47501To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collas, 11 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the pleasure to imform you, that Mr. John Johnson & Mr. Ridley &c. has geaven me the Command of a brigg in thiers Service, to preceed from this place (under Convoy) for Verginy, therefore in my Small Capacity if I can be of any Service to you in the Convoyance of any thing. either letter of Pack’s. pray Comand me Geave me leave to Remains you of few...
47502To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Dantoine and Other Commission Seekers, 11 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Of the fourteen men who apply or are recommended for employment in the American army during the four months covered by this volume, ten are French, two Swiss, one is German, and one Irish. The German applicant, Otto Magnus de Butler, writes on November 20 from Axel in southwestern Holland. He is a captain, currently in the service of the prince of Baden,...
47503To Benjamin Franklin from John Emery, 11 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Last satturday arrivd here my schooner Success from Newbury Port which Place she left the 4th. Octr. on her Passage took a Snow with abt 3200 Qus [Quintals] fish which she has conducted in here safely. Inclosed you have a letter & the latest Papers brought by her, yesterday came in here the Brig America Capt. Bartlet of Boston & brought in with him a...
47504To Benjamin Franklin from William Kentisbear, 11 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As a subject to the united states of America & Origanlly from Marblehead in the Province of Massachusets, have a wife & four children, induces me to Sollicit your Excellency on this present Occasion, imploring your protection in my unhappy situaition, having been taken by the fate of War by the ambuscade frigate & carried to Hallifax were I made my escape...
47505To Benjamin Franklin from Veuve Morel & fils, 11 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society We Never had the honor of receiving any of your much Esteemed favor nor the advantage to Write you yet We make bold to offer you our most devouted Services in this town. We think We are Entitled to it by those We have already rendered in Behalf of Some of your own Country men When affairs Was Still going on on a peacable footing With England & for that...
47506To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 11 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous prie, Monsieur, de vouloir bien écouter M. Doumer , porteur de ma lettre, que j’ai chargé de vous entretenir d’une affairre a laquelle Je prends interêt. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec Beaucoup de considération, Monsieur, votre trés humble et trés obéissant serviteur./. Endorsed: M. de Sartine concerning M. Dommer Notation: De Sartine Paris 11e 9bre....
47507The American Commissioners to Francis Coffyn, 12 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives Your favours of the 15 Octr. and 1st of November We have recd with their Inclosures. And We approve of your Conduct and the Reasons of it, excepting Mr De la Plaine.— As he is not in the service of the united States We cannot justify, putting the united States to Expence for his assistance. You will please to draw upon...
47508The American Commissioners to Sartine, 12 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives de la Marine; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives Last Night, We had a Letter from Nantes a Copy of which we have the honour to inclose to your Excellency. The Subject of it appears to us, of great Importance to the United States, as well as to the Individuals, Frenchmen and Americans, who are interested in the Vessels destined to America,...
47509Franklin and John Adams to Vergennes, 12 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, November 12, 1778: In view of the magnitude of the alliance between France and the United States, we conceive it would be highly pleasing to our constituents to have a portrait of His Majesty to be kept where Congress sits; if you are of opinion this would give no offense, we request your kind offices to...
47510John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 12 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <La Rochelle, November 12, 1778: I concluded agreements with Mr. Schweighauser for the public freight of the two ships [the Governor Livingston and the Chasseur ] which will proceed to Paimboeuf next week. We, like the merchants of Nantes, have applied for a convoy. These two ships will be very valuable; an application from you should insure the convoy. We...
47511James Laurens, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 12 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I return you my sincere thanks for the Pass that you were so obliging as to send me, under cover of a Letter of 23d. Ulto: from Doctr. Franklin. And I am exceedingly mortified at finding myself under the necessity of troubling you again upon this occasion, but the Commandant of this place, informs me, that a Pass from Government is indispensably necessary....
47512Sartine to the American Commissioners, 12 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress (two), National Archives <Versailles, November 12, 1778, in French: M. de Fleury has informed me that in 1776 his only son went to America to serve in Washington’s army, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was captured at Fort St. Augustine, where he is in a deplorable condition. Please consider the father’s request that...
47513To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Pierre Bérenger, 12 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pardon si je vous écris encore: il ne s’agit plus d’un sujet sur lequel votre silence m’a appris à me taire. Cinq jeunes gens partent pour l’Amerique où je voudrais pouvoir les suivre: je les connais à peine de nom; mais ils sont Genevois, & ce nom est toujours cher à mon coeur; ils partent avec l’agrement de leurs Parens; leurs ressources les rendent...
