1Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts, 1778 (Franklin Papers)
For the period covered by this volume we have four new accounts: XIX. Franklin’s Account with Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, June 12, 1777, to May 28, 1784: American Philosophical Society, 18 pp. With the exception of an item for repairs to the packet La Mère Bobie ( XXIV , 3n) dated June 12, 1777, all the entries are dated January 1, 1779, or after. Accompanying the statements of...
2The American Commissioners to Jean-Daniel Schweighauser, 1 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Harvard University Library We have receivd the enclosd from Made [Madame] Gerard Spouse of M. Gerard, Ambassador of this Court to the United States. She is a Lady that we much respect & if by any means you can procure her the satisfaction She requests you will exceadingly oblige Sir yr. most &c P.S. Any expence you may be at shall be thankfully repaid. A M. Schweighauser. American...
3To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 1 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Porteur de la présente, Mr. Walter Pollard, m’ayant demandé une Lettre de recommandation pour vous, je me conforme à sa requisition avec d’autant plus de plaisir, qu’il m’a été adressé à moi-même de fort bonne part, & que je vois dans ses sentimens, & dans son mérite, tout ce qui est requis pour lui attirer vos bonnes graces & votre protection. Dans une...
4To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 1 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives, United States Naval Academy Museum The inclosed letter for M. de Chaumont will I hope have your approbation. I wish it were possible that the first plan could be pursued—or if it is postponed, it is perhaps a delicate point, but I wish I could have some assurance that the Indien will not be put under the command of another, but...
5To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy, 2 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’éspérance que j’avois de vous voir ici mon chér papa m’a empésché de vous écrire pour le thé de samedi; l’éspérance est le reméde de tous nos meaux: souffre t’on, on éspére la fin du mal; est t’on avéc des amis, on éspére y réstér toujours; en est on loin on éspére les allér retrouvér; il ne me réste que ce dérniér point d’éspérance; je vais comptér les...
6To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de la Corbière and Other People with Ideas to Propose, 2 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On the day that de la Corbière is offering a plan for the joint sailing of eight frigates, a lawyer from Quimper, named Girard, suggests that the Americans select the little port of Benaudet in lower Brittany as one of the free ports allowed them by the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. They will need another ample harbor, of course, and an outlet for their...
7To Benjamin Franklin from Ed. O’Reilly and Other People with Goods to Offer, 2 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Offers for goods of various kinds continued to pour in during the winter of 1778–79. The earliest, published below, comes from an Irish doctor in Montpellier who has heard about a great bargain in stockings. On November 10, the Parisian firm of Desgranges & Cie., on the rue St. Honoré, informs Franklin that they are able to furnish 200,000 soldiers’ shirts,...
8To Benjamin Franklin from R. Parsons, 2 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit me (for the last time I shall ever presume to trouble you) to acquaint you that I have it now in my Power th’o upon very distressing and disagreable terms to obtain my liberty—My Landlord who I inform’d you Sir, in a former letter had seized all my cloaths &c: has at last come to a resolution to suffer me to depart for England— My declining health,...
9To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 2 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your recommendation of mr. Holker as Well as His own Worth, intitiles him to every Civility & assistence in my power, in full faith & Confidence in your recommendation I have Undertook to Indorse his Bills to a Large amt. They are Public Bills & doubtless will be honourd I have 2½ per Cent for the Business but 10 per Cent would be no Indusement Without your...
10The American Commissioners to John Ross, 3 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Justin G. Turner, Los Angeles (1959); AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have received yours of the twenty seventh of October, inclosing a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of the 11th August 1778. We shall pay the strictest Attention and Obedience to this Resolution of Congress and to all others, as far as shall be in our Power; and Shall be...
11From Benjamin Franklin to Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, 3 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archivo General de Simancas Nous devons des remerciemens à la personne qui nous a fait remettre, par vôtre canal, la notte que nous avons reçu contre Conyngham; & nous devons l’assurer de nouveau, qu’etant penetrés de respect pour S. M. C. rien ne nous peine plus que des plaintes de sa part contre nos Gens. Elle aura vû par les papiers que vous avez remis dans le temps de notre Part a S....
12From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Niles, 3 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I am sorry for your Misfortune. On showing this Line to Mr Bondfield, he will supply you with what may be necessary to forward your Return, in which I wish you better Luck, being, with Regard, & Goodwill, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Capitaine Niles / Ameriquain / chez M. Bondfield / Negociant / à Bordeaux...
13Dumas to the American Commissioners, 3 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <The Hague, November 3, 1778, in French: Our friend has warned Mr. Baker, the secretary of the Amsterdam Admiralty, that if the Admiralty’s preliminary advisory serves to weaken the protest to the English court he will communicate the action to the entire business community. Such an action would...
