1The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners to France, 24 October 1776 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copies: Library of Congress; National Archives The Congress having Committed to our Charge and Management their Ship of War called the Reprisal, Commanded by Lambert Wickes Esqr. carrying sixteen Six pounders and about one hundred and twenty Men, We have allotted her to carry Doctor Franklin to France and directed Capt. Wickes to proceed for the...
2The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners, 21[–23] December 1776 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society, New York Public Library, University of Virginia Library, British Library; AL (incomplete draft ): American Philosophical Society; three copies: American Philosophical Society, National Archives, Library of Congress This letter was in response to Deane’s of October 1, which was the first word from him in Paris that reached Philadelphia. He complained hotly...
3The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the Amerìcan Commissioners, 30 December 1776 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; Haverford College Library; LS without postscript: Joseph E. Fields, Joliet, Ill. (1958); AL (draft ): American Philosophical Society; copies: Historical Society of Pennsylvania; National Archives (two) The military defeats that had followed consistently on the Battle of Long Island, and had brought the British so near Philadelphia that Congress had fled to...
LS : Library of Congress; University of Pennsylvania Library; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (four) Congress relying on your wisdom and integrity, and well knowing the great Importance of the Case, have appointed you their Commissioner to negotiate a treaty of friendship and commerce with the Court of Spain. The Idea of Congress on this Subject you will find in the instructions...
5The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress; Yale University Library Captain Hammond having been detained longer than we expected, furnishes us with an opportunity of giving you the information we have since our last received from the Army, thro a Committee of Congress left at Philadelphia; for we have yet had no regular accounts from General Washington. On the 2d....
6The Secret Committee to the American Commissioners, 14 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; LS : American Philosophical Society, Harvard University Library; copies: Library of Congress, British Library. I have the honor to enclose herein a Copy of two Resolves of Congress passed the 19th and 29th Novr. by which the Secret Committee are directed to import two hundred and twenty Six Brass Canon and Arms and equipage compleat for three thousand...
7The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners, 2 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; LS : Rutgers University Library ; draft: Harvard University Library; copies: National Archives (two), Library of Congress You will recieve inclosed copies of our letters of the 21st. and 30th. Decemr., and of the Resolves of Congress accompanying them. It concerns us not less than we are sure it will you, that you should have heard so seldom from us, but...
8The Secret Committee to the American Commissioners, 17 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Library; draft: Harvard University Library We have the honor to inclose you a Resolve of Congress that is of great Importance to the public Service, which has suffered considerably the last Fall, and during this Winter, by the insufficient manner in which our Soldiers were clothed. Having found much Delay heretofore in getting Cloth made up, the Congress desire that 40,000...
9The Secret Committee to the American Commissioners, 18 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library You will receive herewith a Copy of our Letter of Yesterday by the Lexington, with its enclosures. This goes to Boston for a Passage from thence. An armed Vessel belonging to that State will carry the dispatches and will be governed by your directions respecting her Load back, and the Time of her return. Should you have failed in obtaining the Loan, or of...
10The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners, 19 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Virginia Library; two copies: National Archives; draft: American Philosophical Society The events of war have not since our last furnished any thing decisive. The enemies Army still remains encamped upon the hills near Brunswick, and still our Troops continue to beat back and destroy their Convoys insomuch that we understand their Horses dye in numbers, and we have reason to...
11The Committee of Secret Correspondence to the American Commissioners, 25 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress We are commanded by Congress to transmit Copies of their Resolve of the 13 instant to all the Gentlemen abroad that hold correspondance with any of their Committees. The Necessity of Such a resolution and due attention to it, is fully evinced by the heavy expence america has been put to by many Gentlemen received into their...
12The Secret Committee to the American Commissioners, 9 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Johns Hopkins University Library; copies: American Philosophical Society, National Archives, Library of Congress, University of Virginia Library This letter is intended to be delivered you by John Paul Jones Esquire an Active and brave Commander in our Navy, who has already performed signal services in Vessels of little Force and in reward for his Zeal, we have directed him to go on board...
13John Jay to the American Commissioners, 5 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Your favors of the 2d. 8th: and 10 June last have been recd. and Copies transmitted to the Committee. The subject of them certainly merits their Attention, and I hope your Advice will be litterally complied with. As I have not now the Honor of a Seat in Congress, having been called to an office which will confine me in this State, any Information I can...