47514To Benjamin Franklin from A. Ray, 12 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The motive which induces me to take the liberty of addressing you, will I hope be a sufficient apology, for my seeming impertinence— It is simply the love of your country, and a warm desire, to have my designs supported, and forwarded, by so respectable a man— I have not the honour to be known to you, though some of your particular acquaintance, have been...
47515Dumas to the American Commissioners, 13 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <[The Hague], November 13, 1778, in French: Next Wednesday a resolution on refusing convoy for naval stores will be decided by plurality vote [of the states of the Province of Holland]. Amsterdam has protested that the constitution requires unanimous consent in this case. Mr. van Berckel and the...
47516Intelligence from Havana and Other Places, 13 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
D : National Archives As in past volumes, we print one example of the intelligence reports Franklin received and summarize the remainder. Sent to Franklin by his friend the chevalier de Kéralio, a military inspector with extensive contacts in French ports, the reports for the period covered by this volume increase markedly in both number (fifty-nine in all) and geographical range. Only eight...
47517Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 14 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives J’ai mis sous les yeux du Roy, Messieurs, les raisons qui pouvoient determiner sa Majesté a accorder la liberté aux Sujets des Etats unis prisonniers en France. Mais elle a pensé sagement que cette faveur ne doit être accordée qu’à ceux qui ont été pris sur des Batimens americains et forcés de...
47518To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, 14 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I was not able to finish as soon as I expected the book I intend to publish, I find my self obliged to spend the winter in this capital, where I enjoye far more satisfaction and happiness then I can ever enjoye in the place, where I am destined to reside. Tho I have not had the pleasure of hearing directely from you, I had now and then the satisfaction...
47519James Smith to the American Commissioners, 15 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <Paris, November 15, 1778: I enclose the testimony of Mr. Anthony Payn concerning the detention of my goods, which gives the names of the officer who took them and of Mr. Payn’s servant, who was also a witness. Your agent at Calais, together with Mr. Whitall and Miss Farrel were also informed at the time about the case. Mr. Williams...
47520To Benjamin Franklin from the American Prisoners at Dinan, 15 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Petition of the under Subscribed Americans Confined in Dennant Castle—Humbly Sheweth, That your poor Petitioners, Imboldened by your Destinguished Character for Justice, and well known Zeal for our Countrys cause, Once More, Beg leave to lay our Circumstances before you, Being of Opinion our Former Petitiones Unfortunately Miscarryed—as We never...
47521To Benjamin Franklin from Charlotte Amiel, [15 November? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Most assuredly my good Sir you will look upon me extremely importunate in again troubling you with a Letter, I will allow, and acknowledge ’tis very presumptious in me a poor weak Woman to take the liberty of writing to such a sensible Man as Doctor Franklin; but alas the Subject is too interesting for me to forbear taking up my Pen, as my timidity prevents...
47522To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Brillon de Jouy, 15 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Brillon presente ses respects a Monsieur franklin, il lui envoye de la part de sa femme qui n’en a nulle connoissance et qui ne revient que demain l’Eripuit coelo fulmen sceptrumque tirannis. Nouvelle Composition en l’honneur du Docteur franklin qui heureusement pour nous sçait aussi descendre du ciel en terre et du sceptre a la houlette. A demain le thé....
47523John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 16 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, November 16, 1778: Having received no answer from you, I am writing a third time to request money to join my regiment in South Carolina. A convoy is expected and the vessels will be ready to sail. It is the custom of every nation to supply an officer who has been taken prisoner with the amount of his pay to rejoin his station. If this were not so,...
47524Sartine to the American Commissioners: Two Letters, 16 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) copies: Massachusetts Historical Society; Library of Congress (two), National Archives; (II) copies: Massachusetts Historical Society; Library of Congress (two) J’ai reçû, Messieurs, avec la Letter, que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire, le 12. de ce mois, la Copie de celle qui vous a été Adressée par M. Schweighauser Agent des Etats Unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale à Nantes, au...
47525To Benjamin Franklin from Emmanuel-Pierre de La Plaigne, 16 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society La lettre que votre Excellence a écrit à Monsieur Coffyn à mon sujet, eut déterminé mon départ, sans un violent mal de gorge & un gros rhume, qui m’y retiennent jusqu’a demain avec mon frère et mon domestique; mon beaufrère, mon néveu & deux de mes alliés étant déjà partis pour paris. Voilà, Monseigneur, quelle est la famille dont j’avois eu l’honneur de...