14To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 3 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Je n’ai pu refuser, il y a quelques jours, à un ancien Ami, très galant homme, une Lettre de présentation pour Vous, qu’il m’a demandée instamment. C’est Mr. Huet Duplessis, Médecin François revenant de St. Eustache avec sa famille, pour passer le reste de ses jours dans sa patrie. Samedi passé je me suis fait un devoir,...
15To Benjamin Franklin from Walter Pollard, [c. 3 November 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society The Gentleman, who was concerned in the Business which Mr: Dumas has hinted in his Letter to his Excellency, is sorry to say, that it was written only with the friendly Intention of introducing Him at Passy; for his Satisfaction would have been greater, had He been recommended, not by his Friends alone, or by any formal Declaration of his Principles, but by...
16To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel Roberdeau, 3 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Chevalier Mauduit Du Plessis by whose hands I received your introductory favr. last year is also the Bearer of this to acknowledge the service you did your Country, as well as the honor confered on me in that Instance. To be more particular in commending the good and brave conduct of this worthy Officer would be to sanctify the repeated acts of Congress...
17The American Commissioners to Schweighauser, 4 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two) <Passy, November 4, 1778: We have at last seen M. Bersolle’s accounts. According to the resolutions of Congress, all captured vessels of war belong to the officers and crew, who in fact receive a bounty for every man and gun on board. Congress never intended to be accountable for further expense on account of these prizes. Every...
18Dumas to the American Commissioners, 4 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <The Hague, November 4, 1778, in French: I have just seen our friend and take this opportunity to report our conversation. Amsterdam has sent strong instructions to its representatives and if the evasions continue will use other means, about which they did not wish to tell me. Sir Joseph Yorke has...
19John Gilbank to the American Commissioners, 4 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, November 4, 1778: I am applying to you again for money to meet my necessary expenses. Without assistance I can neither avail myself of an opportunity to sail for America nor fulfill my duty to Congress; my attachment to the American cause precludes my receiving help from my family. Had I not been captured on my last attempt to get to America, this...
20To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Bell, 4 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Expect to Sail for Phila’ in 12 or 15 days if You have Any Letters to Send You may depend on my Care of them. I had the pleashur of Living, in Manheim at Mr. Morris for 5 or 6 Weeks Whare Mr. Beach & family Was Thay Ware All Will in July Last When I left them Mrs. Beach Wold not Go to Philad till Octobr. on Account of hir daughter for fear of hir Health...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Girardot, Haller & Cie., 4 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Messieurs Girardot, Haller & Co’s best Compliments to Dr. Bn. Franklin, and desire he wil be so good as to forward th’ in Clos’d letter to The Rt. Honble S. Deane Esqr. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Docteur Frankelin / près du Couvent de la Visitation / de Ste. Marie / Chaillot / hotel Colbert The firm which, in its former guise of Germany, Girardot &...
22To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Peters, 4 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty of addressing this Letter to you by Col Duplessis who goes to France to fulfill the Duties of his Station there. This Gentleman I can assure you has distinguished himself remarkably in our Service having been in frequent Action & always supported the Character of a brave & gallant Officer. He possesses the good Opinion of the Commander in...
23Antoine-Raymond-Gualbert-Gabriel de Sartine to the American Commissioners, 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives J’ai l’honneur, Messieurs, de vous envoyer un mémoire qui m’a été adressé d’Alresford, par un Chirurgien François pris sur le Batiment Americain Le Gest. Si les Etats unis ont adoptés quelques precautions pour faire passer des secours à leurs Sujets, detenus en Angleterre, je ne doute pas que vous ne les...
24The American Commissioners to Sartine, 5 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, November 5, 1778: We received your letter of the fifth of this month, but since the memoir concerning the French surgeon was omitted, we cannot give you an adequate answer. The United States has no official policy for prisoners in England. We have loaned small sums to those who have escaped English captivity to...
25From Benjamin Franklin to [John Ross], 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society I received yours of the 27th past, enclosing the Resolve of Congress relative to Mr T. Morris’s Papers. The Trunk said to contain them was deposited with me by W Lee Esqr. on Acct of his going to Germany. One of the Seals you mention was broken in bringing it to my House, and I got him to put on his own Seal instead of it. In this State it remains,...
26To Benjamin Franklin from Bartholomew Byrne et al., 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS or L : American Philosophical Society Yor Humble peticeenors begs lave to acquaint your Excelency of the misfortune of becomeing preseners, and being Americans which we Can justly justify, but unhaply was takeing by an English Ship And brought to England, and went passengers to Ireland to Get in the Letteramarque We were takeing in bound for Jamaca thinking To get home once more to our...
