781Jonathan Loring Austin to the Commissioners, 27 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
Had it been in my Power to acquaint your Excellencies sooner in what Manner I was to proceed, I should have done myself the Honor of addressing you, before it was too late to receive any further Dis patches from Passy. I have (after waiting here with great Anxeity) received Letters from my Freind, which have determined me to proceed for St. Eustatia, and expect to sail next Wednesday or...
782Daniel McNeill to the American Commissioners, 15 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, September 15, 1778: On my cruise in the General Mifflin I gave chase August 23 to three ships fifty leagues west and north of Ushant Island. I pursued the largest and brought her to at 2 p.m. She was the brig Isabelle from Guadeloupe bound for Bordeaux with a cargo of sugar, coffee and cotton; she had been captured by the Prince of Orange ,...
783Jonathan 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...
784John Bondfield to the American Commissioners: Letter and résumé, 25 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society <Bordeaux, April 25, 1778: The mainmast of the Boston has been condemned and will be promptly replaced. The Captain requires an iron hearth for cooking; the stone one he had is broken. I hope you will approve.> Per mine of this date you would be advised of our proceedings tutching the Boston. Captain Le Mair desireing I would second the many...
785Thomas Grant and Joses Hill to the Commissioners, 3 October 1778 (Adams Papers)
We the Subscribed first and Second Mate, for us and eight more Sailors, of the Snow the Nancy of Edington Edenton Nord Caroline, James Morrisson Master, enterd her the 3d of May this Year, according to the Subscribed Indenture, to stire her either to Spain or France loaden and bring her back in any Port of the united Provinces i.e. United States , for the stipulated Quantity of Pounds monthly...
786Alexander Gillon to the American Commissioners, 25 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, January 25, 1779: I arrived here today from our continent via Havana. I embarked for Spain on November 17; on the 19th instant I encountered a small fleet about fifty leagues east south east of Cape Finisterre commanded by de Grasse, who suggested that I make for Brest with the frigate Fortunée , Capt. Marigny. To expedite the business I am sent on...
787David & Son to the American Commissioners, [16 January 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: American Philosophical Society The Success of Baltimore John Nicols Master coming from Maryland is arrived here yesterday with 140 Hogsheads of tobacco. This vessel was destined for Nantes or Bordeaux, but having been chased by three Men of war without Colours and which we believe to be the three that saild last from Brest, the said Capt. taking advantage of the night got clear and is...
788James Smith to the American Commissioners, 24 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, August 24, 1778: When I reached Calais on May 4 the customs officers detained part of my luggage, consisting of household linen and plate, as contraband. Soon after arriving in Paris I mentioned the matter to Mr. [Arthur] Lee, who told me that I had no remedy; his brother, though a public minister, had had to pay fifteen guineas. Public officials...
789James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 3 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Frigate Boston Cap. S. Tucker is return’d to this port yesterday. On her Cruise she had taken four prizes, one of which loaded with Currants and Medecines the Cap. order’d to Boston, and the other three to this port, which are not yet arrived. Mr. Livingston who set out this afternoon for Paris, will inform you the disagreeable cause of this vessel’s...
790C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners, 16 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
Je sais que vous avez reçu mes Lettres des 2 et 8 Dec. J’ai eu l’honneur depuis de vous en écrire 3 autres, du 18–24 Dec., 1–3 Janv., et 12–15 Janv. Hier 15 au soir, au moment où j’avois expédié ma derniere, Mr. l’Ambassadeur me fit chercher, pour aller confirmer de sa part à notre Ami, que ce matin il présenteroit un Mémoire au Président de L. H. P. avec le nouveau reglement du Roi, qui...
791John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 6 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum <Passy, August 6, 1778: By a resolve of Congress the seamen engaged on the Ranger were given forty dollars each, and the landsmen twenty dollars advance in continental bills. They have also been supplied with slops, and received a small cash advance at Nantes last winter. I consider it my duty to represent these...
792William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 10 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A glaring Act of Injustice has been done to some American Seamen in this place, which calls aloud for Redress & Retribution.— These unfortunate Men, to the Number of 18, had been carried Prisoners into Great Britain, &, having escaped from their Confinement, repaired to Plymouth, where a Number of armed Cruizers were fitting out.— They entered into the...
