13961Thomas Thompson to the American Commissioners, 28 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Harvard University Library I have the Honour to Acquaint you that we had a fine passage off the Coast of America. The third Day after Sailing I fell in with and took a small Schooner from New York bound to Hallifax in Ballast except 20 Barrels flour, 275 Spanish milled Dollars, 137 Counterfeit 30 Dollar Bills in imitation of the Bills emitted by Congress May 10th. 1775, and 40 7 Dollar...
13962The Farmers General: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, 25 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society; copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères La proposition déja faite aux Fermiers généraux d’expédier des navires chargés de marchandises pour le Congrès et rapporter des Tabacs en retour, ne peut quant à présent leur convenir. Ils s’en tiennent à celle qui leur a été faite le 12 de ce mois de la part de MM. Les plenipotentiaires du Congrès de leur...
13963The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 2 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) Since our last No. 5th. of the 26 Ult. which mentions the Enemy being retreated to Amboy, we have to inform you that General Washington dismissed the Militia except about 2000 and likewise countermanded the reinforcements of 3000 Men from General Putnams Camp at Peeks Kill. We suppose Genl. Howe to be...
13964The Farmers General: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, 14 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Les Fermiers généraux avanceront deux millions aux termes proposés. Le premier million sera payé le 15 May préfix. Le second le 15 Aoust et ils en seront remboursés en Tabacs qui leur seront livrés dans les ports de france avant la fin de décembre prochain. Le prix proposé de 4 s. la livre dans les Magasins de la Virginie et du Maryland est...
13965Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 3 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am sorry to find that poor adams is realy taken I hope the mere Bobie will be more Successfull. I sent the Capt. away yesterday morning she must be therefore now at sea. Capt. Wilson in a Large ship Loaded with 1260 Casks of Rice and a quantity of Indigo on Account of the massachusetts States is Safe arrived from Carolina she has brought nothing Fresh...
13966Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 27 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you last post acknowledging the receipt of your letters by Capt. Johnston and informing you of my Intentions to proceed to Nantz and there wait the Arival of Capt. Johnston. I am very Sorry to inform you of the Mutiny that has happend amongst my People since my Arrival, they have all refused to go to Sea untill they received their prize Money; With...
13967Ferdinand Grand: Receipt for the American Commissioners, 10 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay reçu de Messieurs Franklin Dean et Lee Cinq Cent mille Livres dont Je leur tiendrai Compte. Notation: Monsr. Grands Rect for 500.000 Livs The third installment of the two million from the French government; the first was received on Jan. 17 and the second in April: above, XXIII , 198, 199 n.
13968Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 15 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you last post informing you of my disagreeable Situation, Also Mentioned the proceedings of Mr. Gonnett the Commissary of this Port. He Still continues to threaten driving me out imeadiately. If the threats and abuses of this Buissey person cannot be stop’d I should be much oblig’d for your Instructions and am in hopes you’ll either dispatch me...
13969Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 8 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I don’t hear farther relative to the purchase of Mr. Montieu’s Fusils I conclude that you do not intend to put any on board the Count de Vergennes, so propose to put in her as much salt as will answer for Ballast. I have lately been looking over some Memoires about Mr. Montieu’s process and find that these Fuzils cost him at the rate of 25 sous each for...
13970The 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...
13971William McCreery to the American Commissioners, [c. 14 November 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A Prize having been lately made between the Mouth of this River, and the Lighthouse call’d Cordovan, by an American Privateer, and a Letter of Marque; which has occasion’d much talk at this place, much censure to me, as part owner of the latter, and many Letters to the English Ambassador; the purport of which I understand, is, that I, as an owner, shou’d be...
13972Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 27 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was astonished on saturday Evening to find that Mr. DuCoudray had returned to Nantes. As we were late for the Tide (the loss of which would have been the loss of a day) I came away without seeing him: Mr. Peltier tells me he has positive orders from Mr. Demontieu (which are given with your approbation) that if Mr. Du Coudray should come to Nantes to...