27To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Melin Dutartre, 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Depuis longtems, monsieur, il ne m’a pas été possible d’aller à passy: et j’ai toujours oubliée de vous demander reponse d’un memoire que je vous ai envoyé un jour par mon domestique: on me prie de vous la demander; aurrez vous la bonté de vouloir me la faire par ecrit soit en anglois soit en françois pour que je puisse la communiquer; j’irois bien la...
28To Benjamin Franklin from William White, 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you will Excuse the Liberty I now takes in Troubling you with those few lines, which Serves to Acquaint your Honour that I am a Native of America born in Boston in the Year 1748, and Served my time with my father, a Shipwright, Ebenezer White of the sd. Town of Boston, and was Married in the year 1773 to one Sarah Bartlett, daughter of Roger...
29To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd. your Favour of the 18th Octor. only a few Days ago owing to the Tedious way in which it came. I have settled my affair with Mr Schweighauser, without a lawsuit. I thank you for getting my Request to the Minister about the Prizes at Rochelle. I have since had a decisive and satisfactory Letter from him.— I sent you some of your Prints by Count...
30Sartine to the American Commissioners, 6 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society J’ai reçu, Messieurs, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de M’écrire le 30. du mois dernier. Je vous suis très obligé d’avoir bien voulu me communiquer ce qui vous est revenu sur les avantages que les Anglois tirent de la pêche de la Baleine, qu’ils font sur les côtes du Bresil, à la hauteur de la riviere de la Plata....
31To Benjamin Franklin from James Harriman and Other Favor Seekers, 6 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With James Harriman’s letter of November 6, published immediately below, we encounter the first of many people who between November 1, 1778, and February 28, 1779, either ask Franklin for a favor for themselves or recommend others to his good graces. Our first category of favor seekers consists of those who, still unaware that Franklin was not empowered to...
32To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Tressan, 6 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Borel auquel je m’interesse beaucoup, et qui se rend agreable aux Gens de bien et eclairez, par la publication qu’il est prest a faire de son Estampe de L’Amerique independante vous suplie de luy doner l’Empreinte du Sceau des Etats unis pour le faire graver au bas de son Estampe, si vous voulez bien Monsieur me remettre cette empreinte Mardy prochain a...
33To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Vergennes, 6 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress M. Le Comte de Vergennes a l’honneur d’envoyer à Monsieur Franklin douze Exemplaires de notre traité d’Amitié et de Commerce conclu entre les Etats unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale. The French foreign minister must have been sending copies of the treaty as amended by the deletion of two controversial articles. The exchange of declarations annulling articles XI and...
34The American Commissioners to Marie-Nicole Grossart de Virly Gérard, 7 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives We had the honor of receivg. yr. commands relative to the Portraits taken & carried into Guernsey. We have accordingly written to Mr. S——r at Nantes, who we hope may be able to recover them. As soon as he shall inform us of the success of his endeavors we shall acquaint you with it. We have the honor &c. French minister Gérard’s wife. In Arthur Lee’s hand. Schweighauser.
35The American Commissioners to the President of Congress, 7 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, South Carolina Historical Society, National Archives (two); two transcripts: National Archives <Passy, November 7, 1778: We enclose copies of our declaration concerning articles 11 and 12 of the Treaty of Commerce, correspondence with M. de Sartine on rescues and recaptures, and correspondence regarding negotiations with the...
36Gentlemen at Nantes to the American Commissioners, 7 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Nantes, November 7, 1778: Repeated captures of American vessels off this coast induce us to seek more effective protection. The intelligence our enemies obtain about the departure of our ships allows their capture as soon as the French frigates part from their convoy. Not only are supplies to our country threatened, so are the American gentlemen intending...
37From Benjamin Franklin to Edme-Jacques Genet, 7 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Frederik Muller & Cie. (Amsterdam) sales catalogue, May 3–7, 1909, p. 5. <Passy, November 7, 1778: Franklin sends him some letters of Drayton. > Head of the bureau of interpreters at the French foreign ministry and editor of their secretly sponsored journal Affaires de l’Angleterre et de l’Amérique : XXVI , 271n. Recently he had asked BF and his fellow commissioners for material...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 7 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The papers you so kindly send me I had not and will make a proper use of them. Of Mr. W. H. Drayton’s letter of the 18th. July to the Commissioners I had only the concluding part, relative to Johnstone’s assertion concerning your opinion of the 29th. of March, and you’ll see it translated in the 58th. Number of my periodical Pamphlet. I present you my most...
