Benjamin Franklin Papers

Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 2 April 1777

Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners

ALS: American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library

Nantes April 2. 1777.

Gentlemen

I had the pleasure of writing to you yesterday since which Capt. Adams is arrived express for [from] Boston and now setts off with his packets for Paris.

If I did not think myself absolutely obliged to stay here untill I have orders to return I should be tempted to set off with him, as a few hours Conversation might be of Service as to matters of Business, and far less troublesome to you than writing.

I have began to take the Inventory,4 which I apprehend will require some days to compleat. I have the honor to be with great Respect Gentlemen Your most obedient and most humble Servant

J Williams Junr

Please to turn over

PS I open this Letter to acknowledge the Receipt of yours of the 25 which I will answer particularly by tomorrows post. I have at present only time to say, That the Tin Case with the Charts and Letters never came to hand.5 What I mean by proper order is orders signed by you, which I suppose necessary to give validity, if not I have a Copy here, but as the Destination is changed I suppose the orders will be Entirely altered. I will observe all your directions and am with great Respect tho’ much in haste Yours as before

J Williams Junr

The Honble The Deputies of the United States.

Addressed: The Honble Silas Deane Esqr / Hotel de Hambourg / Rue Jacob / Paris.

Notation: Mr. Williams April 2. 77.

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

4Of Montieu’s arms.

5The letter from the commissioners is missing. The tin case was probably one of the two they had bought to contain Boux’s shipbuilding plans.

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