180651To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I beg leave to reccommend to your kind Notice Mr Purviance son to a Respectable Merchant in Maryland. This young Gentleman proposes to make a Tour to Ireland with a View of reestablishing his Health & visiting some Relations. I shall be much obliged by your giving him the necessary passport, and whatever Civilities you may think proper to show him you...
180652To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 April 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am highly obliged by your Favours of the 13th and 14th Janry, with which I received the Gum, with the Amount of which please to charge my Father and I will pay him here, as it will be needless to keep open 2 Accounts when one will be sufficient. After I have made the Rubbers I will take the liberty to inform you of their Success. I am obliged by your...
180653To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd. your obliging Favour of the 28 Inst. and am much rejoiced at Mr. Chaumonts success; I hope he will retain a Dedomagement for his Trouble and Kindness. If this Money is to be paid in America how am I to be reimbursed my Expences and paid Commissions? But I suppose the 50,000 Livres will be paid here; I beg Sir you will obtain this for me, for a...
180654To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Capt Collas is now ready to sail in a little Brig which Mr Johnson has given him & in which I have a small Share.— At His request I gave him the Privateer Commission which was made out for his intended Cruize last Spring in the Mediterranean, and in order to put the matter on a regular Footing I inclose you a new Bond in...
180655To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The Day before yesterday there were a number of Letters in Town announcing a Peace. The News came from the secretary of the Duc d’orleans who ’tis said informed that the King had announced it to the Duc. Such respectable Information prevented every Doubt and I among the Rest believed it. I immediately set myself to work to get a little fast sailing Brig...
180656To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have received your Favour 23 Inst and perfectly agree in Opinion with you. I thank you very much for your kind Expressions of Friendship which I will always study to deserve. The Seeds you will before this have received, I hope in good Order. I beg leave to introduce to your Notice my Friend Mr William Vernon of Boston. You...
180657To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library Mr De Chaumont has sent me Mr Bondfields Letter to you with authority to freight his Ships on the same Conditions as the King Freights which Mr Bondfield supposes to be 25 l.t. pr Ton & Insurance out & home without Premium. As it does not appear by Mr De Chaumonts Letter that he understands more than Insurance out & that at...
180658To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd your Favour of the 1st Instant & shall do all I can for Mr Dubourg.— I have sent to Nantes for the amt of what I owe the Commrs & expect next Post to receive it when I shall settle with Mr Gourlade as you propose. I shall send Mr Bache the Things you order by the Chr de Luzerne— The 15 Louis to Mr Richards are to your Credit.— I beg your...
180659Jonathan 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...
180660To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Mr Barclay in consequence of his Commission from Congress as Auditor General of Accounts, has applied to me for all my public Accounts to be lodged in the Consular Office. As I have already lodged with you the originals of my public Accounts from the beginning to the End of my being in the public Service, I have referred him...
180661To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The last Post from Cherbourg brought me the inclosed Packet under a blank Cover with Mr Morris’s Name on the Back.— As the Cover was marked Collonie I imagine it has been laying sometime in the West Indies and therefore contains nothing new, but should there be anything interesting which can be communicated with propriety, please to desire Billy to give me...
180662Jonathan 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;...
180663Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 1 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library Capt. Nicholson is by this time alongside of Capt. Wickes under his american Colours. I have not yet collected all the Bills but I imagine this armament will cost you upwards of 300 Louis exclusive of what we were obliged to pay to the french Sailors from Havre and advance Wages to the present Crew which may amount...
180664To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., [25 April 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I shall give you pleasure by informing you that the Washington Capt Barney arrived at Phila the 12 March. This Comes by a Ship arrived at L’Orient from Virginia which brings no other news.— I suppose you know Mr Hardy is in Town. I am as ever most dutifully Yours. Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy. / Payez au Porteur 24 s. The first...
180665To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library The Bearer Mr Jeremiah Allen of Boston is a Gentleman for whom I have a great Friendship and Esteem; we were Companions in our Infancy, and from that Time I have had more Reason to increase than diminish my Attachment. I beg leave to recommend him to your notice and am as ever Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman Notation:...
180666To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, 1957) Inclosed is a List of all the Bills I have drawn on M. de Chaumont for accot of the Cloathing from the first Bill to the present Day with the No date Term & every particular relating to each amounting to 741095 l.t. 18 s. 4 d. I intended to send this List at the same Time I sent the Accounts of this Operation,...
180667To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 3 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have received your Favour of the 29 Ulto. with Mr Schweighausers Letter to you & a Copy of your Answer, the former of which I return inclosed. I have given my Opinion as you desire on a Paper annexed. I have heard nothing from M de Chaumont about the Ship since I left Passy. I suppose he has not yet received a decisive...
180668To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 12 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In one of my Letters some time since I mentioned that an application had been made to me in behalf of Monsr. De Kerguelin to fit out a vessell of war in the Service of the united States, for which he wants in the first Place a Commission from the Congress, and such pecuniary assistance as you may think proper to give; if you do not choose to advance...