793The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 8 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: University of Virginia Library, Library of Congress, National Archives At the Time this will be delivered to you, Bills of Exchange will also be presented for your acceptance drawn by the Honble. Henry Laurens Esqr. of Charlestown S. Carolina who was elected President of the continental Congress on the first day of this month; of which we...
794Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 13 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Take this Opertunity to Inform you Of the proceadings of the Commissary of this port Which Seam very odd to me as I have Recd. no Instrucktions from you. He Sent for me to Day and told me I must Get my Ship Cleaned and put Every thing on bord As fast as possible and then Departe the port Immediately. He further Informd me he Should Send persons to See...
795John Walshe and Others to the Commissioners, 20 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Memorial of the Officers late of his Britanic Majesty’s Sloop Drake, Captn. Wm. Moore of the Patience Brig, Archibald Borland of the Tryal Schooner, John Douglass of the Sally Sloop, Prisoners on board the said Brig. Sheweth. That your Memorialists were brought into this Road of Brest on the 7th May last and on the 11th were put on board this Vessel and allowed the Cabin to be in, which they...
796Daniel McNeill to the American Commissioners, 12 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lorient, October 12, 1778: After my arrival I applied to the agent to receive my prisoners; I sent them ashore but the commandant of the port refused them, lacking orders from the ministry. I cannot take them on board unless I send twenty Americans ashore. Since few opportunities for passage exist, this would be a great hardship for men who escaped English...
797Jonathan 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...
798William Lee to the Commissioners, 17 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
I wish to have a conference with you on a Subject that very materially concerns our Country which at present is a profound Secret to our Enemies or their Agents and must remain so ’till compleated, or the success will be interrupted; any hour therefore tomorrow (at 12 oClock or afterwards) when you are alone, that you may please to appoint, I will do myself the honour of waiting on you, and in...
799Jonathan 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...
800John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 5 December 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, December 5, 1778: A brig owned in La Rochelle arrived here December 2, having left Boston November 4 and having sailed thirty-six hours with Admiral d’Estaing. Rumor had it that the fleet was to attack Halifax. Another vessel equipped by Chaumont’s friend, Decater, arrived at Auray, having sailed with the admiral until November 7 when she...
801John Bondfield to the Commissioners, 9 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honor to pay my respects to you the 1st. Instant since which am without any of your Commands. The Convoy for the French Islands left this yesterday and with them three small Cutters for the States of America. We have a Vessel from Edenton arrived at Bayonne sail’d in October of course no News only Tobacco is at ten pounds that Currency the hundred weight by which the Traders in...
802John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 4 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed you have copies of letters which I had the honor of writing you from Portsmouth the latter of which could not have reached your hands as I understand that the mail was destroyed. I sailed from Portsmouth the 1st. Ulto. and arrived safe in this River in the Ranger the 2d. Current having taken two brigtines from Malaga laden with Fruit for London. I...
803John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 17 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Monsieur Le Norman who left this yesterday I had the Honor to advise you of the ill State of Health of Cap. Ayres and of my apprehendtion of his incapacity to proceed. I am more confirmd in my doubts his Physicians assuring me it will be imposible for him to resist the sharpness of the Air and the fatigue of the Passage, and of which he appears himself...
804Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 18 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Dunkirk, June 18, 1778: I received your letter of the 10th to all captains bound for America, and am communicating it to two such captains here; they will sail in late June and early July. You may wish to send further intelligence by them, and I will, if you approve, send any that I get from England. Forty-five sail westward bound, some large men of war,...
805William Lee to the Commissioners, 9 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
Conformable to the resolution of Congress, of which a Copy is inclosed, I have drawn on you the 4th instant for Twenty four Thousand Livres at One Months date payable to Mr. Grand, which you will please to pay due honor to, by acceptance and payment when at maturity, and place the same to the Account of Congress. ’Tis generally beleived that a Congress will be held in the course of the Winter,...
806Dumas to the American Commissioners, 3[–14] February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook draft: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Depuis mes deux Lettres de la fin de Dec. et du 21e. Janvr., dans la dernière desquelles je vous ai rendu compte des lettres reçues du commis de la Maison que vous savez, et de ma présentation au Facteur, j’en ai reçu une autre du premier, dont voici copie. La haie 21e. Janvr. 1777 “J’ai l’honneur de vous informer que je partirai demain, &c.”...
