1Matthew Ridley to the American Commissioners, 3 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this is Mr. Ebenezer Platt; with whose sufferings in the cause of America you are not unacquainted. He has lately got released from his confinement in consequence of a Petition from the Committee for American Prisoners. Mr. Platt is desirous of returning to his Country; and every mode but the one through France being stop’d I have taken the...
2Matthew Ridley to the Commissioners, 29 September 1778 (Adams Papers)
Meeting accidentally, when in London, with a Manuscript Book of the Commissioners of the English Navy, a few Years back; containing a very accurate description of the Dimensions, Guns, Men &ca. of most Ships then in Commission; various calculations for the purpose of Ship building and repairing; the duties of the several Officers in their different stations on board Ships of War, and other...
3Matthew Ridley to the American Commissioners, 29 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society <Paris, September 29, 1778: A number of years ago, in London, I came upon a manuscript book of the commissioners of the English navy. It contains accurate descriptions of the ships and their equipment then in commission as well as calculations for their repair and the duties of their officers. Conceiving this...
4The American Commissioners to Matthew Ridley, 22 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have received your Letter dated Paris September 29 1778, with the valuable Present to the united States of America, of a Manuscript Book of the Commissioners of the English Navy, containing a Description of the Dimensions, Guns, Men &c. of most Ships, in Commission at the Time when it was written. We thank you, Sir...
5To John Adams from Matthew Ridley, 13 July 1782 (Adams Papers)
I did not write you last Tuesday as I had it not in my power to inform you with any certainty on the Subject my Letter was intended for. I can now assure you the Marquis de la Fayette will not leave home this summer. Monsieur de la Touche with the Eagle and some other Frigates have by this time sailed, with sundry Vessels under Convoy, having on board Stores Cloathing &ce for both Armies. A...
6To John Adams from Matthew Ridley, 20 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
I doubt not you have e’er this thought me slow in keeping the promise I made of writing to you. I have had many Reasons for defering it; but amongst others the desire of writing you with some certainty of the Tempers of People here. I have had one very serious Conversation with, J. He appears to me very desirous of seeing you—were it only for a few Hours—he says he has some Things to consult...
7To John Adams from Matthew Ridley, 20 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
The present Letter is on a Subject, which, tho’ in itself little interesting to others, is, to me, as desiring to retain your good opinion, much so. The Subject I allude to, is that of the Loan negotiated by me in Holland for the state of Maryland. I should be sorry, after the repeated proofs I received of confidence and politeness from you, that you should conceive me reserved and close—yet...
8From John Adams to Matthew Ridley, 29 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
Last Night I received your Letter of the 20th. Your Reserve upon the Subject of the Maryland Loan needed no Apology. I was Soon informed of your Engagements with Messrs. Van Staphorsts, and Some Persons may possibly think I ought to have opposed them. But I am not myself of that opinion. I think that on one hand a Minister of the United States is not obliged to do any Thing to promote a Loan...
9From John Adams to Matthew Ridley, 29 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
It would give me great Pleasure to See, and converse freely with the Gentn you mention upon Men and Things. I have long known him a Man of Honour and Abilities. He and I have often differed in opinion, and each of us has Supported his opinion with Ardour: this We may do again without abating a mutual Esteem or Affection, as long as a Perswasion remains of Candour, Integrity and Sincerity, as...
10To John Adams from Matthew Ridley, 29 September 1782 (Adams Papers)
I did myself the Honor of writing you a few Posts since. I now inclose you a Letter which will communicate something agreeable. The Grand difficulty being removed I have now some hopes of seeing you in this part of the World. Personal motives engage me strongly to wish it but public ones which are of more weight seem to require it. By the Vessels, arrived at L’Orient are Letters as late as the...