180669To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 22 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Mr Tardy who has been 4 Years in my ’Counting House goes to Paris for some Family Affairs. I have directed him to call on you. He can give you a full Accot of every thing that I know of Mr de C & by having the Letter I wrote you before him he will be able to answer any Question you may desire on...
180670To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have but a moment before the Departure of the post to inform you that a small Schooner called the Comittee belonging to Mr Dacosta is just arrivd from Phila. which reports that on the 26 September it was known at Philadelphia that Count d’Estaing was in Georgia and their blocked about 4000 English. The Confederation sailed with the Comittee but seperated...
180671To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Notwithstanding my Industry, which I believe is equal to that of any new married Man, I have not been able to finish the Paper you left me. I am however far advanced & think I can promise it to you tomorrow morning at farthest.— I send my Servant to give you this Information least you should expect it to day, please to return my Bills by him if they are...
180672Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 14 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Pleasure to inform your Excellencies that the Duchesse de Grammont sailed the 7th Instant, and that the Wind has since continued very favourable. The french Sailor who escaped from Prison after being taken in the Lexington appearing to have a just claim for his Wages, I have paid him up to the time of Capture. I am informed that the Congress...
180673To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I recd your Favour of the 9 Inst some days since, and beg your Pardon for the delay of my Answer which the hurry of Business has occasioned. I thank you for espousing my Cause with Mr de Fleury, but I find the minister will not grant the Exception requested. The packet was sent by our admiralty without my knowledge, they never...
180674To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Friend Mr Grubb will have the pleasure to present this & I beg Leave to recommend him to your Notice & Civility. This Gentleman proposes a settlement in France in the Commercial Line in Company with Mr Hazlehurst, & I doubt not will ever merit the Attention you may think proper to honour him with, which will particularly oblige Dear & hond sir Your...
180675Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 27 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Credit you have been pleased to establish for me at M. Grands being all employed, I have to request you to give me another Letter of Credit on him. I cannot fix the precise Sum that will be necessary but I imagine about 200,000 Livres will be sufficient for the completion of what Business I have at present in hand. Be that as it may the Funds shall be...
180676To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The Bearer is Capt George Meggs of the 71st Regiment taken in his Passage from N york to London by the Ship Marquis de la Fayette, arrived here to my Address. As this Gentleman has some pressing Business in London & wishes to return thither as soon as possible, I have taken the Liberty of giving him his Parole as far as Paris,...
180677To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 28 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) Copy: Yale University Library This will be delivered you by Capt. Archd. Balneavis, Lieut Archd. MacLean, Mr. Ochiltree & Capt. Wm. Hamilton all paroled at York town the 26 Oct 1781. & taken on their Passage from NYork to London by the Ship Marquis de la Fayette arrived here to my address as they have pressing business in London they prefer going by land & on their way will wait...
180678To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library My Arbitration is not yet finished, but the Gentlemen have so well informed themselves that I think there is but little to do as to their Judgment. They have ordered my Accounts to be all transcribed from the Beginning and they intend to write their Opinion on the Set of accounts so transcribed, in doing this they will make...
180679To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This is Williams’ first surviving letter after he left for Paris at the end of August. The reason for his trip was the two prizes that Babson and Kendrick had brought in to Nantes earlier that month. Almost immediately after the ships’ arrival, William Lee and Williams sold them and received part of the money. The French government then seized the captures...
180680To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Looking over some old Papers I found the inclosed Note from our good Friend Mr Hutton. I do not remember to have seen the same Verses under your Portrait,—I think them better expressed than those in print, tho’ the Idea is the same. Our good Friend labours to distinguish between Tyranny & ministereal Influence. You will judge of his Success.— I send you Mr...
180681To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library Mr A. J. Alexander will shew you a letter relative to some Arrests placed in the hands of Williams Moore & Co to stop Moneys Mr Alexander was to pay Messrs Barclay & Moylan through them— The Letter & papers it incloses will inform you fully— I have therefore only to beg you will believe my refusal proceeds only from a fear of future ill Consequences and as the...
180682To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Major Luttelock arrived here a few days ago and I have since endeavoured to get him a passage via St. Domingo, together with the 4 Engineers, but when he found it necessary to pay his passage he told me he expected to go free and had not provided sufficient money; I can’t make his passage free without paying for it myself and that I have no orders to do. He...
180683To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I mentioned in mine per last Post that I had written to Mr Lee, who was then here, & that I declined sending you a Copy of my Letter because I intended to send you a Copy of his answer at the same time; But as he has suddenly taken his Departure without giving me any answer I now inclose my above mentioned Letter, and...
180684To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I cannot account for the delay of the seeds; in order to get them expeditiously to you I addressed them to a Mr Goddard at the Bureau de la messagerie at Versailles, and desired him to send them to you without going into Paris, this precaution Billy desired me to take: If they are not arrived when you receive this please to...
