45851To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Robert Le Blanc, 16 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je dois presumer que vous ignorez le differand qui existe entre Monsieur Deane et moy, car vous estes trop juste pour autoriser un manque de parolle, toutes les personnes de consideration qui s’interessent pour moy y sont fort sensibles. C’est votre Equité que je prends pour juge, cette déférence est due à la Reputation dont vous jouissez. J’ay lieu de...
45852To Benjamin Franklin from “Prince” Mostowski, 16 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Prince Mostowski Palatin du Duché de Mazovie après avoir pris lecture de l’interrogatoire que Monsieur Franklin a subit avec une présence d’esprit héroique, et une fermete rare, et après avoir examiné les belles Constitutions qui ressemblent presque à celles de sa Nation, a tout a fait changé des Sentiments et s’il avait eù Connaissance de ces...
45853The American Commissioners to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society We have given Capt. Courter whom we have entrusted with our Dispatches one hundred Louis D’Ors: His Journey to Corogne will be very expensive. He will keep an Account of his Expences which he will give you and we recommend him to you for such further allowance, independant of the Actual expence of his Voyage, as you shall judge adequate to his Services. He...
45854The American Commissioners to Harmon Courter, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society We Deliver you herewith our Letters and Dispatches for Congress which you will take Care of, and on no account Let them go out of your Possession until you deliver them up to the Hon’ble Committee of Foreign Affairs. On your embarking secure them in a Proper manner for being Sunk, in Case of being actually taken by the Enemy. We give you 100 Louis D’ors for...
45855The American Commissioners to the Massachusetts Board of War, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society This will be handed you by Capt. Courter who goes express with our Dispatches to Congress and is to inform you that we have wrote by the Capt. of the Frigate in which Capt. Courter takes Passage, for you to Pay the Capt. of said Frigate the Sum of 15,000 Livres money of France which Letter of ours we are Confident will meet with due honor; and we have...
45856From Benjamin Franklin to the Massachusetts Board of War: Extract, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Goodspeed’s Catalogue, no. 517 (1963), pp. 50–1. I was much oblig’d by your Favour of Oct. 20. containing the History of the Campaign, and exceeding good news of Gen. Burgoyne’s Deafeat, etc. I communicated it immediately to the Ministry at Versailles, to whom it gave the most perfect Satisfaction. I have now the Pleasure to acquaint you, that two Treaties between France and the...
45857From Benjamin Franklin to John Langdon, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Letters by Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Others. Written during and after the Revolution, to John Langdon, New Hampshire (Philadelphia, 1880), pp. 81–2. I was much oblig’d by your News of Gen. Burgoyne. Accept in Return my Congratulations on the Conclusion of two Treaties with France, one of Amity and Commerce the other of Alliance: which are on the most equal Terms, leaving...
45858Dumas to the American Commissioners, 17 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les nouv[elles] de Hambourg du 10e, le Mercure de Janvier et l’article de Nantes 6e fevrier dans la gazette de Leide Suppl[ément] No. 14 &c. The news from Hamburg was doubtless another report from his correspondent in Berlin; the one in his letter of Feb. 10 came via Hamburg. The issue of the Mercure is impossible to trace. The news...
45859To Benjamin Franklin from Chrétien-Guillaume de Lamoignon de Malesherbes, [before 18 February 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. de Malesherbes prie Monsieur franklin de luy faire l’honneur de diner chés luy mecredy 18 fevrier. Rue des martires près montmartre R S V P Monsieur! Addressed: Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / Passy / [ in another hand: ] Vis avis le Gardemeuble de / la Couronne rue Royale This is, if we guess the date correctly, the first direct word we have found from...
45860To Benjamin Franklin from La Rochefoucauld, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ma mere vous avoit invité, Monsieur, à un concert qui doit se tenir demain chez nous, et elle se faisoit un grand honneur et un grand plaisir de pouvoir vous procurer un petit amusement; mais voici une circonstance qu’elle ignoroit et dont elle me charge de vous prévenir. Ce concert est formé par souscription, et Lady Stormont est une des souscrivantes....
45861From Benjamin Franklin to La Rochefoucauld and the Duchesse d’Enville, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Bibliothèque municipale, Mantes M. Franklin presents his respectful Compliments to Made. la Duchesse d’Enville, and to M. le Duc de Rochefoucauld. He sees clearly with them the Impropriety of his appearing at the Concert, under the Circumstances mentioned, and returns his Thanks for the Notice given him, which he shall observe. Our Advices from England are that Lord Chatham has had...