47526The American Commissioners to Sartine: Three Letters, 17 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
(I) AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives; (II) LS : Archives de la Marine; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives; (III) LS : New York Public Library; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have the Honour of your Excellencys Letter of the 14 of this Month informing Us, of his...
47527The American Commissioners to James Smith, 17 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives Your Letter of the 15th We duly received, and have written to his Excellency the Compte De Vergennes upon the Subject of it, and inclosed to him the Certificate from Mr Pain. Your Request of a Passport, to go to England We do not think We can consistently grant, unless you previously Subscribe the Declaration and take...
47528The American Commissioners to Vergennes, 17 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We communicated to Dr Smith, the Letter which your Excellency did Us the Honour to write to Us concerning his Goods. Since which he has inclosed to Us, the Certificate, of Mr Anthy Paine, which We have the Honour to inclose to your Excellency.— If there are two offices, one in which are deposited, Goods Seized, the...
47529John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 17 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this Moment the honour of your Letter of Novr. 10th: in answer to mine of Octr. 6th: since which time I had the honour to write you Novr. 4th. past, and not receiving an Answer sooner, I yesterday wrote a third time which I imagine you will receive before this. I am by your letter rendred compleatly distressed. Nor do I know which way to turn myself,...
47530To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Nicolas Jullian and Other Applicants for Emigration, 17 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A number of people, as usual, sought Franklin’s help to emigrate to the New World or recommended their restless friends to his good graces. As far as we know, none of them received any encouragement from him. Louis Fouché writes from Romegoux in the Charente on December 4. Thirty-six years old, a native of the island of Oléron, and son of Capt. André Fouché...
47531James Smith to the American Commissioners, [after 17 November 1778]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives <[after November 17, 1778]: I have received your very extraordinary letter of Nov. 17 and thank you for presenting my case to the count de Vergennes. You say that if I subscribe to the declaration and take the oath of allegiance to the United States you will give me the customary passport to Calais. Unless this passport will remove...
47532To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Le Baron, 18 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le sr. Job Prince Commandant le Corsaire de Boston la Concorde de 14: Canons 20: pierriers s’est présenté sur notre rade avant hier, et y a délivré un Batteau pêcheur qui étoit tombé au pouvoir de deux Caiches Angloises, il s’est adressé a moy, que vous avez chargé de rendre aux Navires des Colonies unies tous les services qui étoient en mon pouvoir, pour...
47533To Benjamin Franklin from “Job Prince,” 18 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having the honour to be appointed by Congress to the command of the Concord, & being just arrived on this coast, I have the pleasure to acquaint you therewith in order that you may direct me in my cruizing against the enemy. I suppose I need not tell you that the Concord is a fine new Vessel, and remarkably well found. You are, no doubt, perfectly well...
47534To Benjamin Franklin from Chevalier Gilles-Jean Barazer de Kermorvan, 19 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous faire part de la délivrance heureuse de notre reine, elle est accouchée aujourdhuy a onze heures quarante deux minutes, d’une fille, on s’etoit trompé pendant une heure sur le sexe, soit par l’excès de la joye ou par l’embarras d’annoncer une fille, on a annoncé un dauphin au peuple. La reine a etè en travail depuis deux heures et...
47535To Benjamin Franklin from Mounier & Denis, 19 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous prennons la liberté, de nous adresser a vous, pour vous enformer que notre Navire Neerlants Welvaart M. [Maitre] Cornelis Thomasse Wesseling parti de Leverpool avec une Cargaison pour Naples & Salerno en Italie, chargé pour Compte Italien, ä eté pris par les Americains, qui l’ont emmené avec eux, en Nouvel Angleterre en Amerique, comme nous avons eté...
47536To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since writing you the 3d Instant, M Montieu has voluntarily offered to take all my Affairs on himself. He wants no Security he says for my probity, but only in Case of my Death, for which he says he will take my Drafts on you at 18 or 20 months date that you may see him paid from my Effects, these Bills he does not expect you will ever be obliged to pay, if...
47537Franklin and John Adams to William Temple Franklin: Instructions, 20 November and [20–21 November 1778] (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ADS : Cornell University Library; copy: Delaware Historical Society Instructions to W T. Franklin You are to go by the shortest Road to Dieppe, and make all the Dispatch possible. At Dieppe enquire for Mr Baron, Merchant there, and take his Advice whether to go off to the Ship, or to acquaint the Captain with your Arrival send him the Letters you have for him, and desire him to...