14To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 3 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Three LS : American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives, Library of Congress I have the Honor of transmitting to you the enclosed Copy of an Act of Congress of the 23rd. Ulto: Being ignorant of the Gentlemen mentioned in it, and all Information respecting them having been received by Congress prior to my Arrival, I applied to the Secretary for the necessary Intelligence— He this...
15To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 9 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS : American Philosophical Society, Historical Society of Pennsylvania I enclose you an act of Congress of the 8th. of this Instant June, directing that Bills should be drawn upon you to the amount of three hundred and sixty thousand Livres Tournois for the purpose of importing Military Stores. I have accordingly drawn four setts, payable to the Honble: Henry Laurens, Francis Lewis, James...
16To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, [18] June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society (two), Historical Society of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Library, Harvard University Library, His Excellency M. Jacques Delarue Caron de Beaumarchais (1976); copy: Library of Congress I enclose you Acts of Congress of the 5th. and 18th. Instant respecting Bills of Exchange for two Million four hundred thousand Livres Tournois Principal and four...
17To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay: Proposed Letter, [on or before 2 August 1779] (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): National Archives The Burning of Suffolk in Virginia Fairfield East Haven Green’s Farms & Norwalk in Connecticut together with the Ravages committed in Georgia & South Carolina form a cruel Commentary upon the Proclamation of the british Commissioners. This Proclamation was defended in their Parliament as meaning no more than that in future the War was to be carried on agt. America...
18To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 26 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library I have had the Pleasure of recg. your favor of the 2d. June last. The act of Congress respecting Col Diricks alluded to in it; mentioned no public Business comd. to his Care, but in Compliance with his Request supported by Govr. Trumbul simply recommended him to your notice— As this will be delivered to you by Monsr. Gerard It will be unnecessary to...
19To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 27 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Having on the 7th. of November last lost our Masts off the Banks of Newfound Land and been obliged to come to this Place to refit, I am constrained to draw upon you for Part of the Salary due to me as Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America to his Catholic Majesty, agreable to the Intention of Congress expressed in their Resolution of the 15th. of...
20To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 26 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library; copies: Columbia University Library, Library of Congress You have doubtless been amused this month or two past with various Conjectures about the Fate of the Confederacy. She left Chester (on the Delaware) the 18 Octr. bound for France, was dismasted and split her Rudder the 7 Novr off the Banks of Newfoundland. On the 23d following, the officers of the...
21To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 3 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, Columbia University Library On this Day I gave the House of Messrs. Jaques, Louis And Laurt. Le Couteullx of this Place, a Set of Bills on you for two Thousand five hundred and Sixty four Livres Eighteen Sols and ten Donrs. [deniers] payable ninety Days after the Date. I am Dear Sir with great Regard & Esteem your most Obedient Servant For this firm’s prior...
22To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 14 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress On the 26th. Jany. last at Cadiz, I did myself the Honor of wrinting to your Excellency a Letter, by M. Gerard, enclosing one for the honorable Arthur Lee Esqe. and Copies of others I had written to the spanish and french ministers, and among other things informing you, that several Letters or rather large Pacquets directed to you were in my Possession, with which I...
23To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 27 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Columbia University Library; copy: Library of Congress Your Favor of the 7th. Inst. together with a Duplicate of that of the 22d Feby last which I have never seen are come to hand, and give me all that Satisfaction which attends the Removal of Apprehensions of Neglect from those we regard & esteem. I am much obliged by the Readiness with which my Bills were accepted, and am happy...
24To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 28 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress In your Letter of seventh Inst. the Receipt of which I yesterday aknowledged by the post, mention is made of a Bill drawn by me upon you for 4564 livs. 18 s. 10 d. which had been persented and accepted and would be duly paid. I did not Yesterday attend to the Sum, but the fact is that none of the Bills drawn by me on you are for that Sum, so there must either be a...
25To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 17 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress; AL (draft): Columbia University Library I have had the Pleasure of receiving your favours of the 13th. & 25th. of June last. After having recd. Part of the money lodged with marquis d’Yranda, I sent for another Part, not chusing to receive the whole at once, and intending to leave in his hands the Balance due to you. I recd. for Answer that I might receive the whole,...