45862From Benjamin Franklin to Noble Wimberly Jones, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft ): Library of Congress I received your Favour by Capt. de la Plaigne, and in consequence of your Recommendation have assisted him with Money, and recommended him to honest Merchants here, who have furnish’d him with Goods that you ordered. He appears to have had the Interest of your State at heart, and to have acted in your Affairs to the best of his Judgment; and I hope you will...
45863Samuel Nicholson to the American Commissioners, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you the 12th Inst. from this Place at which time I thought we were all Happy on board, but fortunately I believe I may Venture to say, Capt. Corvisen[?] and my self had some small difference, on account of which he and his Officers have done all in their power to throw every thing into Confusion, but very fortunately Mr. Williams Came on board the...
45864To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 18 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; transcript: Library of Congress Hartley, writing the day after Lord North revealed the government’s conciliatory plan, was more euphoric than that plan warranted. It had been in preparation since early December, precipitated first by the news of Saratoga and then by increasingly strong intimations of a forthcoming Franco-American alliance....
45865To Benjamin Franklin from Dominique Lefebvre Delagrange, 19 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brancourt, near St. Quentin, February 19, 1778, in French: An honest family begs your help in its shameful poverty. I must support my wife and five children on an income of 400 l.t. , and have only twelve sous a day for food; as for clothes, we are almost naked. My curé will confirm this. The farmers general helped me out six months ago, but I dare not ask...
45866To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 19 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I understand the Abbé Condillac , to whom I have a Letter of recommendation, is just come to Town from his attendance on the Duke of Parma. As I recollect that I put the Letter into your Hands it will very much oblige me Sir, if you will please to return it by the bearer. I am going to engage in a Performance which I hope may serve the Cause I profess to...
45867To Benjamin Franklin from William Parsons, 19 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Not having the honor of knowing or being known to Doctor Franklin, I can be only influenc’d to give him this trouble, by a very sincere and anxious desire to be employ’d in a cause supported and protected by him, and, from his universally allow’d Character, hoping for that encouragement which I shall endeavour, by my services, to merit. I feel my situation,...
45868To Benjamin Franklin from John Risdel, 19 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <St. Malo, February 19, 1778: I served on the Reprisal for twenty months and was then in hospital for three. I am not yet able to do hard work, and lack clothes and cash; wages and prize money are due me. Please send me either money or a draft on a St. Malo merchant; I am in great need of help.> A seaman left behind when Wickes sailed the previous...
45869John Thornton’s Statement, 20 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Franklin trusted and esteemed William Carmichael. This document, if it is to be believed, shows how far the trust was misplaced. Anything that Major Thornton says must be taken with a grain of salt, for his character was not widely admired. He seems, furthermore, to be an odd confidant for Carmichael to have chosen in Nantes; the only other scrap of information we...
45870Millin de La Brosse to the American Commissioners, 20 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a deux mois que vous m’avés promis une réponse au mémoire que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous présenter; je l’attends encore. J’ai bien appris de Monsieur le Comte de Maillebois que vous aviés dessein de terminer mon affaire, mais comme vous n’avés point fixé de terme, je me vois obligé de vous demander quelque chose de plus positif. Suivant une de vos...
45871To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 20 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: British Library One word by this mail. With respect to Ld. Ns. plan of peace much of course will be debated of the sincerity or insincerity, whether it be practicable or admissible, &c. &c. to all which I say that the great object with me is a cessation of arms. I admire much the spirit of your sentiments to Ld. Howe. Trade and revenue and supremacy...
45872Dumas to [the American Commissioners], 21 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les Extraits des dernieres Dépêches de Petersb. Dantsic Stockh. Berlin, Vienne, Ratisbonne, Paris et Lisbonne. Item l’Extrait de la Lettre importante de Messrs. Delalande & Fynje d’hier 19e d’Amsterd. sur laquelle je demande prompte réponse. &c. Jacob de la Lande and Hendrik Fynje were Dumas’ business associates in trading ventures...
45873To Benjamin Franklin from Michel Bonniot and Jn. Eymas Labate, 21 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, February 21, 1778, in French: We have received by the ship Yacht Bordelais the enclosed letter for you. It must be an old one because the ship, dispatched from Cork last August, was stopped at sea by the British and detained for some months in Falmouth. We should be happy to be of any service to you.> Bonniot was one of two brothers, Bordeaux...
45874The American Commissioners to [Gérard], 22 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Harvard University Library The News you have receiv’d from England cannot be true. No Treaty would be entred into with Howe by Washington, when the Congress was at hand: And Howe could have no Propositions to make but such as were authoris’d by the Act of Parliament, and had been long since rejected, (viz.) Pardon upon Submission ....
