’d us the...
9241To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, 1957) I have before me your two Favours of the 28 Ulto and 1st Instant.— I understand as little as you do the Reason of drawing on M. de Chaumont, but he ordered me to do so and you had previously put me under his Orders about the Cloathing; the only Reason I ever heard was a supposed incompatibility between your...
9242To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, 1957) I have just received your esteemed Favour of the 22 Inst. I see your Intention to take the Officers Cloathing on Accot of Congress & to pay the Bills drawn for HO accordingly; I must observe however that it will be necessary to have an order for Mr de Chaumont for the Delivery of these Officers Cloathing to...
9243To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 23 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Yale University Library Before I recvd your Favour of the 16th Instant I saw yours to the American Gentlemen of the 13th, and as some of the Persons named were gone to Painbeuf, I sent an Express immediately with your Letter & one from myself of which No 1 is a Copy.— The next Day I was honoured with your above mentioned Favour and I...
9244To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library On the other Side is an Extract from the last letter I recvd. from Mr. Alexander. I send it to you that you may read his Sentiments relative to the proposed partnership, tho’ I confess I am afraid of troubling you too much with my affairs. You will see by my Letters to the Commissioners the part I have taken...
9245Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am still without any of your Favours which gives me much uneasiness the importance of several of my last being very considerable. I am again informed by Mr. Grand that my Bills remain unapproved which I am sure must be only owing to the hurry of Business, but I beg you to attend to it, as Delay may hurt the Credit of my Paper. I have the honour to be very...
9246To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library As I have never had any recall of the powers the Commissioners gave me, I was in Duty bound to signify to Mr. Schweighauser that I should oppose those of his powers from Mr. Lee that should interfere with mine. Mr. A. Lee is informed of this and demands of me Copies of the Powers I hold from the Commissioners, which I have accordingly made out, but as I do not...
9247To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library You some time since advised me not to meddle in the Affairs of Prisoners, and I have endeavoured to follow your Advice because in fact not being the agent it does not belong to me.— I cannot however as a private Man help feeling for Distresses I see, and as a private Man I am always willing to contribute my Share, but it is...
9248To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Yale University Library Onboard of one of the prizes lately arrived at L’Orient to the address of my House Williams Moore & Co, are part of the Crew of his Brittanic Majestys ship Ramilies which sunk at sea. One of them being an Officer has desired to know if he & his Comrades are to be prisoners of War or not, having fallen into our Hands in...
9249To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Three Letters, 9 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library; (III) ALS : American Philosophical Society The Procureur du Roi of this Place seeing my Servant Mark Anthony passing the street took it into his Head to order him to Prison because he is black; He has been two Years with me and is well known by everybody in the Town, yet is to day taken up on an Edict of...
9250Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 19 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library In my last I omitted mentioning that the number of Swivels which the Cutter left was six, when I went to Paris they were all on Shore, but Capt. Nicholson took some of them again I suppose for want of sufficient to make up his number, I having purchased but 8. The Persons with whom I was in treaty with for the Duc...
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...