Papers of John Adams, volume 11

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Laurent Bérenger to John Adams: A Translation

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From Silas Talbot

From Benjamin Franklin, 5 June 1781 Franklin, Benjamin JA

1781-06-05

From Benjamin Franklin, 5 June 1781 Franklin, Benjamin Adams, John

From Benjamin Franklin

Sir Passy, June 5. 1781

I have received the honour of your Letter dated the 25th. past, advising me of your Drafts for Forty Thousand Livres payable to the Order of Captain Joiner, which I shall accept when they appear.1

No specific Sum having been mentioned to me by Col. Laurens, as what would be wanted to fulfil his Orders in Holland, I think myself obliged to acquaint your Excellency that I fear my Funds will not permit my furnishing more than about 15000 £ Sterling in the whole, that is, to pay for the Purchase of the Goods that had been bought by Commodore Gillon, and such others as Col. Laurens has himself ordered.

355

I just now hear by some intelligent Persons who left London last Tuesday, that it was understood the Indienne would sail about the Beginning of this Month, and that some Ships were ordered to cruise for her.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble Servant B Franklin

RC (Adams Papers); endorsed by John Thaxter: “Dr. Franklin 5th. June 1781.”

For JA's letter to Franklin of 25 May (LbC, Adams Papers), see William Jackson's letter of 10 May, above. JA also wrote to Franklin on 14 June that he had drawn in favor of Fizeaux & Grand bills of exchange totaling 29,500 ecus or crowns (LbC, Adams Papers).