45875To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 22 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Au lieu du rendez vous que nous nous etions donné pour mardi 24, a une heure chez M. Le Marquis de Mirabeau rue de Seine, je propose a Monsieur franklin de nous trouver le meme jour et a la meme heure chez M. Lee a Chaillot, pour raison que j’aurai l’honneur de lui dire Addressed: To / Dr. franklin, by favour of / Mr. Courtney Melmoth The year is...
45876To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte de Sarsfield, 22 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <Sunday, February 22, [1778], in French: The vicomte de Sarsfield came to ask Mr. Franklin to dine with him, not on Mardi Gras (when he will be in the country) but on the first Sunday in Lent, March 8; he sets such a distant date in hopes that M. Franklin will be free, and apologizes for the change of plan. M. Franklin fils and M. Deane, he hopes, will do...
45877From Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee, 23 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress The enclos’d which you sent me contain’d a Letter from Mr. Hartley, in which he acquaints me that on the 17th. Lord North had made his Propositions towards a Conciliation with America, and ask’d Leave to bring in two Bills, one to renounce all Claim of Taxation, the other to impower Commissioners to treat with any Persons or Bodies of Men in America on a Peace; which...
45878To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 23 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Titles of the Bills movd for by Ld. North 1st. That leave be given to bring in a Bill to enable his Majesty to appoint Commissioners with sufficient Powers to Treat, consult and agree upon means of quieting the Disorders now subsisting in certain of the Colonies, Plantations and Provinces in North America. 2d. That the Propositions be referrd to the...
45879From Benjamin Franklin to Gérard, 24 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Understanding that Reports have been spread at Versailles, of Treaties on foot in America between the Congress and the English Commissioners; or here between us and the English Ministry; I send you an American Newspaper of Decr. 19. by which you will see, in the Passages marked with a Pen, in what manner such Reports, and those who occasion...
45880Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 24 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library M. Boux has been on board the Lion for a passage. Capt. Nicholson wished to accomodate him as well as he could, but on account of the many am[erica]n Passengers who have escaped hither from England he has not been able to make such provision as he desired and as M. Boux expected. He therefore returns to Nantes, and seemed rather disgusted with his...
45881To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 24 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress Yours of Feb 12 received. I have called at Mr. Hutton’s door, but he was not at home, I shall deliver the letters to morrow. We are to have a very long day in the house today, so that I cannot enter into any matter at present. Suspend for a few hours, or days. Times seem to be mending. Let us take all possible chance of reconciliation. While there is life there...
45882To Benjamin Franklin from Michael Hillegas, 24 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Baron de Holzendorff not having been happy enough to obtain the Service which he expected and I doubt not Merited is returning to France. Permit me to Thank you for your favours of the 23d. of January 1777 per Mr. Lutterloh who as I understand is much esteemed, also for yours of the 7th of October last respecting Mr. McCreery and his Loan Office...
45883To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis Turgot, 24 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Turgot fait mille complimens a Monsieur francklin, il espère qu’il voudra bien se souvenir de la parole qu’il luy à donnée de diner chés luy vendredy prochain 27 fevrier, il espère aussy que M. francklin fils voudra bien accompagner Monsieur son pere. Etienne-François (1721–89), Anne-Robert’s older brother, was a former army officer now in retirement; his...
45884From Benjamin Franklin to Gérard, 25 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères I received last night the enclos’d Letter from a Member of Parliament, and the two frivolous Bills which the Ministry in their present Consternation have thought fit to propose, with a View to support their publick Credit a little longer at home, and to amuse and divide if possible our People in America. You will see that they have dispatch’d...
45885To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard, 25 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai l’honneur de vous renvoyer les pieces que vous avez eu la bonté de me communiquer et je vous prie d’en recevoir mes Remercimens. Le jugement que vous portez, Monsieur, sur le pretendu coup d’Etat que le Lord North a si pompeusement annoncé, paroit confirmé par l’opinion publique qui prevaut même en Angleterre, où les fonds sont tombés depuis cette Epoque. Je suis...
45886To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 25 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Virginia Historical Society The trunk that is the subject of this letter was coming to resemble Pandora’s box. Thomas Morris had jumbled his papers as he had jumbled his two roles, as agent for the secret committee and for Willing & Morris. The commissioners were interested only in his public papers, but the official order that Lee took to Nantes was...
45887Arthur Lee to Franklin and Silas Deane, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Harvard University Library; two copies: National Archives; three copies: University of Virginia Library The return of our Dispatches by Mr. Simeon Deane, appears to me to be an event from which great public consequences may flow. I therefore feel it the more extraordinary, that you shoud have taken any steps in it without any consultation with me....