13973Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 7 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As Mr. DeSeGray has informed me of his sending an Account of the Seize and quantity of Cordage Sufficient for a Ship of 64 or 74 Guns I think it Needless to add any thing on that head. We are now all ready and Clear for Sailing, only wait your Orders, Our powder is Stop’d in the Magazine and will not be deliver’d without a positive Order from the Minester...
13974The 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...
13975Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Yale University Library My last informed you of the Steps I had taken in Consequence of the orders you have been pleased to honour me with since which Mr. Ross has returned from Bordeaux. Agreeable to your Directions I have consulted With him and told him what I had done which he does me the honor to approve; but as it appears to him that Mr. Morriss’s instructions are...
13976Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 22 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I should be very glad to know my future destination and how I am to Act in regard to the proceedings of the Admiralty Officers at this port. If I am not dispatched Soon think it Will be Necessary to hawl the Ship on Shore again and Clean her as She is very Dirty and will not Sail without being Clean. I am informed Capt. Green of Philadelphia is Now at...
13977Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 28 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will inform you of Capt. Wickes and self being safe arrived at this port. Capt. Johnson I beleave is still out. On Thursday the 26th. Inst. off Ushant we fell in with an English 74 Gun ship who gave us Chase which Obliged us to bare away and run up this Channell. He was to windward of us and the wind at S.W. Soon after the Chase began Capt. Wickes made...
13978Vergennes: Memorandum for the American Commissioners, [between 1 and 12 March 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Benjamin F. Stevens, ed., Facsimiles of Manuscripts in European Archives Relating to America, 1773–1783 (25 vols., London, 1889–98), XV , no. 1451. 1) On ne peut prendre connoissance des Operations de Commerce que des particuliers peuvent faire. On ne gêne personne à cet egard, lorsqu’on s’est renfermé dans les bornes de la Circonspection. Mais il n’est pas possible de...
13979Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 16 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: American Philosophical Society, Archivo General de Simancas, British Library, Harvard University Library, Library of Congress, National Archives (two), South Carolina Historical Society This letter announced to the commissioners a shift in French policy toward Wickes’s ships. The government, in response to British...
13980Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 21 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When I wrote you last I mentioned, being Summond to Appear before the Intendant, in regard to the Destination of the Prisoners now on board my Ship. The Intendant, then Informed me that he should come on board in Company with the Captains of the different prizes and Examine all the English, Irish and Scotch Men that was on board my Ship and all those Chose...
13981Jonathan 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...
13982Jonathan 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...
13983Jonathan 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...
13984Jonathan 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...
13985John Paul Jones to the American Commissioners, 3 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty of acquainting you that in obedience to Orders from the Honorable the Marine and Secret Committees of Congress, bearing date the 9th ulto, I immediately repaired here in Order to proceed in the French Ship Amphitrite from hence to Charlestown South Carolina and thence to France. The intention of the Secret Committee was first to avail of...
13986Barbeu-Dubourg to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dubourg a l’honneur de souhaiter le bonjour a Monsieur Franklin, Monsieur Deane et Monsieur Lee; et les supplie d’accorder une audience favorable a M. Bayard qui a des objets importans a leur communiquer, et sur l’honneteté et la solidité duquel ils peuvent compter avec la plus parfaite assurance. Notation: Notes of no Consequence Bayard & Cie. was a...
13987The 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...
13988Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 3 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be delivered by Monsr. Becard a Very Worthy and respectable Merchant of this place and is disposed to enter into the American Trade. As he will Confer with you personally on this Subject, I shall refer you to him for the particulars of his Intentions on this head. As this Gentleman has been very Kind in rendering me every Service in his power at...
13989François-Auguste-Pompée Hennet to the American Commissioners, 26 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. hennet a l’honneur de saluer Messieurs Francklin et Deane et de les prier de vouloir bien lui faire savoir s’ils ont eu avis de l’arrivée à Nantes des fusils qu’il y a fait expedier de la manufacture de Maubeuge, pour leur compte et par leur ordre. M. hennet est chez M. Brillon où il attendra la réponse de ces Messieurs, il se randra chez eux si ils...
