61To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 16 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress The enclosed letter wch I have received from the Commrs of Sick & Hurt requires no comment. I rejoice much that I have at length prevailed with the Admiralty to dispense with the tedious mode of exchanging only one hundred at a time. I now hope that we shall clear the prisons before the hard weather sets in. Be so good as to...
62To Benjamin Franklin from Marie Del de Sanlecque, 16 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Il m’a été assûré que vous desiriés vous procurer des caracteres pour l’Impression. C’est d’après cette annonce que je prends la Liberté de vous offrir ce qui me reste de fontes. 1º En une fonte de petit Romain-Romain pezant 415. L 2º en une de cicero-Romain pezant 711. 3º en une autre de cicero-Italique pezant 260. En tout 1386 Ces trois fontes, Monsieur,...
63From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Digges, 17 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 30th. past: I suspect that several of mine to you and Mr. H. have been stopped in the Post-Office here since the mail ceased going by Calais, for want of Being frank’d here, which I did not till lately know was necessary. I shall inclose you the next Post a Copy of one I wote to Mr. B. which by yours it seem he had not received. I sent Copies...
64From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 17 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress A friend of mine in England, who has been servicable to me in negociating the Exchange of American Prisoners requests that I would endeavour to obtain the Release of one of his friends now a Prisoner in france. The Person is thus described John Stephenson of hull Master and Owner of the ship Sally; taken on the first of July, by a Lugger Privateer of Bretagne, named...
65To Benjamin Franklin from Gustavus Conyngham, 18 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the pleasure to enforme you that on the 3d. Instant with About 50 of our Unfortunate Country men broke out of Mill prison I brought 3. officers with me. I came by the way of London it being the safest, at London we meet with our Good friend Mr. Diggs Who did every thing in his power to serve me and all his Country men that Chance to fall in his Way....
66To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 18 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We are here, from the Texel, since two days. All things are adjusted amiably. All possible care is taken by the Commodore & the Embassador for the Interests of the American crew, & for la safety of the prisoners. I am happy to give you the good news of Capt. Cuningham’s escape from the English prisons, & his arrival here. He will be soon with you. We are...
67To Benjamin Franklin from John Green, 18 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yeasterday I hard of the Captn of the Alliance was suspended and that the Alliance would be without a Commander I begg Leave to offer my servis To Your Excellancy. I had obtaind a Leave of absence When in Philada. from the Honrbe The Marrien Commity To Make one Voyage in the Mercht. Servise and afterwards Return to that Board, I was taken on my way here and...
68To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, 18 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I find myself very happy to be in a country, from which I may write to you in full safety, and to acquaint you, that I intend ear long to pay you a visit at Passy. I set out to morrow for Holland, from where I will go directely to Paris. I had asked leave to remain in London till next spring on purpose to publish a second volum of the work I send you, and...
69To Benjamin Franklin from Geneviève Le Veillard, 18 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous souvient il, Monsieur, d’avoir demandé a ce que vous appellez votre enfant, une petite lettre pendant son séjour a dreux? Il est trop bon a vous de vouloir bien quelle vous occupe d’elle; mais cest bien peu pour elle de ne pouvoir que vous écrire; car en concience elle aimeroit infiniment mieux vous voir et même vous embrasser, quoique vous disiez...
70To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 18 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We make bold with the inclosed Letters left to our care, to mention to your Excellency, that we have send last saturday by Expres the dispatches received from Passi for Mr. Dumas to the Texel; I went my self to the Hague, and those H. E. the Ambassador had received, caused him to write for the Comodor of the American Squadron, whome he had some conferences...
71To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, [after 18 November 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We doubt not butt your Excellence will be informd that Comodor Jones is gone to the Texel, and with the measures he hath here taken with the French Ambassador, who hath send his Secretarÿ down and Mr Dumas was acompanÿing Mr. Jones, we may hope and expect, that every thing there will be soon arranged, as what hath depended from us is gone down, and nothing...
72From Benjamin Franklin to Giambatista Beccaria, 19 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress Having sometime since heard of your Illness with great Concern, it gave me infinite Pleasure to learn this Day, from M. Chantel, (who did me the honour of a Visit) that you were so far recover’d, as to be able to make little Excursions on Horseback. I pray God that your Convalescence may be quick and perfect, and your...
73To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 19 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society The letter you favoured me with dated Octr. 2 never reached me untill the 15th. Currant therefore for the future I beg my letters may be addressed to Bridgen & Waller In London with a Small B just under the Seal and sent under cover A Monsieur Monsr. J: B: Hermans au Bureau de la poste A Anvers and though Antwerp is a little round about they will come safe....
74Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioner or Commissioners, 19 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of Sept 8th the following Setts of Exchange have issued from my Office Vizt. To the State of Connecticut Doll 25 Setts 12 Doll. No. 1655–1679= 300 50 18 1658–1707= 900 50 24 1658–1707= 1200
75To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 19 [November?] 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society La vie de l’homme est bien courte, et pourtant il désire sans césse ce qui l’abbrége: enfant, il veut éstre grand garçon; marié il veut avoir des enfants; il ne les à pas obtenu qu’il désire les voir grandis ensuitte il désire leur établissement; plante t’il, il voudroit déja jouir de l’ombre de ses arbres; bastit il, dés la fondation de son bastiment il...
76To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Vergennes, 19 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress Jai lhonneur de vous envoyer, M, un mémoire qui m’a eté présenté par M. le Bon. [Baron] de Holzendorf; vous y verrez que cet officier forme quelques repétitions à la charge du Congres; je vous prie de vouloir bien les examiner, et si elle vous paroissent justes, je vous prie de les appuyer de vos bons offices....
77To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, 20 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Chaumont a L’honneur d’envoyer a S. Ex. M. Franklin unne Lettre et un Memoire d’observations qu’il vient de Recevoir et qui pouroient estre utils a M. Landais dont la Reputation Souffre de touttes les Relations mises dans Les gazettes. S. Ex. voudra Bien prescrire a M. de Chaumont L’usage qu’il peut faire ou doit faire de ces Lettres et memoires. Notation:...
78To Benjamin Franklin from James Jimison, 20 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I am a subject to the 13 United Colonies of America I think it very hard to remain in prison so long without being taken any notice of. I was born and brought up in Viginia and serv’d my time with one Mr. Reed a ship Wright on Queens Island at the mouth of Raperhanick River And has sailed out of that place and south Carolina until I had the misfortune to...
79To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Montgomery, 20 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Beg Lave to Refer your Eccellency to My Respects of the 2d Currt. Which Inclosed Copy of the Count de Floridablanca’s Letter to this Governour in My favour. And Since ’am Honourd by your Truly Esteemd of the 28th: Ulto. And ’am to Return you My Sincerest Thanks for the Attention you ware Pleased to Shew to my former Requests in your Interceeding with the...
80To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Sayre, 21 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer, Capn Hodgson, wishes to be known to your Excellency, & may want some assistance, in his way to America— He will explain his Situation particularly Capn. Grenel, who comes with him, also merits any aid & civility that can be due to our best Friends. Give me leave to request, once more, that the Comn. for a Letter of Marque may be sent by the...
81From Benjamin Franklin to J.C. de Berger, 22 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress All the American Armies being arranged and full of Officers, a long time Since, in so much that many who have gone thither from Europe have been obliged to return for want of Employ, I cannot give the least encouragement to you or your Cousin to go to America with the purpose of entring into our service. I can only thank you for your good will to our Cause, and wish...
82From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Coffyn, 22 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I imagine Capt. Cunnyngham will be at Dunkerque by the time you receive this. I desire you would furnish him with what Money he may want for his comfortable Subsistance while he Stays at Dunkerque. Inclosed I Send you a Complaint I received from some of the People of the Black Prince, and request you or Mr. Torris, would ease me of Such Trouble, I having really...
83From Benjamin Franklin to Gustavus Conyngham, 22 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress It gave me great Pleasure to hear of your Escape, out of Prison, which I first learnt from 6. of the men who broke out with you, and came to france in a Boat. I was then Anxious lest you should be retaken, and I am very glad indeed to hear of your safe Arrival at Amsterdam. I think it will be best for you to Stay awhile at Dunkirk till we see what becomes of the...
84From Benjamin Franklin to Ingenhousz, 22 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 18th. and see with great Pleasure that you have been able to break the Enchantment that fix’d you so long in England, and have once more set foot on the continent with intent to visit Paris. You may be assured of meeting the Same kind Welcome at Mr De Chaumonts and I have besides a Bed &c. at your service if you Should rather chuse to be with...
85To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 22 [November] 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu ce matin votre seconde léttre mon bon papa, je n’ai pû lire sans attendrissement que vous aviés été malade; consérvés vous! Le bonheur de vos amis, le repos, la gloire de l’amérique l’éxigent: j’irai vous rétrouver jeudi vingt cinq, je compte arrivér pour disnér, vous diraisje le plaisir que j’aurai a vous revoir, non cela se sent et ne s’éxprime...
