1351To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Rodolph Valltravers, 10 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Just returned from a Tour thro’ the principal of our Cantons, I found all my Countrymen concerned for the Misfortunes of England and N. America. Is there no Means to prevent the Destruction of both? Yes, there is, please God! Let but a just, equitable, pacifying Mediator step between both, and reconcile them upon liberal, safe, and honorable Principles....
1352To Benjamin Franklin from Patience Wright, 10 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As much depends on Seartain and Early Inteligence I send you a Copy of the letter Sent out to the ministeriel myromidons about the meeting of Parlement. “Sir you are requested to attend at the cokpitt on wendsday Evening at 7 oclok being the ninetenth, 19th Instant.” Not-Withstanding the Circulating letter the Runnir and [is?] ordid to say the parlement...
1353To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 11 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Favour of the 23d Octo. I did not receive ’till the day before yesterday owing I suppose to M. Montieu’s return to Paris. As to the Prizes I am very much afraid that we are on all hands deceived for while M. C was amused with the Idea of returning them to us orders were absolutely given to confiscate, and after that, when he was again amused with the...
1354To Benjamin Franklin from James Babson, 12 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives This Days post from Nantes brought me the Disagrable a Counts of the sea prises tacking by me and Capt. Kendrick to be Condemed to yours [use] of the King France. I Cannot se on what grounes or authority thay have for so Doing, as I had agood Commision for tacking of saiad Shipes; I Neiver thought of their Doing aney thing futher than sanding them out again &c. I Cant...
1355To Benjamin Franklin from Francois Gianolio, 12 November 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Turin, November 12, 1777, in French: I have long wanted to establish commercial contact with America, but am unable to go there; so I am asking your assistance. Congress, I know, has established agents in Europe for importing American and exporting European products; and I should like to be added to this fortunate group. America has plenty to offer...
1356William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 14 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and AL : American Philosophical Society I have been prevented from having the honor of writing to you for some considerable time past, as an Embargo has been laid upon all Shipping bound to Europe, in Consequence of some Dispatches, which the General received from France. I vainly hoped that it would be a Forerunner to a Commencement of Hostilities, but it is now taken off; and there seems...
1357William McCreery to the American Commissioners, [c. 14 November 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A Prize having been lately made between the Mouth of this River, and the Lighthouse call’d Cordovan, by an American Privateer, and a Letter of Marque; which has occasion’d much talk at this place, much censure to me, as part owner of the latter, and many Letters to the English Ambassador; the purport of which I understand, is, that I, as an owner, shou’d be...
1358To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 14 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous prie, Mon cher Maitre, d’accorder un moment d’audience a Monsieur henry Du Bois Negociant d’Amsterdam, qui a des choses tout a fait interessantes a vous communiquer, et que j’espere que vous ne serez pas faché de connoitre. J’ai l’honneur de vous souhaiter le bonjour et de vous renouveller les assurances de mon parfait attachement Addressed: A...
1359To Benjamin Franklin from Aimé(or Amé)-Ambroise-Joseph Feutry, 14 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Feutry a l’honneur d’annoncer à Monsieur Franklin que, dans Le mercure de france de ce mois de novembre, 1777, page 105 et suivantes, on y parle du bon homme Richard avec l’intérêt qu’il mérite, et qu’on appelle cet opuscule aureum Libellum . Si feutry avoit osé, il y eut joint ses commandemens de l’honnête homme; mais il a craint de mettre une petite piece...
1360The American Commissioners to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Connecticut Historical Society, University of Virginia Library Yours by Capt. Nicholson are before us. Mr. Deanes Lettres of yesterday proposed passing a Sale of the Lyon and sending her out as french Property, that is that she go down the River as commanded by the french Captain, and that Captain Nicholson instead returning to Nantes go directly to meet her at the mouth of the River...
1361To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques J. De Baÿ, 15 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society C’est a mon ami Mr. Theobald de Londres, que j’ai l’obligation d’entrer avec vous en Connoissance, mais je suis faché que je la Commence, en vous apprenant une triste nouvelle, qui est la mort de Madame Bache, decedée Le 24 du mois passé a Preston, laquelle suivant que me mande mon susdit ami, etoit la mere de L’epoux de Madame votre fille. Je vous rapporte...
1362To Benjamin Franklin from Martha Johnson, 15 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take this opertunety to inquier after your helth and should have Done it much sooner had I have known how. But the time I wrot to Jonathon the gentelman who took it told me he was not Cartain he should Be premited to Carrey it or I should have wrot to you at the same time. I hope when you heard from America last all our frinds are in good helth altho in a...