13990Conrad-Alexandre Gérard to the American Commissioners, 6 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society; Library of Congress On desireroit qu’on voulut bien suspendre la Communication du Memoire signé contenant des Demandes particulieres. On aura l’honneur de prevenir du Moment ou elle pourra se faire. En attendant on pourroit se borner a faire Part du Memoire d’Eclaircissemens relatif a l’etat des Choses en Amerique, ainsi que des Pieces qui y sont...
13991Georges Grand to the American Commissioners, 27 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Connecticut Historical Society J’arrivai avant hier soir en bonne santé, avec mon Compagnon de Voyage, malgré les mauvais chemins et la difficulté des passages. Nous avons commençé à visiter les Chantiers, et nous allons tout de suite, entrer en conférences avec les meilleurs Constructeurs, pour traitter et faire metre la main à l’ouvrage; il ne manque ni de matériaux ni de bons...
13992Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 10 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I drew on you yesterday in favour of Messrs. Montaudouin for 3000 Livres. I have to pay for the Reparation of what arms have been hitherto purchased and being liable to some small demands I wish to keep a little sum in my desk. Agreeable to your order about making preparations for the Cloaths, I have purchased 300...
13993The President of Congress to the American Commissioners, 20 May 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have the Honor to transmit to you the following Acts of Congress relating to the formation of commercial Treaties &c viz— N1. Letter to the Ministers plenipotentiary at the Courts of Versailles and Madrid dated 17 th of October 1780— N2. Instructions to the Ministers of the United States for making Peace with Great Britain dated May 30 th 1783 N3. Instructions to the Ministers...
13994Joseph-Nicolas Saint-Pierre Dutailli (Dutaillis) to the American Commissioners, 20 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ayant lhonneur dêtre attaché au service des Amériquains & plus encore par la conformité de mes sentimens avec vos Généraux du Department du Sud, je me hâte de vos [vous] faire part d’un désastre bien douloureux. La copie de la Lettre ce jointe & du Memoire que jai l’honneur decrire & d’adresser au Ministre, ayant le Département de la Marine, par le même...
13995Dumas to the American Commissioners, 16 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ma derniere étoit du 27 au 29 Janvr. Le Jeudi d’après, 4e fevrier, l’Assemblée d’Hollde. résolut à la pluralité la réponse à donner à la France, mise sur le tapis le jour auparavant, contre laquelle Amsterdam renouvella formellement sa protestation du 19 xbr. Après quoi l’Assemblée se sépara. Elle reprendra ses séances ici le 25 de ce mois. Les...
13996William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 3 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society The arrival at this place of the Continental Frigate the Deane, & the armed Brigantine the General Gates, in order to be careened & refitted, & to procure a fresh Supply of Provisions, has greatly embarrassed me, not having sufficient Funds to answer their Demands. I am therefore under the Necessity of refusing them the necessary Supplies, or of...
13997——— Taverne Demont Dhiver to the American Commissioners, 22 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay l’honneur de me rappeller a votre souvenir n’ayant jamais perdu de vuë celui d’être utiles à vos concitoyens, et favorisés de la recommandation que vous avez donnée aux capitaines Marchent et arould, tous deux de Boston, addressés à M. M. Poreau, Mackenzie et Compe. je me prette à les employer dans mon armement actuel, qui sera d’un Brigantin de 14...
13998Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 16 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Mrs., la lettre que vous m’avez [ fait ] l’honneur de m’écrire en faveur du S. Mc neil; je l’ai fait passer à M. de Sartine au département de qui l’affaire dont il est question ressortit, et je ne doute pas que ce Ministre ne donne une attention particuliere à vos representations. In Rayneval’s hand....
13999Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 12 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be handed you by Mr. Joseph Fichet Armeture De Le Scarboucle of 22 Guns 6 pounders, which is now at this port and is thought to be one of the fastest Sailing Ships belonging to France, she is now out of repair or would answer our purpose very well. She is very Old and will want a very heavy repair. As the Gentlemen intends rebuilding said Ship...
