47501Richard Price to the American Commissioners, 18 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copies: National Archives (two), South Carolina Historical Society <London, January 18, 1779: Dr. Price returns thanks for the invitation from Congress to become a member of the United States and assist them in regulating their finances. Honored as he is at their favorable opinion of him, he knows himself not qualified, and is at such an advanced age...
47502To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-François Nicolas, 18 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je prends la liberté de vous addresser un exemplaire de ma dissertation chymique sur les eaux minerales de la Lorraine; la theorie que je donne de la formation du Gas dans ces eaux et de cet être singulier que les chymistes pneumatiques nomment air fixe, air Méphytique &a &a. a tant d’analogie avec vos propres idées que je la regarde en quelque sorte comme...
47503To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price: Two Letters, 18 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : American Philosophical Society; (II) AL : American Philosophical Society The Bearer has been recommended to me; and, I believe, he has no improper views. He has urgent reasons for going abroad; and if Dr F——n will be So good as to enable him to get access to the persons he wants to See, he will oblige one who is, with great affection and respect, his very Humble Servt: and Friend I...
47504The American Commissioners to Sartine, 19 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We beg your Excellencys Pardon for delaying the inclosed Paper So long.—We had the Honour of your Letter in Season, but by some Means or other it was, not attended to so Soon as it ought. In JA ’s hand. One of the copies at the National Archives is in Ford’s hand. The enclosures that might have...
47505Dumas to the American Commissioners, 19[-24] January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, January 19[-24], 1779, in French: The only thing that happened at the Assembly of Holland was the reading of the ambassador’s latest memorandum. I met five times today with the French ambassador and as often with our friend. January 20: The pensionaries of Amsterdam have expressed to the ambassador their hope...
47506To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 19 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous prie de n’avoir aucun égard à une Lettre ouverte, qui vous sera peut-être présentée de ma part, par un Mr. Poirier Avocat de Dunquerque . Je l’ai vu fréquemment tous ces jours passés à l’hôtel de france. Il est ici pour réclamer diverses prises faites par des Armateurs de Dunkerque, reprises dans les Eaux de Zélande par des Pirates Anglois nichés à...
47507To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Gillon, 19 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I crave your Pardon for the freedom I preuse in addressing the inclos’d to your Excellency, you will greatly favour me in communicating its contents to their Excellencies your Colleagues, particularly to Mr. Izard, if he is with you. I hope soon to have the satisfaction of assuring you in Person, with what Respect I am—Your Excellencies Most Obedt. hble...
47508To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Kéralio, 19 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai L’honneur de vous adresser une Lettre sur quelques objets d’Electricité que M. Le prince de Gallitzin m’a chargé de vous faire parvenir. Vous verrés dans la copie de celle qu’il m’a adressée les secours qu’il attend de vos bontés. Notre bonne amie dans toutes ses Lettres me recommande toujours de vous parler de sa tendre amitié. Ci-joint tout ce que...
47509To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Mammès Pahin Champlain de La Blancherie, 19 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jai l’honneur d’envoyer à Votre Excellence, le nouveau plan de l’établissement que je dirige tel que la consistence que votre protection lui a donnée, a exigé qu’il fût rédige. C’est mercrédi 20. de ce mois à cinq heures après midi l’ouverture de la premiere assemblée dans le beau logement que l’on m’a donné et arrangé pour cela j’ose esperer que Votre...
47510To Benjamin Franklin from Ralph Izard, 20 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You promised in the presence of your Colleagues Mr. Lee, & Mr. Adams to send me a copy of the Letter which you wrote as an answer to mine of the 2d. instant, & to which those Gentlemen did not think proper to sign their names. This promise was made eight days ago, & I call upon you to fulfil it. If you will at the same time favour me with all your reasons,...
47511From Benjamin Franklin to Ralph Izard, 20 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society If the Promise I made you had not been before the Witnesses you mention I should nevertheless have fulfill’d it. I now repeat it under my hand. You shall have a Copy of the Letter I propos’d to be written to you, and some farther Reasons in Addition. I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient humble Servant In answer to his of the same date, and written...
47512Arthur Lee to Franklin and John Adams, 20 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My fever not being yet sufficiently removd to permit me to come to you; I write to you to submit the absolute necessity there is of informing the Minister without delay of the State of our Finances & that the Supply we have askd is immediately necessary. It is possible they may wait for such information before they put the intention we are told they have of...