1363To Benjamin Franklin from [Thadée-Humphrey?] O’Doüin, 15 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My request to you, I dare say so, bears a Character of Justice for you promised me, about Eight Months ago, strong Letters of reccommandation to the Honourable Congress in favour of a young Gentleman which Desired to go over to our friends as a Volonteer in hopes of an Employement. A strong fit of Sickness that left his health in a very bad Condition,...
1364To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 16 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library; copy and transcript: National Archives What elicited this letter, as witness the second notation, was one from Dr. John Berkenhout, a shadowy figure who hoped to be Whitehall’s emissary for exploring peace terms, and had initiated a correspondence with Lee on that subject the previous August. Berkenhout’s letter is unsigned and undated, though it refers to...
1365The American Commissioners to Stephen Sayre, [before 17 November 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress We learn with much surprise from your Letter to Dr. Franklin of the 27th of Octr. that you have remaind at the Court of Berlin apparently in a public character. It is our duty to inform you, that acting under a public character without being authorizd, is criminal; and we therefore advise and enjoin you to desist from any such conduct in future at Berlin or...
1366From Benjamin Franklin to [La Rochefoucauld], 17 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Bibliothèque Municipale de Besançon I return the Carolina Constitution which I have carefully perused. I have the Pleasure to inform you that the Amphitrite is arrived at l’Orient from Charlestown, which she left the 21st of September. She has brought us a good Cargo of Rice and Indigo, but no News, except that one of our Fregates in a Cruize of 5 Days from that Port had brought in 4...
1367Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas to the American Commissioners, 18 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague J’ajouterai à l’incluse pour Mr. G——— Grd. (que je laisse ouverte, pour que vous la lisiez aussi), quelques anecdotes, qui pourront plus ou moins vous servir. On m’a assuré qu’il se forme en Zélande (l’une de ces Provinces), une Compagnie de Marchands pour négocier directement avec le Continent de l’Am....
1368J. Rocquette, T. A. Elsevier, & P. Th. Rocquette to the American Commissioners, 18 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS or ALS : Connecticut Historical Society Give us leave to make you, under cover of our most Intimate Friends Messrs. Fco. and Ads. Dubbeldemuts, the offer of our most devoted Services, nothing Should be more flattering for us, than to Enter into correspondance with you and to be favour’d with your commands. Be assured that your intrest, or that of the congrés, cannott be placed into better...
1369To Benjamin Franklin from Reculès de Basmarein & Raimbaux, 18 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society La grande etenduë de nos opérations avec le continent, lie d’une maniére si intime nôtre sort au sien, que nous avons adopté le parti suivant pour nous procurer des nouvelles avec une certaine exactitude. Nous faisons construire plusieurs paquebots dont l’objet sera de porter et de rapporter nos dépêches. La petitesse de leur volume, et la Bonté de leur...
1370To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recd. your Favour by the Count d’Attems. I should be happy to procure him a Passage on the Terms desired but know of no way of doing it unless he goes on board one of the Frigates at L’orient; but even there it will not be without expence as he has not any money for his daily subsistence. I cannot say anything of the Lion to him, as I must even deny...
1371The American Commissioners to Commanders of American Armed Vessels, 21 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: National Archives This circular letter was a companion piece to the commissioners’ memorandum to the French and Spanish courts below, November 23, and had been equally long under consideration. Lee presented his draft of the letter to his colleagues on the 9th. An argument developed over how to interpret the old maxim that free ships make free goods: Lee’s draft had apparently...
1372The American Commissioners to the Delaps, 21 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society We are informed that the Ship Portsmouth, which left Bourdeaux a few days since, made Prize of a Vessel from Cork entering the River, with a Pilot onboard and after she had got into the Passage of Grave. This is the Captain’s Story, on which his complaint is founded. We ask you to enquire into the particulars of this Transaction and send us the Pilots...
1373The American Commissioners to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society You are desired to get from Capt. Adams a particular Account of his being taken, in which he must ascertain as exact as is in his Power at what distance he was from the Coast of France when he was first Chased and when he was actually taken. He must make oath to his narration and send it up to us by the first Courier. If you have knowledge of other Vessels...
1374To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bancroft, [21 November 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Hodge is just arived from Dunkirk and Mr. Deane intreats that you will immediatly come to Town on Business of very great importance. I am most respectfully Your most Humble and most Devoted Servant William Hodge had been expected back from Dunkirk on the 20th: Deane Papers , II , 227. The important business presumably had to do with finding him passage...
1375To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Guérin, 21 November 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Rue du Faubourg-Montmartre, November 21, 1777, in French: I came to present you the enclosed memorandum. M. Dalibard would have done so himself but, the matter being urgent and perhaps useful to Congress, advised me to deliver it myself, and assured me that he would ask you for an appointment so that he could support it. May I have an answer in order to...