26To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 16 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library On the 17th. July I wrote a Letter enclosing Copies of several interesting Papers, by Count Montmorins Courier. This Conveyance appeared to me as direct & secure as any I could expect to meet with. I hope you have recd. this Letter. You will percieve from it my Situation, which is really such as to constrain me to repeat my Request for a further...
27To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 8 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library; copy: Library of Congress My last to you went under Cover to Monsr. Grand from Madrid. I have not been favored with any Letters from you since the one inclosing a Letter of Credit in my Favor from Mr Grand to Marq. DYranda. Mr. Deane has been long arrived and I have not yet recd. a Line from him. I cannot account for this. Intelligence from Am. might...
28To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 22 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, National Archives, Henry E. Huntington Library, Columbia University Library I have lately written to you several Letters. Enclosed is a Copy of one to Count de Vergennes, which Ct. de Montmorin, who also writes to him on the same Subject, is so obliging as to send together with this, by a Courier to bayonne. The Papers you have heretofore recd. from me, with those...
29To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 5 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Altho’ you have not informed me that you had recd. my Letter from St. Ildefonso, yet I find it has not only come safe to your Hands, but that Mr. Grand (to whom I wrote a few Lines by last Post) is actually engaged in obtaining the Object of it. I thank you for this in both the Capacities of American & Friend. How far the Responsibility of the King of Spain may be a...
30To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 25 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Your very agreable and friendly Letters I have recd. and shall take an early Opportunity of answering fully.— I have no Reason as yet to think a Loan here will be practicable. Bills on me arrive daily. Be pleased to send me a Credit for Residue of our Salaries.— America rises in the general Estimation here. Tell Mr. Deane I have recd. four of his Letters & written...
31To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 30 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Columbia University Library; copy: Library of Congress The Pleasure given me by your Letter of the 2d. Inst may more Easily be conceived than expressed. I am greatly obliged by your Attention to my Embarrassmts. In my last on that Subject which you recd. was a Copy of my Letter to Count D Vergennes from which it appeared that the Sum I shd. have occasion for wd. probably be...
32To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 25 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress It was not till the Day before Yesterday, that I recd. Mr. Grand’s Letter, informing me of the Credit you had lodged for me, thro’ him with the Marquis d’Yranda, for £s26,459.2— Your favour of the 2d. Oct. is the last I have had the pleasure of receiving from you. Presuming that the Marquis had been apprized of the Arrangement taken with Mr. Grand for furnishing me...
33To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 21 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress; AL (draft): Columbia University Library Your Favor of the 15 ult. with the Packets mentioned in it, arrived in good order. I regret your long Silence, tho’ I am strongly tempted to rejoice in the Cause of it—a Fit of the Gout, it is said, often prolongs Life. Affairs here begin to wear a better Aspect— I have been promised three Millions of Reals, that is one hundred...
34To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 11 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Columbia University Library; copy: Library of Congress You will find herewith enclosed an Extract of a sensible priv. Letter I recd. from the Secy of Congress on the Subject of their Finances—you will publish it or not as circumstances may render expedient. A Variety of Circumstances lead me to suspect that Negotiations for Peace are in agitation in pursuance of the Emperors...
35To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 28 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Royal Library, Windsor; AL (draft): Columbia University Library American Credit is again on the Brink of Destruction, and France alone can save it. The Evil is pressing— Details must therefore be postponed. You are not uninformed of the Bills drawn upon me by Congress. I have accepted to the Amount of Dollars and of that Sum have paid . On the 23d December last His Excellency the Count De...
36To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 1 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Columbia University Library; copy: Library of Congress Notwithstanding my repeated and earnest applications to the Count D Florida Blanca I have as yet been able to obtain only, 34880 dollars of the 150,000 Dollars expressly promised me in Decr. last. He has on the contrary assured me that this promise could not be complied with in less than six Months, it therefore became...
37To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay: Two Letters, 18 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copy: Library of Congress; two AL (drafts): Columbia University Library; (II) copy: Library of Congress; AL (draft): Columbia University Library This will be delivered to you by the Baron Giusti, who having been charge des affairs not only of the Emperor, but of the Grand Duke of Tuscany at this Court, is now Returning to Vienna. This Gentleman’s knowledge and acquirements, exclusive of...
38To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 24 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I am told an Express will set out this Evening from hence to Paris, & tho’ I have not time say as much as I would wish, I cannot omit this Opportunity of returning you my warmest Thanks for your very friendly Letter by my Courier. Col. Laurens informs me that on his arrival he delivered some Letters he brought from America for me to you— as none of them have as yet...