47513Vergennes to the American Commissioners, 20 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives Vous avez bien voulu minformer, Mrs., que les batiments destinés pour l’amérique et pour lesquels vous avez demandé des convois, se trouvent dans le port de Nantes; j’en ai prévenu M. de Sartine, et ce Ministre vient de me faire à ce Sujet la réponse dont vous trouverez la copie ci jointe....
47514To Benjamin Franklin from Hezekiah Ford, 20 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Notwithstanding I am confident I left the papers containing the Resolves of Congress in your Book at Passi, after I had finished the Copy for M Lee; Yet I have made diligent search for them; and I do assure you they are not at Chaillot. I have therefore only to request, that you woud be so kind as to reexamine your papers, & I have no doubt but that you...
47515To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [20 January 1779?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We will expect you, M. D’arcy and I, at his House friday next at twelve o’clock to try the gun of M. Belton— I’ll be very glad if you can come to the rendez vous— M. D’arcy hope you will dine with us. I long much to see you my Dear Doctor—for it is a long time since I have had that pleasure accept my Dear Sir of my best Compliments. Addressed: A Monsieur /...
47516John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 21, 1778: I am mortified to learn from Mr. Dobrée that you have refused my bill. Since I have received no letter from you, I can only assume that your correspondence is not adequately protected. There is one final recourse, namely, for you to endorse a bill drawn by me on the President of Congress. Certainly Congress would consider such a...
47517Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 21 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 21, 1779: We thank you for your letter of January 13 and its enclosures. The weather here has suddenly turned severe, rendering navigation on the river impossible. We have had to haul our vessels onto shore, but not before they suffered considerable ice damage, which unfortunately cannot be repaired until the river opens. Repairs should...
47518To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Parny des Falines, 21 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mes chargés d’affaires ont déposé dans le trésor public de charles-town, une somme de Vingt mille pounds, portant intérêt de 7%, et remboursable au 7 Janvier 1779. Ils m’en ont fait passer les Contrats. Mon intention étant de les réaliser en argent, je vous prie de vouloir bien me faire sçavoir si le Congrès a pris quelques arrangements en france pour le...
47519Arthur Lee to Franklin and John Adams, 22 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: University of Virginia Library M. Monthieu calld on me yesterday, but I was too ill to see him. I suppose it was to urge the payment of his demand, which I am by no means yet satisfyd is due. The Papers he has given in, instead of vouching it, render it suspected. The only true & sufficient Voucher is the receit which Mr. Williams did give, or ought to have given to M. Peltier duDoyer at...
47520From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 22 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society Dr Franklin presents Compliments to Mr. Adams, and requests that all the Public Papers may be sent him by the Bearer. Dr. Franklin will undertake to keep them in order; and will at any time chearfully look for and furnish Mr Adams with any Paper he may have occasion for. Mr Adams on receit of this put all the Public Papers, then in his Possession, into the...
47521Robert Niles to the American Commissioners, 22 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 22, 1779: When I arrived here Mr. Dobrée informed me that, according to you, I claimed to have been captured by a privateer which was partially owned by his father. He asked me for a written statement of what the captain had said, but I preferred to send it to you, as a representative of the country to which I am accountable. I shall now...
47522To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Adamoli, 22 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettez qu’au lieu de me reclamer de quelquun pour vous prier d’une grace, j’aie l’honneur de vous presenter une piece de vers à laquelle les sentimens que vous avez inspirés ont donné sujet. Ce moien de recommandation ne sera gueres puissant aupres de vous, Monsieur, J’en conviens, vous êtes trop accoutumé aux éloges et trop sûr de les obtenir. Cependant...
47523To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 22 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Non mon papa, vos visittes ne m’ont jamais causés aucuns désagréments tout ce qui m’entoure vous respecte vous aime, et se trouve honorés de l’amitié que vous nous accordés; je vous ai dit que dans le monde on avoit critiqué l’espece de familliarité qui régnoit entre nous, parcequ’on m’en a avértie: je méprise les médisants, et suis en repos avéc moi mesme,...
47524To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Carloman de Rulhière, 22 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Dartmouth College Library Monsieur franklin a eu la bonté de me promettre un livre qui a paru nouvellement en Angleterre sur le grand evenement de la liberté Americaine, et qui a eté composé en grande partie d’après des memoires que lui même avoit donnès autrefois à un homme qui dans ce tems là etait membre du parlement. Je crains qu’il ne m’ait òublié, ce monument est trop precieus pour...
47525John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, January 23, 1779: While visiting you on January 9, I inquired about the convoy we requested. I must also request passes by return post for four of our vessels, the Molly , the Chasseur , the Governor Livingston , and the Mary Fearon , all the property of James Price, William Haywood, and John Bondfield. Letters from Cadiz report the capture of an...