14000Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 5 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library The Books upon Cavalry did not arrive till to day, they were therefore too late for the Mere Bobie. I shall now put them on board of the Massachusetts, where, as she has 14 Guns and is a very good sailor, I imagine they will be equally safe. Count Polouski and his two companions will also embark in this Ship, the...
14001John Langdon to the American Commissioners, 29 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; presscopy: Massachusetts Historical Society By the Continental Ship Ranger now waiting for Wind, Ive’ done myself the honor to Inclose you the Articles of Capitulation with Mr. Burgoyne and Copy of a Letter which General Gates sent in to Burgoyne six Days before the surrender. Ive’ been at Home two days from Saratoga at which place I had been some days...
14002Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 18 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In answer to my Express, Capt. Wickes informed me that he should set off the next morning for Paris: his Letter is dated the 16th. The inclosed was this day received from Mr. Lee under Cover to Mr. Shweighausser; please to deliver it. Capt. Young still remains windbound. A Ship is arrived in the River from america, but as the Capt. is not yet come up we do...
14003The Committee for Foreign Affairs to the American Commissioners, 7 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS and two copies: American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) Inclosed are duplicates of Commissions and Instructions for William Lee and Ralph Izard Esqrs and Triplicates of Letters No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Since our last No. 6 a Variety of Circumstances in the military Department have happened, many of which are so intricate and unfinished as not to...
14004Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Since writing this morning by Capt. Nicholson I have been with Monsr. Peltrier, who informs me that the Vessell is at the mouth of the River, where it seems all Vessells of Burden are obliged to load. She is not yet loaded but there are several Cases of Fusils gone from hence to the Ship, and Monsr. Peltrier expects a Barge loaded with Bales to come down...
14005Franco and Adrianus Dubbeldemuts to the American Commissioners, 30 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives Comme Interessée dans Le Navire et Cargaison, dont Les papiers ci Incluse font Mentions, Nous prenons la Libertée, Messieurs, de vous Les remêtre, et de vous recommander tres particulierement cette afaire afin que par votre pouvoir, Le dit Navire (dont nous vous protestons, q’auqune autre Nation que hollandaise, est Interessee) soit rendue aux Proprietaires. Ils est...
14006Henry Johnson to the American Commissioners, [after] [19] August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Public Record Office Should have wrote you e’er this! I had no subject to write upon, knowing you have enough else to do besides reading a Scrawl, which signified nothing. Yours of the 19th Inst. came safe to hand, have to say I have done tolerable well with the French Sailors, many of them finding I would pay them no money have decamped; others (some few) have gone on board....
14007Chaumont to the American Commissioners, 9 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. de Chaumont a l’honneur d’informer Messieurs les deputés du Congrès qu’il peut leur procurer deux cents milliers de salpestres de l’inde pres a L’orient a soixante le quintal pareil a celuy qu’il a deja procuré a M. Dean payable en lettres de change acceptées sur Paris Londres Amsterdam Bordeaux ou Nantes. Il faut unne prompte décision parceque les...
14008Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 7 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library The Day my last was written I purchased the Ship in question for 55500 Livres and by her excellence and fitness for our purpose, I hope she will sufficiently make up for the Loss of the Duc de Chartres. I have this Day drawn on Mr. Grand in 6 different Drafts for 15000 Livres and have advised him accordingly, which please to desire him to honour; this makes...
14009Lambert Wickes to the American Commissioners, 19 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Wrot you Last post Informing you of the Suckces of my Last Cruize and take this Opertunity To Inform you of the Safe Arrival of All my Prizes. I Am in Great hopes youl be Able to Obtain Leave for me to heav Down and Repair my Ship at this port As that Will be Absolutely Necessary prior To my Departure from this As I Recd. a Shott in [ torn ] Bottom When...
14010Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 26 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library My last inform’d you that I had purchased the Duc de Chartres. I have sent a french officer on board to take charge of her and make every preparation for heaving down which I shall order to be done immediately after the post on Tuesday. Mr. Nickels a Townsman of mine has been taken and has escaped hither. He has...