Papers of John Adams Volume 6, March–August 1778 Front Matter Title Page Copyright Page Contents Descriptive List of Illustrations Documents 24 March 1778The Foreign Affairs Committee to the CommissionersYorktown, 24 March 1778. (PCC, No. 79, I). This is Instruction No. 3, which probably reached the Commissioners in late April, having first arrived at... 30 March 177830 June 1778The Commissioners' Accounts with Ferdinand Grand 1778DebitCredit 30 Mars Pour Solde du precedent Compte554143.18. 30 Mars Payé a Mr. Dean Sur reçu4800. Avril ler. Traitte de Rew de Nantes du 23 fevr... 1 April 1778To the President of the CongressSir I have the Honour to inform Congress, of my Safe Arrival in this City in the Frigate Boston after a most dangerous, and distressing Voyage of Six... Translation Group 3 April 1778From BrouquenMonsieur Vous avés bien voulu me faire esperér que vous arretires Ches M. Le Marquis De Voyer Dargenson, aux ormes a Deux postes aprés Chatelereault.... 3 April 1778Brouquen to John Adams: A TranslationSir You were kind enough to let me anticipate your stopping at the Marquis de Voyer d'Argenson's house, at The Elms, two stages after Chatelereault.... 4 April 1778Louis Sonies, père et fils, to Gaillard Malibran & Cie.Bordeaux, 4 April 1778. (Adams Papers). A response to a recommendation of to the firm of Louis Sonies from a correspondent, “un ami,” in Boston, thi... 6 April 1778From John BondfieldSir Tho I write by this Post to the Commissioners I cannot Omit paying my perticular respects to you signifying my hopes of your Safe Arrival and tha... 8 April 1778From Silas DeaneDear sir It is now two Years since I left America without the satisfaction of bidding You farewell, and of talking over with You many things then on ... 9 April 1778From Peter McIntoshSir You may recolect when Onboard the Boston that Captn. Tuckar promised me payment for my Chest of Sailors Cloths which Cost me in London Twenty Two... 9 April 177824 August 1778Household Accounts of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams at Passy DebitCredit 1778Livs.sdLivs.sd Brought forward11706.18.11418.17. 9 AprilTo Commissioners by an order upon Monsr. Grand4800. a Commissioner to Paris1.... 10 April 1778The Commissioners to C. W. F. DumasPassy, 10 April 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:44–46. Drafted by Benjamin Franklin and, according to Adams, “the only public Letter I b... 10 April 1778From William Vernon Jr.Sir After having consulted Persons who are well acquainted with the Commerce of both Bourdeaux and Nants, and the principal Houses in each, I have re... 10 April 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHond Sirs Upon Mature deliberation and the advise of Experienc'd Officers at this Port Captain Tucker has alter'd his resolution of laying the Ship a... 10 April 1778Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee to VergennesSir We have the Honour to acquaint your Excellency, that Mr. Adams, appointed by the Congress to replace Mr. Deane in the Commission here, is safely ... 11 April 1778Samuel Tucker to the CommissionersGentlemen These may serve to inform your Honours of my present Situation, and how far advance'd, in Readiness; I am at the Pantoon and shall Careene ... 13 April 1778Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to J. P. MerckléPassy, 13 April 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:52. In replying to Mercklé's letter of 26 March (Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S., 1:382), t... 13 April 1778The Commissioners to John RossPassy, 13 April, 1778. printedJA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:50–51. In replying to a letter from Ross (not found) requesting compensation for monies s... 13 April 1778The Commissioners to Samuel TuckerSir We duely received your Letter, dated at Bourdeaux the 1st. Instant, and congratulate you, on your Safe Arrival, as well as on your good Fortune i... 13 April 1778The Commissioners to Jonathan WilliamsPassy, 13 April 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:51. The Commissioners informed Williams, Benjamin Franklin's greatnephew and American co... 13 April 1778Francis Coffyn to the CommissionersHond. Gentlemen Craving your referrence to the letter I had the honnor of writing to you yesterday, I take the liberty to inclose a Copy of an other ... 14 April 1778From J. C. ChampagneSir Beg leave to Congratulate you on your Safe Arrival to Paris and on the Satisfactory Reception you must have met-with at our Court. I hope you Enj... 14 April 1778Étienne d'Audibert Caille to the CommissionersCadiz, 14 April 1778. (PPAmP: Franklin Papers). This letter, addressed to Franklin, Deane, and Lee, was docketed by : “Memoire Mr. Daudibert Caille. ... 