47538From Benjamin Franklin to Le Baron, [20 November 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society I thank you for your readiness to serve Capt. Prince. His Bills for moderate Supplies will be honour’d. The Bearer is my Grandson. I beg leave to recommend him to your Civilities. I shall answer the rest of your Letter soon. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt humble Servant In WTF ’s hand. Dated on the basis of the following document.
47539From Benjamin Franklin to “Job Prince,” 20 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society I have just received yours of the 18th Instant. My Grandson, William T. Franklin, who is the Bearer of this, and will have the honor of delivering it into your hands, sets out early tomorrow morning for that purpose. He is my private Secretary, and is a Young Man of Trust & Discretion, to whom you may safely confide, what you have to communicate to the...
47540Dumas to the American Commissioners, 20 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <The Hague, November 20, 1778, in French: Returning here, I learned from our friend that the Provincial Assembly by majority vote has resolved against providing convoys and in favor of the Admiralty’s advisory. Amsterdam has inserted a formal protest, which it demands be published, because the...
47541Thomas Middleton to the American Commissioners, 20 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Three LS : American Philosophical Society I received Two Bills of Exchange drawn by Francis Hopkinson on you for Interest due to me on Money lent the Publick, & having had the Misfortune to loose these drafts I advertized them as you will see by the enclosed paper which however has not produced a return of the Bills & lays me under a Necessity of Troubling you to request that you will not pay...
47542To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Christophe Valmont de Bomare, 20 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a bien longtemps que je n’ai eu l’avantage de vous rendre mes devoirs. Depuis que nous avons diné ensemble chez Made. de chaumont, c’étoit dans les premiers jours de mai, j’ai été à chantilly, où j’ai passè tout mon été à faire un cours de physique et d’histoire naturelle à S.A.S. mademoiselle de Bourbon-condé. Me voilà de retour à Paris, je voudrois...
47543From Benjamin Franklin to Le Baron, 21 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society I write this Line per Post just to acqt you that your Letter relating to Capt Prince is received, and that a Person in our Confidence, as desired by him, sets out this Day for Dieppe with Answers to your & the Captain’s Letters, and will probably be with you soon after your Receipt of this; of which it would be well to give the Captn. Notice, that they may...
47544John Bondfield to the American Commissioners, 21 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, November 21, 1778: The Inspector of Artillery visited the port yesterday to inspect M. Bertin’s cannon. On the basis of appearance alone, their quality seems good, but this must be confirmed by testing. I herewith enclose a list indicating their specifications. Other cannon belonging to the same company made from the same mold can be procured...
47545To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 21 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have just wrote to you by Mr Duncan Ingraham Junr. upon some public Affairs— I beg Leave in this, lest he might be oblig’d to destroy that, should he meet with an Enemy just to mention him to you as my Friend, for whom I have a great Regard— He goes to France on a Plan of Business in his own Vessel: as he is a Stranger there he would be glad to be...
47546To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Dubois, 21 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettez que je mette sous les yeux de V.E. une feuille du journal de Lorraine, où j’ai inséré un petit morceau de Poësie, qui a aumoins le mérite de ne vous être pas indifférent. Vous y verrez qu’aux extrémités du Royaume les François parlent de votre République ainsi qu’ils en parlent à Paris, avec la même estime et le même intérêt. Je ne croi pas...
47547To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 21 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In a party writing against the Rockinghams I See this assertion— Washington told the Congress, on the capture of Burgoyne’s army that now was the happy time to treat . As I don’t recollect having seen it till now, I intend to give the author the Lye. Be so kind as to let me know wether I can do it without my self injuring Truth. I am with great respect Your...
47548To Benjamin Franklin from Jesse Taylor, 21 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed is a memorial the Substance of which may already Reached you, in a personal Interveiw with Sir Edward Newenham who promised before he Left Ireland that when he would have the honour of Waiting on you to Lay before you our Wishes— We thought Best in the Body of our memorial not to mention any names to the memorialists, Least your Excellency would...
47549To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pickerin, 23 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives I Assume the Liberty of Writing you per this Post, advising you that Capt. Jones has impos’d on himself the dignity of a Continental Officer, and thereby securing all Desserters from American Vessels. to the great Prejudice of the United States. As I humbly Conceive it a matter of great Consequence to suffer such Unnatrual & Illegal...
47550To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 24 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Voici encore une affaire que je ne puis confier qu’à vous seul. La lecture des copies ci-jointes vous mettra au fait de tout. L’affaire m’a paru si délicate, que je n’ai rien voulu faire sans l’avis de G—— F——, qui l’ayant aussi trouvé telle, a cependant approuvé que j’en donnasse un Extrait à notre ami, tant pour voir ce...