86To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Mammès de Pahin Champlain de La Blancherie, 22 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Accablé des affaires qui sont la suite des vacances, et de celles que la reprise de mon travail occasionne, Je n’ai que le temps de faire recommander à votre protection et de vous prier de couvrir de votre œgyde, l’Etablissement qui en est l’objet; ayant lhonneur de vous remercier infiniment de tous les témoignages que vous lui en avez déja donné, et dont je...
87From Benjamin Franklin to [Pierre Delaunay?] des Landes, 23 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Not understanding well enough the french language and the technical Terms used in the Description of your Observatory, I cannot form, from the description such an Idea of its Situation and Circumstances, as might enable to me to Answer the Questions you propose to me. But as my Learned and Ingenious friend Mr. LeRoy, Member of the Academy of Sciences, is perfectly...
88To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 23 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society The redress of some grievances under which the American Prisoners at Forton laboured, called me this morning to the office of the Commissioners for Sick & Hurt. During the Time of our Subscription I have had frequent occasion to attend them & in the main have found them Men disposed to act as fairly & openly as cou’d well be expected & I cannot but...
89To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 23 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society May this serve for an introduction with your Excellence for Capn. Moses Grinnell, who saild many years from Boston to our consignment in the employ of Colonel Isaac Sears; and now had the misfortune to fall into the Ennemy’s hands on the Coast of Schotland. He saw here both Comodor Jones and Capn. Cunningham. Your Excellencys directions to procure him or...
90To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 24 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Monsieur,avec la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 17. de ce mois par laquelle vous me demandez la liberté du Sr. John Stephenson Captne. du navire anglois la Sailli et prisonnier à Angers. L’intérêt que vous prenez à ce prisonnier m’engage a donner des ordres pour qu’il soit mis en liberté. Le Sr. Cradock Taylard Americain pour lequel...
91To Benjamin Franklin from Cradock Taylor, 24 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to Acquaint your Excellency that there is a Cartel arived at Merseillis some time ago & I Yesterday was inform’d that the Govonor of Manorca was made acquainted with my intention of returning to my Native Country & that he has made such interest here that Mr. Lumbard the Commandant of Marine intends to deliver me up. I amediately wrote to him...
92Statement by French Officers and Petty Officers of Jones’s Squadron: résumé, 24 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: University of Pennsylvania Library <November 24, 1779, in French: We, the officers and petty officers of the Pallas transferred to the Serapis and of the Vengeance transferred to the Countess of Scarborough certify that Mr. Paul Jones turned over the Serapis to Mr. Cottineau de Kerloguen in a frightful state, more resembling an abandoned ship than one fit for service. First, he left his...
93Chaumont’s Memoir on the Dispute between Jones and Landais: résumé, [after 24 November 1779] (Franklin Papers)
AD : University of Pennsylvania Library <[after November 24, 1779], in French, under the heading “faits entre M. Jones et Landais”: Jones and Landais have been locked in bitter dispute since the Bonhomme Richard collided with the Alliance during their first cruise from Lorient; Jones’s slowness in convening a council of war to terminate the quarrels between Landais and the officers of the...
94To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de la Vauguyon, [25?] November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Henry E. Huntington Library; National Archives (two) J’ay fait part Monsieur a M. Johnes des intentions du Roy que m’a trans mis M. de Sartines et que vous luy avez annoncé devoir Luy etre communiquées par moy. Je ne scaurois rendre un temoignage trop avantageux a la conduite qu’il a tenu dans cette occasion, elle ajoute encor a L’estime que sa...
95To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 25 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society How favourable matters stood here in regard to the American Comodor, we had the honour to mention to your Excellence; we convey however to night to Mr. Dumas a copey of the last resolution taken by the states in this respect during the Absence of the French Ambassador from the Hague; of which however we hope he will prevent the effect; it contains the same...
96From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Montgomery, 26 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I am glad to learn by yours of the 3d. Instant, that you are at length quieted in your situation at Allicant by the favour of his Catholic Majesty. I hope nothing will happen hereafter, neither on your part nor any other; that may give occasion to disturb you afresh and interrupt your Business. It is long since we have had any authentic News from america, We know...
97To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 26 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I risque a letter in the common post in order to forward you the Kings Speech— I wish it had been couchd in terms more likely to produce the blessings of Peace. His Majestys Speech &ca Novr 25. 79. My Lords & Gentlemen I meet you in Parliament at a time when we are calld upon by every principle of Duty, and every consideration of Interest, to exert Our...