39To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 30 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have this Day drawn upon Mr. Grand, in favour of the Marqs. D’Yranda for 487,320 liv. Tournois at ninety Days after Date, in order to enable me to pay Bills drawn upon me by Congress which will become due next month. I have by this Days post advised Mr. Grand of this Draft, & have desired him to carry it to your Account. The enclosed is a Copy of the Marquis Acct....
40To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 9 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress As our Salaries are payables in Sterling money, I am too much at a Loss to determine the Rate of Exchange to fix upon any at present. I remember that your former Advances on this Account were at the rate of twenty four thousand Livres for a thousand Louis, supposing a Louis to be equal to a pound sterling, Our half years Salaries would amount to seventeen hundred &...
41To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 31 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library; copy: Library of Congress Your favor of the 20th. Inst reached me two Days ago. The Intelligence transmitted with it had reached us by the Way of Cadiz. I am nevertheless much obliged by this Mark of your friendly Attention. The Packet from america abt which you enquire came safe to Hand. It contained only some old Letters of Jany last from govr....
42To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 1 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have this Day drawn upon you a Bill in Favor of the Marquis d’Yranda for ninety thousand one hundred & thirty five Liv. Tourn. at ninety Days Sight. I shall also soon be obliged to draw for the Balance of the 25000 Doll. for the two Months Sight Bills— I am Dear Sir, Your obliged & obt. Servant. The $25,000 BF had promised to provide for bills of credit drawn on...
43To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 9 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Columbia University Library; copy: Library of Congress Many weeks have elapsed since I have been favd with any Letters from you. I have recd. a Letter from Col. Laurens dated at Sea & covering the one herewith enclosed for you. A Vessel has arrived at Bilboa in 24 Days from Salem. I recd. by her some Family Letters which came from Bilboa under Cover to a gent. here. She brought...
44To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 13 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have received your Favor respecting the Pump at aldgate. I have since (two Days Ago) recd. Letters from Congress assuring me that no further Bills shall be drawn upon me. These Dispatches have given me so much Business that I am obliged to desire Mr. Carm to write you the News, and to assure you without further additions to this Letter that I am most sincerely, Your...
45To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 14 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have this Day drawn. a Set of Bills of Exchange on your Excellency in Favour of the Marquis D’Yranda payable at Ninety Days after Date for forty thousand one hundred and twenty five Livres Tournois— I shall soon be obliged to draw also for the Residue of the Money for the two months Bills and for our Salaries. I have the honour to be, Your Excellency’s most obedt. &...
46To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 20 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress; AL (draft): Columbia University Library Seven Vessels have lately arrived at Nantes & Lorient from America, two of them directly from Philadelphia, and but one Letter brought by them, has as yet reached me. It gives me Reason to expect others by every Post, as well as to suppose that Dispatches of an important Nature have arrived in them for you. My Correspondent...
47To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 10 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library; copies: Columbia University Library, Henry E. Huntington Library, National Archives My last to You was of the 20 Day of Augt last by Dupin the F. Embassadors Courier. Major Franks, with dispatches from Congress & from Mr. R Morris, is now with me & will proceed to Passy as soon as I shall be enabled to write by him. He will bring you a Copy of Mr...
48To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 14 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society You informed M. Franks in a late letter that the Capt. of the Vessell in wch. he came from philada. complained of his having left Cadiz without paying for his passage— This complaint is unjust. The Majors instructions under M. R. Morris’ hand (which I am acquainted with) mention expressly that he (Mr. Morris) had engaged to pay the passage Money in question...
49To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 3 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library I am & have lately been, so employed, as that your obliging Letters of the 20th. Augt. & 4 Septr. last, must remain a little longer unanswered. Among the enclosed Papers you will find several Copies of Letters & Extracts sent me by Mr. R Morris— I enclose open for your Perusal, my Letter to Congress of this Date,— after reading be pleased to seal &...
50To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 29 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library As your Letter permitting me to draw upon you for the amount of the Bills payable in this & the next Month, did not arrive till after several of them had become payable, Mr Cabarrus was so obliging as to advance the necessary Sums— I have this Day drawn Bills in his favor on you to the amount of 76,681 Livrs. 13 Sols & 6 Den. which at 14.8. the present...