807John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <Bordeaux, January 9, 1779: Yesterday the convoy for the French islands sailed, accompanied by three small cutters for the United States. From a vessel arriving out of Edenton I have learned that tobacco is £10 per hundred weight in American currency. American prices are extraordinarily high because of the excessive emission of...
808John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 15 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, September 15, 1778: The cutter Tartar , Captain Southcomb, arrived yesterday from the York River, which it left on July 29. Southcomb reports d’Estaing had taken five English frigates and that New York was closely blockaded and would doubtless fall. [ Postscripts: ] Captain Ayres died on the 13th; I had him buried as decently as is allowed to...
809Abraham Livingston to the American Commissioners, 20 October 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Charleston, October 20, 1778: I wrote you on June 10 and 22 that the commercial committee of Congress had ordered several vessels from here. The Flammand ’s officers and crew refused to sail here from Massachusetts, the Mellish was destroyed by the British at Bedford, and the ship Hayfield and brigantine Minerva have been ordered to the West Indies. My...
810Gérard to the American Commissioners, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Connecticut Historical Society; AL : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai recu la lettre que vous m’avés fait l’honneur de m’ecrire avec celle qui y etoit jointe et dont je suis chargé de vous remercier. Voici le paquet dont les deux passagers voudront bien se charger. Il est adressé au Commissaire ordonateur de la marine. On ne lui mande pas leurs noms, et celui de Deane...
811American Prisoners in Dinan to the American Commissioners, 21 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We the under Subscribed Persons having Received Your kind favour of the 15 Inst: who are the only [Santuaries?] under God we Rely on, nor do we desire our liberty from other hands than yours; being in Reallity Americans, who are farr from Imposeing upon Your Clemency (or this Goverment) and willing to Stand or fall by our Countrys Cause, as we are well...
812James Moylan to the American Commissioners, 22 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mr. Bingham of Martinico inclosed me the letter that accompanys this, which I received this post. As I presume he gives you the necessary information of his department, it is needless for me to trouble you with the copy of his letter to me. I have therfore only to add that I am with respect Honorable Gentlemen Your assurd humble Servant Addressed: A...
813Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 12 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will inform you of my present unhappy Situation. The Judge of the Admiralty have receiv’d orders of the 6th. Instant from the Minester at Paris, ordering them not to Suffer me to take any Cannon Powder or other Millatary Stores on board or to depart from the port on any Consideration whatever without further Orders from Paris. In consequence of those...
814Henry Johnson to the American Commissioners, 25 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society I arrived here Thursday Morning 4 O’Clock where I found Capt: Weeks was gone for L’Orient. Have sent Express as I was much fatigued, Shall wait here for Capt. Weeks’s orders, which when I receive shall instantly set off for Bourdeaux and make every possible dispatch agreeable to your Instructions. Capt: Hammond has not as yet gone he now lays at the mouth...
815[Dumas] to the American Commissioners, 25 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook draft: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Depuis ma Lettre du 14e. de ce mois, j’ai eu plusieurs fois la plume à la main pour vous écrire; mais n’ayant rien de pressant à vous marquer, je me suis contenu, de peur d’être importun. J’espere que Mr. Franklin jouit de sa retraite en parfaite santé, et qu’il aura le loisir de m’écrire de là plus...
816The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners, 9 January 1779 (Adams Papers)
J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la Lettre, Sans datte, que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire. Ne doutez pas que nous ne prenions son contenu en Consideration, Selon que les Circumstances le permettront: Vous en avez un sûr garant dans l’interet Sincere que le Roi prend à la prosperité des Etats-Unis. J’ai l’honneur d’etre tres parfaitement, Messieurs, vôtre très humble et tres obeissant Serviteur
817Dumas to the American Commissioners, 7 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (incomplete draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief La Traduction ci-jointe des dernieres Lettres que j’ai reçues d’Allemagne, peut vous interesser surtout à l’égard de la proposition des canons à vendre. Le grand F[acteu]r m’a paru y faire une attention particuliere. L’extrait de Liege ne doit pas moins vous intéresser, non seulement à cause de l’insigne...
818Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 9 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your favour of the 3d Instant and am much obliged for your Attention to the Contents of mine. As you have not been very particular in regard to the Sale of the Dolphin, it will not be in my power to execute that business without more particular instructions on that head. First I shall be glad to know wheather you would Sell her as she is Arm’d or...
819Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 12 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
Mr. De Fleury, gentlemen, has informed me that in 1776 his only son embarked for America where he has served the United States in General Washington’s army with enough distinction to merit the rank of lieutenant colonel, but that having been made prisoner and taken to Fort St. Augustine he has been unable to obtain his exchange and finds himself in a most deplorable state. The distinction this...
820Marie-Nicole Grossart de Virly Gérard to the American Commissioners, 26 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Harvard University Library J’avois envoyé a mon Mari, mon portrait et celui de ma fille, sur une Boete que M. Williams de Nantes a fait partir par un vaisseau qui a ete pris et conduit a Grenezay. M. de Chaumont m’a dit Messieurs que vous auriez la bonté pour moi et mon mari d’employer votre Correspondant a Nantes, qui a son gendre fils du Maire de Grenezay pour [racheter?] cette Boete...
821Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 16 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) copies: Massachusetts Historical Society; Library of Congress (two), National Archives; (II) copies: Massachusetts Historical Society; Library of Congress (two) J’ai reçû, Messieurs, avec la Letter, que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire, le 12. de ce mois, la Copie de celle qui vous a été Adressée par M. Schweighauser Agent des Etats Unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale à Nantes, au...
822Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg to the American Commissioners, [before 31 July 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dubourg attendra vendredi 31e juillet Messrs. Franklin, Lée et Adams chez Esprit Libraire au Palais royal a deux heures precises, pour avoir l’honneur de les conduire en une maison du voisinage, ou on sera tres flatté de les recevoir. BF ’s old friend and former translator. This note was written on the verso of a letter from Genet of July 23 which, we are...
823Jonathan 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...
824Dumas to the American Commissioners, 12 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Les grandes joies sont muettes, ainsi que les grandes douleurs. Je vous félicite de tout mon coeur; et Dieu benisse l’Am. unie. En reponse à la Lettre de Mr. A. Lee du 4e. je n’ai rien eu de plus pressé que d’envoyer sur le champ aux gazettiers, tant françois que holl[andois], copie fidèle et exacte, sans changer, ajouter, ni retrancher un seul mot,...
825Sartine to the American Commissioners, 12 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), National Archives Je n’ai point oublié, Messieurs, l’intérêt que vous prenez à M. Jonet [Jones] et la Demande que vous avez faite, de lui accorder un Bâtiment armé qui puisse le transporter à l’Amerique. Le Roi à qui j’en ai rendu compte, est disposé a donner cette facilité à ce Capitaine, mais je desire prealablement de savoir, s’il sera possible de composer...
826Dumas to the American Commissioners, 9 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : Harvard University Library; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, September 9, 1778, in French: The Assembly of Holland yesterday debated Amsterdam’s proposal opposing an increase in the size of the army. I will translate and send you a copy of the proposal. Mr. van Berckel criticized the Grand Pensionary and suggested I press him for an answer to your letter. I told him I could...
827Jonathan 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;...
828Ralph Izard to the Commissioners, 21 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have received information that the Ship Nile, Captn. Goldsmith has been taken, and carried into Marseilles. She was bound from London to Leghorn, and had on board Twenty Packages of Baggage belonging to me. These Packages are marked, and numbered in the following manner AB A Monsieur Monsieur Antoine Martinelli Negotiant, pour remettre a Monsieur l’Abbé Niccoli a Livourne No. 1 a 20. My own...
829Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 2 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honnor of writing to you the 14th. ultimo by Mr. Jonathan Nesbitt, to which I take the liberty to refer, being since deprived of your respected favours, this cheafly serves to inform you of the arrival at this place of Capn. Henry Johnson, late Commander of the Continental Brigantine Lexington, and Eliazad Johnson Capn. of the Brigantine Dolton...
830Francis Coffyn to the American Commissioners, 10 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In the letter I had the honor of writing to you yesterday by Capn. Amiel, I inclosed a Certificate from the officers of the Admiralty. This serves to cover the three other Certifficates I promised in the Said letter, Vizt. one from the Bourgmaster and Magistrates, one from the President and Counsellors of the board of Commerce, and an other from the Judge...