39To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Sayre, 7 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is now a long time since I have troubled your Excellency with a Letter: for I have had no encouragement to give you my Sentiments— I am lost in conjecture, why you should not have favour’d me with a Reply—perhaps the multiplicity of applications by Letter, has made it necessary for you to reject all correspondence perpost. I am willing to believe your...
40To Benjamin Franklin from Father de Sollicoffre, 7 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La Grande reputation que vous avez acquise, à bien justes Titres & le desir de faire du bien qui vous anime me fait prendre la liberté de m’adresser à Vous, Monsieur, et de vous prier d’aceüillir avec bonté mes sollicitations, pour un de mes parents d’une famille noble et distinguée de la Suisse; feu son pere, qu’il vient de perdre, occupoit une plaçe de...
41To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 7 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your recommendation of Mr: Holker as Well as his own worth Intitles him to all the Civilities & Assistance in my power in full Faith & Confidence in you I have undertook to Indorse his Bills to a Large amt: they are public Bills & Doubtless Will be honourd I have 2 ½ per Ct. for doing the Business but 10 per Ct. would be no Indusment without your Letter by...
42To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Jean Zollicoffer, 7 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je crois ne pouvoir mieux m’énoncer vis à vis de Vous que dans une Langue que j’ai beaucoup désiré d’apprendre, et que je ferai ensorte de cultiver par Goût, je vous Suplie, Monsieur, de vouloir bien agréer mes Dévoirs réspectueux et de m’accorder l’honneur de Votre Protection et Appui dans le Déssein où je Suis d’offrir ma Personne et mon peu de Talens au...
43To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, [c. 8 November 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Comme Le Courrier de Mr Lambassadeur part demain Il faut lui remetre votre Notte demain matin, en Consequence il seroit necessaire quelle fut prette aujourdhuy apres y avoir ajouté le dernier paragraffe qui se trouve á La fin de ma traduction si vous lagrées. En menvoyant cette notte pour La remettre a Lambassadeur Il vous plaira y Joindre ma traduction La...
44To Benjamin Franklin from Jno. Piers et al., 8 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS or L : American Philosophical Society We take the Liberty to inform you that we the four undermentioned was taken in the Black Prince belonging to Philadelphia near Eight Months ago and should be glad if Possible to imbrace the oppertunity of going in any Privateer or other Ship in the American Service to gett home as we all have Familys in America Hope your Honour will take our Case into...
45The American Commissioners to Jacques Leveux, 9 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have received your Several Letters of the 26 August, 25 September and 17 October, informing us of Several sums you have advanced to Americans escaped from England. We request you to send Us an Account Stated of all the Disbursements you have made and the Receipts you have taken for the Money; and we consent you...
46Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioners, 9 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Three ALS : American Philosophical Society I have to inform you that since my last of Sept 18th. I have emitted Loan Office Bills of Exchange as follows Viz To the State New Jersey 10 Setts for 36 Dollr. each Numbered 989 to 998 Inclusive 10 . . do. . . 60 . . . . do. . . . . 328 to 337 — 10 . . do. . .
47To Benjamin Franklin from James Barnett, Jr., 9 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives Being in immediate want for the Sum of thirteen hundred & thirteen Livres 8 Sols, which I have received of Mr. Osborne an English Gentleman who resides in this Town, & having given him a Bill upon you for the said Sum, which I beg you will pay upon Sight & Charge the said Sum to my Acct. I received a Letter from my Lieutenant who informs me he has entered 20 good Sea...
48The American Commissioners to John Gilbank, 10 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives We have receivd your Letter of October the Sixth, and wish it was in our Power to do more for officers in your Situation than We do, altho that amounts in the whole to a large Sum. But as We have already lent you as much Money as We have been able to lend to other officers of your Rank and in your Circumstances, we...
49Dumas to the American Commissioners, 10 November 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief; copy: National Archives <The Hague, November 10, 1778, in French: Tomorrow the Admiralty will issue its advisory, refusing to negotiate with Sir Joseph Yorke and insisting on the restitution of the captured ships, but ruining everything by in effect suspending convoys. Our friend seems embarrassed. Another person says...
50To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Akin, 10 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I make Bold to Rite these Lines to Let you know my Condition about Eighteen months ago I was taken in a Ship from Bedford in Dartmouth Bound to Bourdaux By an English frigit and Carred into porchmouth where I was put in prison I Staid there Six weeks and then I made my Escape to London where I found a gentelman that had Lived at Nantucket and there I Staid...