101To Benjamin Franklin from the Board of Admiralty, 28 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives By the annex’d list you will perceive the present disposition of the Continental Navy in North america. The detachment of four Ships to gaurd the Harbour of Charles Town has subjected our Coasts to the depredations of the enemys armed vessels from New York who of late have frequently appeared in our Bays and...
102To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas: Two Letters, 28 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous verrez, par l’avis ci-joint, que la Frise a accédé à la Résolution d’Hollande. Je n’apprends rien encore du parti qu’ont pris les autres Provinces. Il est vrai qu’étant indisposé, je n’ai pu m’informer, mais il paroît clairement, sur le tout, qu’on ne cherche ici qu’à pousser le temps par les épaules. Mr. Y—— a présenté le 21e. un Mémoire...
103To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Gridley, 28 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is some time since, I requested the favour of Mr. Jona Williams to write you for an Order, Pass, or some kind of paper in my favour, to enable me to obtain a passage to America on board the Frigatte Alliance; which Mr Williams judged with me was a Necessary & regular application, but he has received no Answer. There are other Vessells going to America,...
104To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 28 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you on the 10th Current to which I beg to be referred— Since when I am much concerned to find that the Cartel Vessell is returned from Morlaix without a single prisoner in Exchange— I heard this from Plymo & have since been desired to go to the Sick & Hurt office who confirmed the Acc’t. They appear to be very much disgusted at the proceeding & say...
105To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 28 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft) and transcript: National Archives I have received your Orders of the 18th. and have written to Nantes for particular information respecting the Anchorage off Noirmontier that I may take measures accordingly.— I am very glad that Doctor Bancroft who has been an Eye and Ear witness to the Situation of Affairs onboard the Alliance can explain to...
106To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Peters, 28 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was yesterday honoured with your Letter of the 25 Octr 1779 being the only Letter I have been favoured with from you these two Years past. I cannot express my Gratitude & Thanks for your obliging Favour which has relieved my Mind from much Anxiety on my Father’s Account. I send you a Bill for thirty Guineas & the Bill you mention shall be paid as soon as...
107From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas: Two Letters, 29 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) Copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives I did receive the Letter you mention to have enclos’d for Mr. Carmichael in yours of the 25th. of february. I had before received a Letter from him Dated at Cadiz, acquainting me that he was just Setting out for Madrid, and desiring I would send him a Credit there for 200 Louis. Mr. F. Grand, our Banker here had undertaken...
108Certification of a Signature, [29 March 1780] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): University of Pennsylvania Library I do hereby certify that the Signature P Henry to this Instrument is truly the Hand-writing of the Governor of Virginia. At Passy, this 29th Day of March 1780. Most probably written on behalf of Louis-Pierre Penot Lombart de Laneuville, a brigadier general in the American army who was now lobbying for the rank of lt. col. in the French army (which...
109To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 29 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yours of the 29h. Octr. last came to hand only a few days ago, and is the only one I have had from you for some Month’s past— I embrace this opportunity of Mr. Gerards Nephew who goes Via Virginia to hand to you 3d. Bills of the Setts sent you by Mr. Gerard who I hope has got safe home at last— My Love to Temple, tell him, I thank him for his care in...
110To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Banks, 29 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By the hands of Mr. Paradise I have receivd a copy of the instructions for the Protection of Captn. Cooke which you circulated among the Armd Vessels of your Friends in N America. I perus’d the paper with the Greatest pleasure for having never doubted my self that the liberal & enlargd sentiments I had always admird in your mind remaind there in full...
111To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 29 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Count De Montmorin is so obliging as to offer me an Occasion of writing to you by a Courier which I am loth to refuse for fear of betraying a Want of Respect to you or give Reason to others to suspect that I have no Share in your Confidence. I have nothing material to communicate unless the uneasiness I feel in being left here ignorant of the Situation of our...
112To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Collins, 29 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As you are the gentleman orethersed to hear and Redress the Complants of those americans who has Bin presners In England I make Bold to Rite to your honer as a Child wold to a father for I hop Sir you wold Be a father to me at this presant time. I wold Informe your honer that I was taken the 9 of September In the yer 1778 In a Contenantle Brig Resestance...
113From Benjamin Franklin to Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, 30 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress M. Dumas has written a Long letter to M. Bowdoin [Baudouin] Acquainting him, that the Ambassador had sent for him, produc’d and read to him his Letter to Mr. Charmichael cover’d him with reproches, and menaced his Ruin he has also written to me disiring to know how I dispos’d of that letter he having sent it under Cover of a Letter to me dated Feb. 25. which last was...