47526William Lee to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Frankfort-on-Main, January 23, 1779: In following my instructions from the state of Virginia to procure cannon, arms, and ammunition from the French ministry, I applied to Vergennes, who thought it best that you should apply to the prince de Montbarey, the business falling within the department of the Secretary of War. Consequently, I request your help and...
47527Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 23 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 23, 1779: I have not received an answer to my request of December 12, 1778, concerning the incorrect shipment by Horneca, Fizeaux & Cie. of Simeon Deane’s goods. It was mistakenly supposed they belonged to the commissioners, and they were delivered to Mr. Schweighauser. One of the thirteen cases remains with him. Please order that case...
47528To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Girard, 23 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je Reclame votre justice, pour obtenir Celle qui m’est dûe par Lun de vos Compatriotes appellé Vinzandt. Ce M: qui passa icy au mois d’aout 1777. etoit Descandu Chez L’un de nos Negts. quand il y eût fait ses affaires qui Ly avoient amené et quil fut à la veille de son depart, M: de la Croix Chez Lequel il etoit descandu veint avec Lui me demander une...
47529To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley: Two Letters, 23 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress I have communicated yours of Janry 1st. 1779 to the Board of Sick and Hurt and have received the following answer— We are taking measures for the immediate sending to France the number of Americans first proposed to be exchanged and we shall be much obliged by your continuing to impart to us such farther...
47530The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 24 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives <Passy, January 24, 1779: We received your letter of the 20th enclosing M. de Sartine’s answer relative to the convoy we requested. We do not understand his reference to the four vessels supposedly mentioned by us and fear he has been misinformed. On December 29 we asked for a convoy. You asked...
47531From Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee, 24 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library Being desirous of thoroughly understanding M. Monthieu’s Accounts, which I am much press’d by him to settle, I request you would please to send me by the Bearer all the Papers you have relating to it.— I should be glad also to have Mr Grands first Accounts, with Mr Deane’s Remarks upon them— I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant...
47532To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 24 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; ALS (draft): Harvard University Library Mr Monthieu’s Accounts & papers were at Passy when I saw them last. The public Accounts were there also & if they do not remain there still, I apprehend Mr Grand has them, the large one being signd by Mr. Deane which he therefore wished to keep. But I am confident you had a copy of it, & that he will tell you the...
47533From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 25 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : The Current Company, Bristol, R.I. (1977); transcript: Library of Congress I a long time believed that your Government were in earnest in agreeing to an Exchange of Prisoners. I begin now to think I was mistaken. It seems they cannot give up the pleasing Idea of having at the End of the War 1000 Americans to hang for high Treason. You were also long of Opinion, that the Animosity against...
47534From Benjamin Franklin to Margaret Stevenson, 25 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress It is always with great Pleasure when I think of our long continu’d Friendship, which had not the least Interruption in the Course of Twenty Years (some of the happiest of my Life) that I spent under your Roof and in your Company. If I do not write to you as often as I us’d to do when I happen’d to be absent from you, it is owing partly to the present Difficulty of...
47535Alexander Gillon to the American Commissioners, 25 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Brest, January 25, 1779: I arrived here today from our continent via Havana. I embarked for Spain on November 17; on the 19th instant I encountered a small fleet about fifty leagues east south east of Cape Finisterre commanded by de Grasse, who suggested that I make for Brest with the frigate Fortunée , Capt. Marigny. To expedite the business I am sent on...
47536To Benjamin Franklin from Josiah Darrell, 25 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Josiah Darrell of the Brig Polly, from Charles Town, declares, that after having ship’d a few Men, and with great Difficulty and Trouble made up a Complement of Sailors, (with those, he had on board, that came with him from Charles Town;) that there is a great Likelihood of his losing the cheifest Part of his Men, by Reason of his not being able to get any...
47537To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 25 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Il y a longtemps que je desirois une voie comme celle-ci, pour vous dire des choses que je n’ose confier à l’ordinaire. Je ne suis nullement content de la maniere dont on a conduit à Amst. la négociation pécuniaire. Il me semble qu’on eût pu faire mieux. J’ai lieu de soupçonner, que les intérêts & le crédit des Etats-Unis...
47538To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Felix Wuybert, 25 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society D’après Votre ordre, Je me suis rendû chez Mr. Lee, que l’on m’a dit etre trés-dangéreusement malade, sur quoy Je suis revenu à Paris chez ma Soeur où Je loge Laquelle est aussi trésmalade. J’ose me flatter, Monsieur, que Vous Voudrez bien m’Excuser si Je n’ai pas retourné chez Vous pour Vous rendre reponse; ma soeur à qui je rends mes soins et attentions,...
