To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 3 March 1778
From Jonathan Williams, Jr.
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Nantes March 3. 1778
Dear and Honored Sir
I recvd. your Favour of the 28th Feb. on my return from Quiberon, after it had been laying some time waiting for me. The one Inclosed had no Direction, I was therefore obliged to break the Seal to know for whom it was intended. I did this because I thought it was for some person about to Depart which would leave no Time to obtain your answer, and because I knew you would not be displeased with me for it.
I wish the 50.000 Livres had been paid.1 The Regularity of Bills of Exchange demands payment or refusal, but in this Case it may be different. I shall be glad to be informed when it is probable you will receive this money and whether I am ever to expect any more.
I recvd. Billy’s obliging Letter this Morning and thank him for his Intelligence. When he can send me the proposed Bills I shall be extreemly Glad to have them. I beg my Love to him. I am ever your dutifull and affectionate Kinsman
Jona Williams J
Addressed: a monsieur / Monsieur Franklin LLD / a / Passy.
1. The French government had returned to England the prizes taken by Babson and Kendrick, and had then promised to reimburse the American owners of the privateers to the tune of 400,000 l.t.; the 50,000 was the first installment. Chaumont had presumably so informed JW, as BF had said he would. Above, XXV, 676, 728–9, 731. What worried JW was that the initial payment might go to the owners, leaving him out of pocket for his expenses and commissions; see his next letter below, March 5.