114To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Blackit, 30 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This is to acquaint you that I was lately Boatswain of the Princess Privateer belonging to america. I must give to understand that about two month ago we took a Prize, a brigg belonging to Wales the mate of which was brought on board the Princess Privateer & about forty or fifty prisoners more being on board; & about three weeks after the taking of the Said...
115To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Roussille, 30 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Je me trouve malgré moi dans La nécessitte demprunter une plume etranger pour réclamer vos bontés, quelque jours avant mon depart pour me rendre a bordeau il m’est Survenu une indisposition qui ma totalement privé de Cet avantage pour une maladie qui Sest déclaré, dans Le principe est très Serieuse Ce qui me retient encore au Lit. Mes jours ont été pendant...
116To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I informed you in my last that the Farmers insisted on the payment of the Duties, & even made a merit of not seizing the Goods. I am sure this is because they do not understand the nature of my Request for it is not an exemption from any Duty which I ask, but I ask not to pay a Duty which I am only liable to by having...
117From Benjamin Franklin to William Carmichael, 31 March[–7 April 1780] (Franklin Papers)
Copies (two): Library of Congress I received by M. Gerard your kind Letter written at Philadelphia. His safe Return has given me great pleasure. As soon as I received yours of Jan 25 from Cadix, I order’d a Credit of 1000 Louis d’ors to be Lodg’d for Mr. Jay and you, by Mr. Grand with his Banker at Madrid. He wrote by the next post. It does not appear by yours of March 13, that you had then...
118From Benjamin Franklin to [Dumas], 31 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Boston Public Library; transcript: National Archives I wrote to you yesterday relating to the Affair of your Letter to Mr Carmichael that you might know exactly the Truth of the Transaction. On Reflection I think it proper to add, that what I wrote was for your Satisfaction only; and that as the making it publick would give infinite Pain to a very worthy Man, Mr. F. Grand, who would then...
119From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 31 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
L and copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 14th by Mr Dryburugh. I had also another from Mess. Gourlade and Moylan acquainting me that they had received the Ransom Money about 200£ sterling, as paid to me, agreable to the Bill of Ransom; and had given my Acct. Credit for that Sum. This lays me under a Difficulty, for I am thus become accountable for that Sum to the People of the...
120From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 31 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have received yours of the 26th. I am promised an Answer from Mr. Paulze this Morning and If I receive it shall send it to you by tomourrow’s Post. This Soliciting of Interested People to forgive Duties they think their Right, is an odious Task to me. I had rather at any time, If I could afford it, pay ’em myself. Mr. Chaumont thinks Mr. Bondfield’s Propositions too...
121To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 31 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief J’eus la satisfaction, mardi au soir, de voir notre Ami au moment de son arrivée. Il m’a reçu très-cordialement. Je lui avois écrit deux jours auparavant, pour lui demander cet entretien; & je l’avois régalé du Rendez-vous de Salomon chez la Reine de Saba, & de la bile de H [ deleted: arris] ce qui lui avoit fait grand plaisir. Je lui communiquai une longue...
122To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris: Two Letters, 31 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS and LS : American Philosophical Society; (II) ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I have just recvd by the hands of our mutual Friend Mr Holker your favour of the 22d Octr last recommending the affairs of Monsr De la Freté with Mr. Roulhac of Edenton to my assistance. I had already engaged in that service and you may depend that every recommendation of yours has the Force & effect...
123To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Sarsfield, 31 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Pouves vous me dire ou Est un mr d’orbrais qui, allant en amérique chargé de quelque Commission de votre part, a Eté fait prisonnier? Il doit Etre a present de retour en france. Il S’est chargé de quelques bagatelles pour moy, Je Suis surpris de ne pas en entendre parler. En relisant la lettre ou on m’en parle Je vois que Jay mal traduit ce n’est pas...
124To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 31 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have Recd. the Letter your Excellency did me the Honnour to write me the 21st. Feby., with the Judgement for the owner’s adventure, which I have sent to Quimper corantin, & am thankfull for same. The Papers relating to the Betsey, have been sent by the admiralty of Brest, to Mr. De Grandbourg Secretary to S. A. S. the Duc De Penthievre, by Error, & it Is...
125From Benjamin Franklin to King Louis XVI, [March 1780] (Franklin Papers)
L : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania M. franklin attendoit L’arrivée de la fregatte La Confederation, pour envoyer a Philadelphie des Munitions de guerre, et L’habillement Complet de quinze mils Soldats, qui en Sont absolument Depourvus. Cette fregatte etoit destinée a porter M Gerard en france, elle a été dematée de tous Mats Sur le Banc...
126To Benjamin Franklin from American Gentlemen in France, [March 1780] (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; draft and transcript: National Archives The Glory acquired to the American Arms and the injury done to the Common Enemy of France and America, by the Squadron lately under Commodore Jones have afforded us very great Satisfaction, and this would be sensibly increased in our minds and advantageously Communicated to our Countrymen on the other side of the Atlantic,...