98To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Landais: Response to the Officers’ Affidavit, [after 26 November 1779] (Franklin Papers)
D : University of Pennsylvania Library The following articles, are the Answers to the five & twenty Articles made by some American Officers [ in the margin: not sign] the 30th. Day of Oct 1779 at Texel, respecting the Conduct of Peter Landais Capt of the American Frigate Alliance brought to him Novr. 26th. 1779. Art. 1. has been answered in a Court Martial Kept at L’orient for which the first...
99From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Yarnold, 27 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yesterday yours of the 25th. On your Arrival here, when you first mentioned to me your purpose. I gave to you and your friend my candid Opinion that your scheme of becoming military Officers in America could not Answer your Expectation, and I advis’d you to return to England and apply your selves to some Profession more likely to be advantangeous. I wish...
100To Benjamin Franklin from Arnold-Barthélemy Beerenbroek, 27 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr Beerenbroek presents his Respects to Dr Franklin; begs the favor to be informed if Dr Ingenhousz is in Paris, & desires to know his address. Dr Beerenbroek has just received a Letter from London in which it is mentioned that Dr Ingenhousz has left London lately, & that he is gone over to the continent; he will therefor be much obliged to Dr Franklin if he...
101To Benjamin Franklin from John Evans, 27 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope will excuse the liberty I take which the Rigours of a tedious captivity has compelled me to. The inclosed is a letter from a gentleman of your acquaintance And a friend of mine, he has laid an injunction on me to forward it to Your Excellency in hopes through yr. interest to procure me A pass to return to england and your Excellency will See by the...
102From Benjamin Franklin to Beerenbroek, 28 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Mr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Dr. Beerenbrock and acquaints him that Dr. Ingenhausz is not yet arrived at Paris, but is expected in two or three Weeks he having written from Brussels that Such was his Intention, as soon as he arrives Mr. Franklin will acquaint Dr. Beerenbrock.
103From Benjamin Franklin to John Dalton et al., 28 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Upon the Receipt of your Letter dated at Cudent the 11th. Instant, I immediatly apply’d to the Minister in your Behalf, who has given Orders that you Should be set at Liberty. You did not mention whether the Boat you came over in was one you hired, or that you took. If the Latter, you are at Liberty to sell the same and divide the Money among you to furnish your...
104From Benjamin Franklin to Jean de Neufville & fils, 28 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the honour to write to me by the last Post, (it is without Date) and am glad to hear that Commodore Jones was so well fitted and ready for sailing. I hope he will arrive safe with his Ships in a good Port. I have wrote to Capt. Cunningham at Dunkerque, where he informed me he was soon to be.— The Letter you...
105From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 28 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I return your Excellency many thanks for your favour in granting Liberty to Capt. Stevenson, and to the six americans who were taken up at Cudant . There is another American Captain named John Lock, now a Prisoner at Nantes who as I understand was taken in an English Whaling Vessel. Since his being in france he has contracted an acquaintance with a Melle. des Bois,...
106To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis d’Amezaga, [28 November? 1779] (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Mr. Le Ms. Damezaga fait dire à Monsieur de franklin, et à Monsieur son Petit fils, que Mr. Amelot dinne chès Luy demain Lundy 29 9bre. One of a series of dinner invitations beginning in April, 1779, from the marquis and his stepson Antoine-Jean Amelot de Chaillou, a high government official and president of the Académie royale des sciences: XXIX , 275,...
107To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 28 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This is but to acquaint yr. Excy., that I am still here endeavouring to be useful, & to prevent mistakes & Mischiefs. The Alliance is well manned, provided, & ready to sail with the first fair wind. I hope, ’till he becomes so, the other vessels will be ready too. There is a resolution of the 17th. Nov., which still refuses the delivering up the prizes to...
108To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 29 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; two copies and transcript: National Archives Previous to the appearance of your Excellency’s letter of the 8th: Current, I had forwarded thro’ the hands of M. Dumas the Certificates which you required respecting Captain Landais; And the Serapis was ready for Sea when the French Ambassador sent for me a Second time to meet him at Amsterdam.— I hope my...
109To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 30 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I gave you a manuscript Copy of the Kings Speech & the debates on the amendment thereon, by last frydays post; Since which I think the general conversation about a vigorous prosecution of the War is very much abated, & the topic now is that the american war must be given up. It is the general opinion, if it is carryd on further, that it will be meerly...
110To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 30 November[–3 December 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We are still here waiting for a fair wind, which must enable the Alliance to sail from hence according to a resolution of this government, wherein, after a compleat refusal to complay with Sir J. Y. second memorial, there is only one strong expression against us, viz. to force us away with the first good wind if necessary . Vice Admiral Reynst, who has...