47539The American Commissioners to John Gilbank, 26 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) We have received your Letter of the twenty first of this Month, and in Answer to it, We assure you that We cannot indorse your Bills, as you propose. We are your humble servants In JA ’s hand.
47540The American Commissioners to Gentlemen at Nantes, 26 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives (two) <Passy, January 26, 1779: We received your letter of January 21 yesterday. You ask which ports are free pursuant to the treaty. As yet none have been specifically designated. All French ports are open to all American vessels, and it would not be politic to apply for any further distinctions,...
47541To Benjamin Franklin from [H.] Sykes, 26 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mr. Sykes presents his Respectfull Compliments to Mr: Franklin, and at the Request of a Friend, begs to be inform’d Whether in the Course of last Year he Receiv’d a Globe, (in Plaister of Paris) Sent him by Mr: Haywood of London. Mr: Franklin’s Answer will much Oblige Mr: Sykes An Englishman who had a store in the Place du Palais Royal. There he sold...
47542Dumas to the American Commissioners, 27[-29] January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief <The Hague, January 27[–29], 1779, in French: Yesterday the States of Holland resolved to annul the resolution of November 18, which excepted ships’ timbers from convoy protection, and to protect their commerce to the fullest extent guaranteed by the treaties [with Britain]. Tomorrow the assembly will work on the response...
47543To Benjamin Franklin from de La Plaigne, 27 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society D’après l’usage reçu en france d’assurer, au renouvellement des années, ses protecteurs, bienfaiteurs, &c, des souhaits de santé, & prospérité; je n’eusse pas manqué d’assurer votre Excellence des voeux sincères que j’adresse au Ciel pour vous & pour l’empire naissant que vous Representez; mais un malheureux erésipelle, accompagné de fiévre, m’en a privé...
47544To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-Guillaume Le Veillard, 27 [January] 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Madame Bouffé beseeches you to put again to Wednesday third of February the dinner that you should make at her house the tuesday second; or, if you cannot at Wednesday tenth; do me knowing, I pray you, your determination, and write it upon your books. I say you and I will say this night that I respect and Love you more than everybody Addressed: A Monsieur /...
47545From Benjamin Franklin to Soller, 28 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Haverford College Library As the Commerce is now open between France and America, the Residents here no longer make Purchases of Goods for that Country, but leave those Matters entirely to private Merchants. I thank you nevertheless for your kind Offers of Service, and I have sent your Proposals to Mr Jonathan Williams, an American Merchant establish’d at Nantes, who may possibly have in...
47546Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 28 January 1779: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, January 28, 1779: The memorial from the undersigned American gentlemen, merchants and commanders of vessels at Nantes, shows that merchants now incur an inconceivable expense in outfitting their vessels, many of which may not sail because of the unjust conduct of the seamen and lack of an official to arbitrate disputes between American captains and...
47547Rïou to the American Commissioners, [c. 28 January 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jay Lhonneur de vous prevenir que la Vante de La Prise faitte par Le Corsaire Le hamden sest faitte aujourdhuy Deux heures apres Midy! Quelle a eté Notre Surprise quand Messieurs Les acheteurs de La Prise, La Constance, Dont La Cause est en vos Mains ont signifié des arrests Conservatoires en Mains des achetteurs de La Dte. prise et sa Carguaison aux...
47548To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pickerin, 28 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will Inform you that I arriv’d here on the 6th Octor. last from a Cruize from the Port of Pisscataqua in the State of New hamshire N. America. that in the Course of my Cruize I fell in with a French Ship called the L’Constant from St. Domingo bound to Bourdeaux. Which sd. Ship, had been taken four days before by a Guernsey Privateer. The Ship I retook...
47549From Benjamin Franklin to Adamoli, 29 January 1780 [i.e., 1779] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 22. Instant, with a Copy of the Vessels in which I find myself mention’d but too advantageously.— Please to accept my thankful Acknowledgements.— I do not perfectly comprehend your Plan of finding the different Relations of Weights, Measures, &c. by means of Compass. But I believe the English Society of...
47550To Benjamin Franklin from the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 29 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: American Philosophical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives By the way of Martinique I send you a large Course of News Papers. In those of later date you will see that the Enemy are exerting their Force but too successfully in Georgia. We hope the Count D’Estaing will be able to operate with us by a Detachment from his fleet, so that we may wrest from our foes the Fruits...