45888Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society; copy: Harvard University Library; two copies: National Archives; three copies: University of Virginia Library The greater the public Consequences that may flow from the Return of our Dispatches, the more necessary it seem’d that the Court should be immediately acquainted with it that the miscarriage might as soon as possible be repair’d. It was near...
45889From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library; transcript: Library of Congress I receiv’d yours of the 18th and 20th. of this Month, with Lord North’s proposed Bills. The more I see of the Ideas and Projects of your Ministry, and their little Arts and Schemes of amusing and dividing us, the more I admire the prudent, manly and magnanimous Propositions contained in your intended Motion for an Address to the...
45890——— Boux to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous avez appris par mon oncle les raisons qui me font rester a terre et l’imposibilité qu’il y à que je puisse partir sur le lion comme vous me l’avez ordonné par votre derniere. Vous avez aussi sçu les petites mortifications que j’ai eu avec le Capitaine Nikleson. Je ne vous cacherai pas que je suis aise qu’il ne se soit pas trouvé de place pour m’y...
45891John Ross to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Extract and transcript of extract: National Archives The Ship three friends ownd by Mr. Williams & Co. being detained still here owing principally to the want of hands, will am in hopes from the assurances of the Capt. and owners depart tomorrow . . . I have since advisd them (the Committee of Congress) of the change of property in the Ship La Brune in Consequence of your accepting of the Ship...
45892Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library All the Vessells have now I imagine joined the Fleet. The wind therefore will only prevent its immediate Departure which I expect every Day to hear of. I cannot find another Vessell on any terms here. I would give as high as 150 Livres, but none are to be had. I have to day heard of a Ship which is at L’orient. I have written about her. If I can get her on...
45893To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; copy: Virginia Historical Society Mr. Lee presents his respectful Compliments to Dr. Franklin and informs him that Mr. Deane is engaged this day and cannot come, but can attend tomorrow or next day. Mr. L. therefore wishs to know what day and hour will be most agreeable to Dr. Franklin that he may fix with Mr. Deane and if it is inconvenient to come here,...
45894To Benjamin Franklin from the Duchesse de Melfort, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Des pretentions fondées, Monsieur, que le Duc de Melfort, mon fils Colonel en second du Régiment de beauvoisis, a sur des habitations sises en amerique, tant dans la nouvelle jersay, que dans la nouvelle yorck, m’engagent à vous prier de vouloir bien me donner une heure qui vous soit comode, pour vous prier Monsieur, ou de me donner quelques renseignemens...
45895From Benjamin Franklin to [Samuel Cooper], 27 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: University of California Library, Berkeley; transcript: Massachusetts Historical Society At length our Treaties of Commerce and Alliance with France are Compleated, and signed. They go over to Congress by this Conveyance. Their great Principle declared in the Preamble, is perfect Equality and Reciprocity of Conditions, the advantages mutual, Commerce free &c. France guarantees the...
45896From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Cushing, Sr., 27 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; copies: British Library, Massachusetts Historical Society, Thomas W. Haught, Baltimore, Maryland (1959) I received your Favour by Mr. Austin, with your most agreable Congratulations on the Success of the American Arms in the Northern Department. In return give me leave to congratulate you on the Success of our Negociations here, in the Completion of two Treaties...
45897From Benjamin Franklin to William and Arthur Lee, 27 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Pierpont Morgan Library; copy: University of Virginia Library Mr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Messrs. W. and A. Lee, and has the honour to acquaint them, that Mr. Deane is return’d from Versailles, where the Ministers have agreed to dispatch another and stronger Fregate from Brest, to carry the Dispatches of the Commissioners: They have accordingly sent an Express thither, to day...
45898To Benjamin Franklin from Frantz Nicolaus Gustav Becker, 27 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bayonne, February 27, 1778: A young man pours out his heart, on a matter affecting his whole life, in order to ask your advice. I am a native of Lübeck, from a family esteemed in Germany for its services to the church and the law. As the youngest of five brothers I have been trained in commerce: eleven years’ experience in Germany and almost three in...
45899To Benjamin Franklin from Philip(?) Keay, 27 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Keay presents his Respects to Mr. Franklin, and takes the liberty of sending to him a political Pamphlet, by desire of the Author. If Mr. Franklin has any commands for England, Mr. K. will be happy to receive them on Sunday Evening, when he hopes to pay his Respects to Mr. Franklin, at Passy. An Englishman who was already acquainted with BF and in later...
45900To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 27 [February?] 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Person who offers to go to America on the Saltpetre and Powder Scheme is anxious to pay his Respects for the favor of a Conversation on Sunday Morning. There is also another Person just arrived from his Captivity in London for trading in the American Service, who has just lost a large cargo of Tobacco but is still warm and wealthy enough to venture out...