1376To Benjamin Franklin from R. Hamilton, 21 November 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania <Paris, November 21, 1777, in English: Excuse this trouble from a young man unknown to you, who has come from London to consult you about his future. I am a clothier, without the capital to establish myself in Britain, and have decided to try America. Enclosed are my thoughts on how to begin wool manufacture there. If you can find time to look them over...
1377To Benjamin Franklin from John Stewart, 21 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having formerly had the honor of your acquaintance whilst you resided amongst us in London, I take the liberty of addressing a few lines to you (not on the subject of Politics, for in that we unfortunately differ) but as a Philanthropist, who is always ready to give every relief in his power to his fellow creatures in all cases of distress. In one of our...
1378To Benjamin Franklin from [Samuel Wharton], 21 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Desire of a particular Friend, Who is afflicted with a dropsical Complaint, and Who has seen published in our papers a Prescription said to be given by You (used by Dr. Gardan of South Carolina) to the French Physicians, for the Cure of that Disorder, I beg the Favor of you to communicate the prescription, with proper Directions, to my Friend Monsr....
1379To Benjamin Franklin from A.-M. Hevin de Navarre and François-Antoine, Baron de Seyffertitz, 22 November 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS ?: American Philosophical Society <Würzburg, November 22, in French: Our letters to you of September 24 and November 12 have had no answer and may not have reached you. We speak for twenty-five or thirty veteran officers who, like us, want to enter the American service. We ask for a hundred louis, half in advance and half when we arrive in Paris to explain our plans; Capt. Navarre, our...
1380To Benjamin Franklin from Lebègue de Presle, 22 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer une brochure que l’auteur m’a chargé de vous remettre comme un temoignage de son respectueux attachement: j’aurois eu l’avantage de vous la presenter moi meme, si mon retour a Paris fixé au mercredi 26 de ce mois ne me donnoit pas ici des affaires; et je n’ai pas cru pouvoir differer de m’acquitter de la commission d’un...
1381The American Commissioners: Memorandum for the French and Spanish Courts, 23 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
DS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Archivo General de Simancas; DS (draft ): Princeton University Library; copy: Archivo Historico Nacional This memorandum had been in preparation for more than a fortnight. On the 8th Franklin had made the original draft, now lost, and Lee had suggested changes that his colleagues accepted; on the 9th the document was ready to be copied and...
1382The American Commissioners to Franco and Adrianus Dubbeldemuts, 23 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society We received yours of the 18th and observe the Contents. We shall this Week transmit to America the Papers relative to your Vessel taken and write on the Subject as we proposed in our last Letter; at the same Time as there is danger of the Packets being intercepted, it will be proper for you to send Duplicates to your Correspondent in St. Eustatia from...
1383The American Commissioners to J. Rocquette, T. A. Elsevier, & P. Th. Rocquette, 23 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society Yours of the 18th. under Cover of Messrs. F & A Dubbledemuts We received, are obliged to you for your offers of Correspondence and for Accots. of the Price of Sundry Articles of American Produce at your Port. Please to inform us if the Indigo you mention at 50 to 70 Stuyvers per lb. is Carolina growth or other, and what the Difference if any between that...
1384Silas Deane to John Philip Merckle, 23 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society Since my last Sir GG has arrived and on consulting with him the Commissioners are of opinion that they can go no farther than to compleat the agreement made between you and him when my Brother was at Amsterdam. This I conclude has been by this Time executed. It is unnecessary to repeat what I have before said and wrote to you on this Subject, as you are...
1385The American Commissioners to Thomas Thompson, 25 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Two AL : Library of Congress, Harvard University Library We advise you on your return to L’Orient to put your Ship in readiness for Sea, Capt. Hinman will do the same, and after you have obtained the best intelligence to be had, of the British Merchant Ships, and Commerce to pursue the Course, which you judge best for intercepting and making prizes on Our Enemies Ships, and property. As it is...
1386Dumas to the American Commissioners, 25 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook summary: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Depuis le départ d’ici de Mr. Sym. Deane, j’ai eu l’honneur d’écrire le 30e. Octob. à Mr. Sil. Deane, le 14e. Nov. à Mr. W. Carmichael, et 18e. à l’hon. Commission en général comme la présente. Il y avoit aussi dans celle du 18e. une ouverte pour Mr. le Chev. Grand. Nous avons avis de notre bon ami Mr....
1387Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 25 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library M. Peltier has recvd. his Instructions from M. Montieu, but they are not exactly similar to yours, M. Montieu intending to put all his Goods on board the Chalotais, and I prefer putting as much of yours as I can on board of this Ship, which by the tenor of your agreement it appears I have liberty to do. However rather than have any further Difficulty or...
1388To Benjamin Franklin from F. and Anton Georg Eckhardt frères, 25 November 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <The Hague, November 25, 1777, in French: One of us was known to you in London, and had the honor of your esteem. Our friend and correspondent M. Penet will give you the prospectus of a work describing an instrument that we have invented; we should be immensely flattered if you would allow your name to be included among our subscribers in France. We include...