127To Benjamin Franklin from François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury, March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Obliged to joign immediately My Regiment at Brest I can not possibly Receive Myself, the Medall, which you was so good, agreable to the dezire of Congress, to have struck for me, but my father will be proud to Receive it in my absence. If you thought proper to send it, (with a Letter for me) to Mr. L’abbé gibelin, hotel de sabran, Ruë fauxbourg st. honoré;...
128Franklin and Chaumont to Arnauld de La Porte, with La Porte’s Reply, 1[–5] April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Bibliothèque du Port, Brest M. de Sartines m’a autorisé en mettant L’apostille au memoire cy Joint de vous Confier L’objet dont il Sagit. M. William Neveu de M. franklin doit envoyer de Nantes de L’orient et de Morlaix L’habillement Complet pour dix mil hommes, et M. de Beaumé a envoyé de Paris douze Caisses de Medicaments, Le tout a L’adresse de M. Bersole a Brest pour estre Embarqués...
129From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 1 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Library of Congress; transcript: American Philosophical Society Enclosed is the Order from the Prince de Montbarey, for the Delivery to you of the Arms and Gun powder mentioned in Mine of Yesterday, which you will receive per Post.— This Courier carries also from me a Pacquet directed to you from Mr. Dumas, enclosing one for Congress to your Care.— By the Post M. de Chaumont has...
130To Benjamin Franklin from William Dorsett, 2 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This Comes to Let You know that I am one of Maryland Who Saild from Alexadria and had the misfortune to Be taken the Day after we Left the Capes of Virginnea they Being Scarse of Provisions Sent all the men a Shore On perroal Except me only they Carried into Newyork the Prize Master Being a friend to a Maricah Gave me Liberty to Make my Escape if I Could I...
131To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 2[–5] April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is long since we had a line from you, but we have sometimes heard of you; to hear you are well gives us pleasure. Though you do not write I trust you do not forget us, nor wish us to forget you, therefore I take this favourable opportunity of sending you a long letter, such I intend it to be, for I fancy I have a great deal to say, as it is so long since...
132To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 2 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer ci joint un mémoire imprimé qui m’a été adressé par les armateurs du Corsaire François qui faisoit partie de l’Escadre du Commodore Paul Jones. Ils réclament leur Part dans la totalité des Prises faites par cette Escadre combinée; Ils établissent leurs prétentions sur des faits qui paroissent mériter votre attention; Je vous...
133To Benjamin Franklin from Patrick Dowlin, 3 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yrs. I Recd. the 27th ult, wherein you were pleased to Inform me of my future Conduct in Regard of Prisoners, which I wou’d be glad to know Sooner as I have been destressed so far as to Set 21 Men at Liberty they Signing Proper Duplicates for the Same and I being on the Enemies Coast Short of Provisions &c. caused me to do the Same, has took two of the...
134From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Rinquin: Three Letters, 4 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I), (II) and (III) Copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 22d. past inclosing the Pieces relating to The Prize Brigantine the Papillon. I do not recollect that Those Pieces were sent to me before. Inclosed you have the Judgment upon that Prize. With great Regard, I have the honour to be sir, your m. o. h. S. I received the Letter you did me...
135From Benjamin Franklin to George Washington, 4 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress If by any Operation of War in the ensuing Campaign, the Regiment of Neustrie should happen to be near your army, the Chevr. Le Veneur, Lieutenant Colonel of that Regiment, will probably have the honour of paying his Respects to your Excellency. He is recommended to me by Persons of Worth, as a Gentleman of Excellent Character, highly esteemed by all that know him. As...
136To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 4 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives I have received yesterday yours of the 1st by Express from Versailles and went immediately down to Port Louis where I was told that the powder is ready but that a considerable part of the Small Arms are not expected there before the 15th.— The necessary Arrangement to receive them will in the meantime be made on board the...
137To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Ridout, 4 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On my embarking at Annapolis, in the Ship Buckskin of Baltimore, the 26th of December last, Mr: Carroll committed to my Care the Letter herewith enclosed for yr. Excellency— An intense Frost detained the Ship near two Months in the River Potuxent, & it was not till yesterday She arrivd at this City— Some Mercantile affairs at this place, deprives me at this...
138From Benjamin Franklin to Juliana Ritchie, 5 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have received the Letters you did me the honour of writing to me the 5th. and 29th. of last Month. I have never learnt any thing of Mr. Ritchie since I left America in 1776. The officers that left that Country last year are scarce any of them now at Paris, nor do I know where they are at present, but I will make what Enquiries I can, and if I learn any thing...