14 April 1778John Bondfield to Benjamin Franklin and Arthur LeeBordeaux, 14 April 1778. (PPAmP: Franklin Papers). Bondfield, still unaware that was at Paris, gave general shipping information, noted Capt. Tucker... 15 April 1778The Commissioners to John BondfieldSir We had this Moment the Pleasure of your Letter of the 10. Instant. You will please to furnish Captain Tucker, all such necessary Provisions for h... Translation Group 15 April 1778Vergennes to the Commissioners J ai lhonneur de vous renvoyér Messieurs, LEcrit Anglois et La lettre de Votre ami que vous m'avés fait Communiquér par M. de Sartine. Votre Correspo... 15 April 1778The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners: A Translation I have the honor to return to you the English document and your friend's letter which you communicated to me through M. de Sartine. Your corresponden... 16 April 1778Simeon Deane to the CommissionersHonorable Gentlemen I have the Pleasure to inform you of my arrival here yesterday in the Frigate Le Sensible and do this day set out for Congress. I... 16 April 1778The Foreign Affairs Committee to the CommissionersGentlemen This, with my affectionate wishes for your prosperity, may serve to acquaint you that Congress has this day resolved “That William Bingham ... 17 April 1778Joseph Belton to the CommissionersWorthey Gentlemen Being unforunately, on a Voyge from Baltimore to Charles Town, in January last, disabled at sea, through stress of Weather, which o... 18 April 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHon Sirs Yesterday Monsr. Le Comte de Fumel Governor of the Castle call'd at my Lodgings to inform me that Monsieur De Sartine in answer to the Lette... 18 April 1778Jonathan Williams to the Commissioners Your Excellencies favour of the 13 Instant I have duely received. You may depend that I shall not make any new Engagements without your express Order... 19 April 1778The Commissioners to Gustavus ConynghamSir We have received a Complaint from the remaining Part of your Officers and Crew, of an unfair distribution of Prize Money by Mr. Hodge. To prevent... 19 April 1778The Commissioners to John William HodgeSir We find by our Bankers Account that you have received upwards of one hundred Thousand Livres of the public Money, for which there is no account f... 19 April 1778The Commissioners to VergennesSir By sundry Letters from Merchants of Bourdeaux and Nantes, we are inform'd, that many Adventures to America are discouraged by the high Price of I... Translation Group 20 April 1778Vergennes to the Commissioners J'ai recû, Messieurs, la Lettre que vous m'avez fait l'honneur de m'ecrire hier, pour representer l'interet dont il seroit d'assurer pardes Convoys l... 20 April 1778The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners: A Translation I received, gentlemen, the letter that you did me the honor to write yesterday pointing out the advantages of providing convoys for the security of y... 21 April 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHond Sirs Yesterdays post brought us advice of the Arrival of a Vessel belonging to this City from Baltimore in 22 Days at Bilboa, a passenger from o... 21 April 1778Ebenezer Smith Platt to the Commissioners To the Honorable Commissioners of the United States of America. The humble Petition of Ebenezer S. Platt Most Respectfully Sheweth, That your Petitio... 22 April 1778From Samuel TuckerSir These with my respects to your Honnour. I am Very glad to hear of your Safe arrival at Parris by a Gentleman Who Saw your Honnour the Evening be... 22 April 1778Samuel Tucker to the CommissionersGentlemen These from your Humble Servent, acquainting your Honours that my Ship was finished Careening last Saturday Afternoon. I now find a great Ne... Translation Group 23 April 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs L'honorée vôtre du ioe de ce mois me parvint mardi passé 21e. Je la communiquai tout de suite avec les Pieces annexes au Grand Facteur, qui... 23 April 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen Your letter of the 10th of this month reached me last Tuesday, the 21 st. I immediately forwarded it along with its enclosures to the Grand... 25 April 1778To the President of the CongressSir Having had so short Notice of this Opportunity, I can only have the Honour of writing a few Lines, and of inclosing a few News Papers. If the Dis... 25 April 1778From William MacCreerySir I had the pleasure lately to hear of your safe arrival at Paris, and that you were, on the 13th. Instant presented to his Majesty. Hope you have ... 