1From John Adams to François Barbé-Marbois, 17 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
Braintree, 17 October 1779. printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:176–177 . John Adams, after thanking Barbé-Marbois for his letter of 29 Sept. (calendared above) congratulating him on his new appointment, said that John Quincy Adams probably would not be accompanying him on his new mission to...
2From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 17 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
I am infinitely obliged to you for your Favour of 29 of september and for the Journals. These are so much wanted in Europe, that if I should go there, there is nothing of so small Expence that I so much wish as 20 or 30 setts of them. They are an handsome Present. Cant Congress or some Committee order them to me. The Appointment of Mr. Dana is as unexpected as my own. No Man could be found...
3From John Adams to Elbridge Gerry, 17 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
As to the Boundaries of Mass. I have asked Mr. A. about them but he did not recollect them. The Council appointed a Committee, within a few days after my Arrival, to ascertain them and did me the Honour to put me upon it, altho not a Member of Either House, with Mr. Bowdoin and Mr. S. A. but we have never met, and now it would be improper. They will appoint a new one I suppose. As to the Claim...
4From John Adams to the Chevalier de La Luzerne, 17 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
printed : JA, Diary and Autobiography Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, ed. L. H. Butterfield and others, Cambridge, 1961; 4 vols. , 4:175–176 . John Adams, thanking La Luzerne for his letter of 29 Sept. (calendared above) congratulating him on his appointment as minister to negotiate the peace, confessed to some diffidence about his ability to undertake so difficult a task. He added,...
5From John Adams to James Lovell, 17 October 1779 (Adams Papers)
And What, my dear sir, shall I say to your Favours of the 27. and 28 of september, which came by the last Post? The Unanimity of my Election surprises me, as much, as the Delicacy Importance, and Danger, of the Trust distresses me. The appointment of Mr. Dana to be the Secretary, pleases me more than my own to be Minister, Commissioner, Negotiator, call it what you will. I have communicated to...
6From Benjamin Franklin to Tristram Dalton, 17 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received Lately your Letter of the 13th. of may, with the Papers relative to the Loss of the Brigantine fairplay. I had on the first Intelligence of that accident from the west Indies, made application to the Minister of the marine in favour of the sufferers, and received from him the answer of which I formerly Sent you a Copy; but as that may have miscarried, I now...
7From Benjamin Franklin to the Eastern Navy Board, 17 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received the Letters you did me the honour of writing to me the 30th of July and 18th. of August last, by the Mercury Packet Boat and by a french Cutter, the other Dispatches Capt. Samson was entrusted with, came all Safe to hand; and I Should have dipatch’d him sooner, if I had not found it necessary to detain him in order to Send by him to Congress some Advices of...
8From Benjamin Franklin to James Lovell, 17 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives (two); AL (draft): Library of Congress; copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives The foregoing is a Copy of my last. I have now before me your several Favours therein mentioned, viz of June 13. July 9 & 16. and Augt. 6. I received the Journals of Congress from Jany. 1st. to June 12. which you took care to send me: But the Vols 1. & 2d which you mention...
9From Benjamin Franklin to the Massachusetts Delegates to Congress, 17 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; copy: Library of Congress I have lately received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 7th of May last, relating to the Loss of the Brigantine, Fair Play . I had before made the Application desired, and obtained an Order to the Governor of Guadaloupe for making the Compensation. I hope therefore that the Business is effected; but if any...
10To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 17 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Gerard having been detained thus long, affords me an opportunity of informing you that Sally has presented us with another fine Boy; she was safely Delivered on Thursday the 7th. Instant, and I have the pleasure to tell you, that she and the baby are as well as we could wish or expect— Miss Sally Duffield is now with us, she sends Compliments to you &...