180685To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 31 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have received your Favour from Billy of the 25 Inst. & am sorry to hear you are laid up with the Gout, but I hope it will not last you long. The French say the Gout is a Brevet de Santé but it is a Commission which costs dear & I think not worth purchasing. I have communicated to Mr Austin your Letter & he thanks you for...
180686To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have recved your Favour of the 10th Inst. & set down to answer your Questions about M Mercier in the order you have written them.— No. 1. There is realy a Bala due to him on the accot he gave in to me which I should have paid him if he had returned to his Duty. The Law may perhaps intitle him to it now but I don’t think he...
180687To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: E. Marie Lorimer (Philadelphia, 1957) Since mine per last Post I have furnished to Mr Carier my Draft on you at 4 Days date £17014.10. which is to replace my Dfts on Mr de Chaumont of 16 Sept. No. 353 3000. 354 3100 355 3200 356 3300 357 4414.10 17,014:10 If these drafts are paid by Mr de Chaumont it will be unnecessary to accept mine, as...
180688To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 29 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I beg leave to introduce to your Notice Mrs Blake her Daughter & two Sons. This Lady is the Wife of William Blake Esqr of South Carolina & one of the most respectable Men in that State. He came hither with his Family about three Years, since & went himself to america where he now is; He was in Carolina but not in Charlestown at the Surrender. Mrs Blake...
180689To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 13 June 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer hereof Mr. Adam Winthrop is son to Doctr Winthrop of Cambridge, who you are so well acquainted with, that I need say nothing of the Connection. But with regard to this Gentleman, he is an intimate acquaintance of mine, and a person for whom I have a very great Esteem, therefore beg leave to reccomend him to your Civilities. Mr. Bancroft’s Stay...
180690To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have duely received your Favour of 10th Instant & have kept it by me some time in hopes of being able to give some satisfactory answer to it, but I have not yet found any way of getting the Goods out unless I were to buy a Ship and fit her for the Purpose, this would undoubtedly be the most eligible Plan if Funds were...
180691Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In expectation of hearing from you I have only at present to inform you that I am just returned from Painbeuf, and have had the pleasure of seeing as fine a Ship as any of her size in any Navy. I am in expectation of seeing Capt. Nicholson soon and if our obstacles are removed I shall soon finish the Expedition; the Ship is all rigged, Guns mounted and...
180692To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library Doctor Bancroft gave me your Favour of the 26 Feb. & Mr Chaumonts Letters desiring me to send as much as I could of the Cloathing to Rochelle with the greatest Expedition. I accordingly went to Work to Bale up what was ready & had loaded two Waggons after a deal of Trouble & Difficulty with the Custom House. When the...
180693To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have received your Favours of the 2d & 4 Inst.— My Disputes with Mr de Chaumont were indeed, ended, & if I had had only him to deal with, I beleive I should never have had any, but his Bordeaux Correspondents have acted very different from my Ideas of fair Dealing & this is the mildest Construction I can place on their...
180694To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I arrived here in 50 Hours after I left you & found all my Family well.— I received by last Post from Morlaix, where I hear a Cartel is arrived, a Letter from Capt Manly of which the inclosed is Copy, poor Cunningham is yet alive as you will see.— I wish it were possible to get all these poor Fellows exchanged, you see by the...
180695To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 31 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library With this you will receive a Letter from Capt Alexander Heguye(?) inclosing a Memoire to the Marquis de Castries.— The Favour requested is highly merited and is in itself such as ministers have frequently granted on Slight pretentions— It is only to have Lettres de Capitaine which in this Country is necessary to have, before a man (however he may be...
180696Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 2 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I have just received your favour of the 28th Ultimo and shall take care to observe all your Directions with the greatest Exactness, but I must first inform you of a most vexatious turn our Affairs relative to the Duc de Chartres are about to take unless we can sufficiently oppose the Design. When I bought this Ship...
180697Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 25 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library M. Peltier has recvd. his Instructions from M. Montieu, but they are not exactly similar to yours, M. Montieu intending to put all his Goods on board the Chalotais, and I prefer putting as much of yours as I can on board of this Ship, which by the tenor of your agreement it appears I have liberty to do. However rather than have any further Difficulty or...
180698To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 9 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society, copy: Yale University Library Inclosed is a Memorial from my Friends Messrs V & P French & nephew of Bordeaux to the Director of the Finnances, relative to a Seizure of some Tobacco to their address in consequence of an erroneus Declaration, which is the sole Effect of...
180699To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 3 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was so uneasy least Mariamne Should lay in, that I could not return again to Passy yesterday, I might however have done so for she Still keeps up.— I called at a Coachmakers to enquire about a proper Carriage for you, & I found one ready made belonging to the Marquis du Duc; one like it I think would fully answer your Purpose.— It is ingeniously contrived...
180700To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 29 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I beg leave to introduce to your Notice Monsieur Nordingh Danish Consul for several Ports in France, residing at st Quentin, & partner in the House of Brisac Paulet & Nordingh. He has a great desire to pay his Respects to you in his Passage through Paris, and being a Gentleman for whom I have a high Esteem I take the Liberty of presenting him to you and...