1389To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Grand, [c. 25 November 1777?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mr. Hy. Grand is come up to pay his most humble Respects to Doctor Francklin. Was excessively sorry in not being fortunate enough as to meet him in order to take his Commands once more for America. His Recomandations, is one of the great motives that engaged him to go over. He in consequence takes the Liberty to crave him not to forget them. His father...
1390The American Commissioners to Bérard frères, 26 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Connecticut Historical Society Yours of the 17th is before us. Our Letter by your Express will direct you how to proceed with the Cargo of the Amphitrite. The Ship herself is at the Order of Mr. Peltier, and the sooner he has her the better, but the Cargo is at ours. In regard to which we have nothing to alter from the Directions given in our former untill you favour us with an Answer to...
1391To Benjamin Franklin from La Rochefoucauld, 26 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, Monsieur, votre billet du 17. et j’ai appris avec plaisir le retour de l’Amphitrite, les bonnes nouvelles qu’elle a apportées de vos prises sur les Anglois, et la certitude que la bataille annoncée du 11. 7bre. n’est pas vraie, puisque’elle auroit été sue à Charlestown le 21. J’ai vu une lettre de Bordeaux trop belle pour être crue, et j’ai...
1392Franklin and Silas Deane to Arthur Lee, 27 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Princeton University Library We should be glad to see you as soon as convenient to you, in order to consult on the Dispatches. We are, Your most obedient Servants Addressed: Honble Arthur Lee Esqr / Chaillot Notation: F & D In BF ’s hand. The meeting is discussed in the headnote on the commissioners’ dispatch below, Nov. 30.
1393Franklin’s Notes for a Dispatch, [before 28 November 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AD : University of Pennsylvania Library These jottings are beyond question an early step in formulating the dispatch below, November 30, to the committee for foreign affairs. They afford the first insight we have had into Franklin’s approach to the drafting of such a document, and also into his determination to dabble in French even when preparing notes in English. The list can be assigned...
1394William Bingham to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1777[–4 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society I have herewith the honor to convey to you Copy of my last Respects. You have doubtless heard of the glorious Success of the Army under General Gates, upon which I sincerely congratulate you and all the Friends of America. Betwixt the Date of the Gazettes which I had the honor to enclose you, and the 15 October, there were four Engagements, by the last...
1395Dumas to the American Commissioners, 28 November 1777: abstract (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Envoyé les feuillets du Mercure Novembre sur le Genl. Arnold, &c.; et la Gazette de Delft sur le même. Les Barrils expediés à Mr. Holker à Rouen. Extrait de la Lettre de Lalande et Finje. Probably the Mercure historique et politique , The Hague. The shipment of butter and cod.
1396To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Sarsfield, 28 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Count Sarsfield’s compliments to mr. franklin and has the honour to inform him that, as he Seemed to like better, the dinner with mrs. macaulay will take place moonday next half an hour after two o’clock and that he hopes for the honour of messrs. franklin’s and mr. Deane’s company. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / Chez mr Rey de Chaumont / A...
1397From Benjamin Franklin to Anne-Louise Brillon de Jouy, [29 November 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL and draft: American Philosophical Society Etant revenu chez moi, j’etois surpris de trouver qu’il étoit presque onze heures. Je crains qu’oubliant toutes autres Choses, par notre trop d’attention au Jeu des Echecs, nous vous avions beaucoup incommodé, en vous detenant si longtemps dans le Bain. Dites moi, mon chère Amie, comment vous vous trouvez ce matin. Jamais je ne consentirai de...
1398Jonathan Williams, Jr., to the American Commissioners, 29 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Virginia Library Agreeable to the orders of Mr. Dean and Mr. Lee I have the honour to transmit Capt. Adams’s Deposition properly authenticated. I have no american News, there being no Arrivals since my last, but I have just heard a melancholy account of Capt. Wickes having foundered on the Banks of Newfoundland. This I am much disposed to disbelieve, and the more so as I...
1399To Benjamin Franklin from Sellonf & Perrouteau, 29 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society We are desired by our intimate friends Messr. Fairholme & Luther of St. Martin to forward their inclosed Letter for you, and Solicit a Speedy answer may equally go through our hands, werewith we remain respectfully Honourable Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servants If you Would be so Kind as to inform us of the American bills Called gourdes , how to dispose...
1400The American Commissioners to the Committee for Foreign Affairs, 30 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; AL (draft ): Yale University Library; three copies: National Archives When the commissioners met on November 27 to plan this dispatch, differences between them soon emerged. Lee profoundly distrusted Deane, who he believed had Franklin in his pocket and, in his dual role of private businessman and agent of Congress, was playing fast and loose with public money. Deane...