139To Benjamin Franklin from Puchelberg & Cie., 5 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We have the honnour to inform Your Excellence, that the Kings officer appointed for the affairs of the marine having given his orders for the transportation of all the English prisoners, all those made by the american privateers which were yet behind, have been transferred likewise to Dinan, except a single Boy, who being sick is in the hospital. Several of...
140To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Guillaume-Thomas-François Raynal, 5 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society L’abbé Raynal a eté plusieurs fois a passy pour avoir l’honneur de voir monsieur le docteur, sans pouvoir le joindre. Il le supplie de vouloir bien recevoir ses hommages, et de lui renvoyer ses livres et ses papiers. L’amerique est devenue si interessante pour toutes les nations quon ne peut instruire trop tot le public de ce qui la regarde. Addressed: A...
141To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Jean-Georges Cabanis, 6 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous Renvoye L’Epreuve Corrigée. Vous pouvez actuellement La tirer; je La crois Correcte. Je me sais bien bon gré de pouvoir vous être bon à quelque Chose. Ne m’Epargnez pas, je vous prie. Vous savez Combien nous avons de plaisir à penser à vous à Auteuil, et par Conséquent Combien nous Desirons que vous pensiez un peu à nous. La bonne Dame & L’abbé de...
142To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 6 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I wrote you a few days ago by Capt Snelling, and sent a few news papers & books. I now embrace the oppertunity by capn. Cozeneau to send you the news papers of the day & a few political publications, which tho in the lump may not be worth your reading, will in some measure shew the disposition of the times, which seem to be galloping fast on to some...
143To Benjamin Franklin from Van de Perre & Meÿners, 6 April 1780: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Middelburg, April 6, 1780, in French: Monseigneur, we beg you to help us obtain the restitution of our ship the Berkenbos , Capt. Arÿ de Neve, captured by Capt. John Paul Jones in early January, on its way from Liverpool to Leghorn with a cargo of herring and lead. The ship was sent to Boston or Philadelphia under the false pretext that the cargo was...
144To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library The Courier having passed by L’orient I did not receive your Favour of 31 March ’till yesterday. The Permission I ask of Mr Paulze is no exemption from a Duty which is a Right and if the Farmers choose to understand the Matter they will see it is not. I have declined Mr Bondfields proposition & shall send Goods to Brest as...
145From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 7 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Columbia University Library; copies: Library of Congress (two) I have been sometime in Suspense about Writing to you, not knowing whether you were at Cadiz or Madrid. But being inform’d a few Days since that you had set out for the latter, I now acknowledge the receipt of your several Favours of Sept. 26. from Philadelphia. Decr 27. from Martinique, Jan 26th. & 28th and March 3d from...
146From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Peters, 7 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I assure all the Officers who apply to me to be introduced in to our service in America, that our armies are fully officered; that there is no vacancy in which they can be plac’d, that a great Number of good Officers who had been here to offer their service, are actually returned to france for want of Employ, and that this must be their Case if they go over. But I...
147To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 7 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief J’ai l’honneur des trois vôtres, deux du 29 & une du 31e. Mars. La terreur & la ruse, jointes au désespoir de ma famille, qui avoit découvert (je ne sai comment) ce qui se passoit, & qui se croyoit perdue avec moi, m’avoient fait tourner la tête, & extorqué ma Lettre lâche du 4e Avril. Selon ce que l’on m’avoit fait...
148To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Conrad Zollickoffer, 7 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pendant Mon Séjour à Philadelphie J’ai eû l’Honneur de faire la connaissance avec Madame vôtre Fille, & Monsieur Hillégas Trésorier Général des 13. Provinces Unis. Touttes ces deux Personnes que J’ai l’aissé en parfaitte santé m’ont chargé des Lettres pour vous Monsieur, dont J’ai l’Honneur de vous les Envoÿer par Monsieur De Freÿ Capit. de Cavalerie au...
149To Benjamin Franklin from Kéralio, 8 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Messieurs des Deux-ponts, Monsieur, m’écrivent du 2e. et me chargent de vous parler de leur bien tendre vénération et de Leur reconnoissance. Vous devés avoir reçu une Lettre de L’ainé: ils avoient Leurs ordres pour s’embarquer le 4e, et le 8e tout devoit être prêt à mettre à la voile. Ils passent L’un et L’autre à Bord du vaisseau L’éveillé de 64 Canons....
150To Benjamin Franklin from William MacCreery, 8 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure of addressing you by last Tuesdays Post, & forwarded some Maryland News Papers, which hope you received. The News Papers and Journals of Congress which I received for you from mr. Lovell I now send by Captain Fray who will have the Honor to wait upon you on his arrival at Paris. The Barron de Thuiliere who has just arrived from America,...