25 April 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHond Sirs The Mainmast of the Boston was yesterday Surveyd and Condemnd unfit for Service. That no accident happend to the Ship from the defect on th... 25 April 1778Samuel Tucker to the CommissionersGentlemen I am sorry to Inform your Honours of my Situation, which is now lying with my mainmast out and condemned. I thought proper to get a Jury su... Translation Group 26 April 1778From FleuryMonsieur Les nouvelles publiques nous ont apris que le congré des provinces unies vous avoit deputé a la cour de france, ne desprouvés pas je vous pr... 26 April 1778Fleury to John Adams: A TranslationSir We have been informed by public reports that the congress of the United States has appointed you to the Court of France. Allow me to enquire if y... Translation Group 26 April 1778Sartine to the Commissioners J'ai reçu, Messieurs la Lettre que vous m'avez fait l'honneur de m'écrire le 20 de ce mois. Lorsque la Sommation a été faite à Bordeaux, par les Offi... 26 April 1778Sartine to the Commissioners: A Translation I have received, gentlemen, the letter that you did me the honor to write on the 20th of this month. When the United States frigate Boston received a... 27 April 1778From J. P. MerckléSir I have the honor to note yours and Mr. Franklin Joint favour of the 13th Instant, but before I enter into particulars permit me to Congratulate y... 27 April 1778James Moylan to the CommissionersHonorable Gentlemen I have only time to inform you that I have just received an account from Brest of the arrival in that port of the prize Ship Lord... 28 April 1778The Commissioners to Pieter van BleiswyckSir We have the Honour of acquainting your Excellency, that the United States of North America, being now an Independant Power, and acknowledged as s... 28 April 1778From John BondfieldSir I am honord with your favor of the 12 Instant. I shall pay perticular attention to see every article you have mention'd in your memorandum comple... 28 April 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHond Sirs Messrs. Palmes Livingston and Heywood arrived here the 25th by whom I was favor'd with the Letter you honor'd me with under date 15th Insta... Translation Group 28 April 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs J'espere que vous avez reçu la Lettre du 23, que j'ai eu l'honneur de vous écrire d'Amsterdam, et dans laquelle se trouvoit votre Minute de... 28 April 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen I hope that you have received my letter of the 23d, which I had the honor to send you from Amsterdam, and in which is found your draft of t... 28 April 1778Jonathan Williams to the Commissioners My last to your Excellencies was of the 18th Instant since which I am without any of your Favours. I sometime since received from Holland 13 Bales an... 29 April 1778To Samuel TuckerDear sir I this Moment had the Pleasure of your Letter of the 22d Instant, and am much obliged to you for your kind Congratulations on my safe Arriva... 29 April 1778From James LovellDear sir I promise myself much from the eight or nine scrawls which I have sent to you since your departure from America, in the spirit, I own to you... 29 April 1778Samuel Tucker to the CommissionersGentlemen I received yours of the 15th Instant by Capt. Palmes with my Orders from your Honours of on the 26th Instant. Am very uneasy that I cannot ... Translation Group 29 April 1778Vergennes to the Commissioners J'ai communiqué à M. de Sartine, Messieurs, l'office que vous m'avez fait l'honneur de m'adresser dans la vüe d'obtenir des convois pour la sûreté du... 29 April 1778The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners: A Translation I have submitted to M. de Sartine the communication you did me the honor to address to me regarding the obtaining of convoys to ensure the safety of ... 30 April 1778The Foreign Affairs Committee to the CommissionersGentlemen By the Gazettes which accompany this letter you will see that the Enemy are entering upon a plan which must shortly perplex us much, unless... 2 May 1778From J. C. ChampagneSir I had the honnor to Congratulate you the 14 Ultimo on Your Safe Arrival at Paris where I hope you Enjoy Good health. I now Agreeable to promise p... 2 May 1778From Jonathan G. FrazerSir I understand there is some dispatches from the Governour and Council of Virginia lately come to you Gentlemen at Paris. If there shou'd be, a Let... 2 May 1778From John Guy GantierSir The principles of Liberty which I have suckled in my earliest Education, and in the History of the Country of my Ancestors, Swisserland, have mad... 3 May 1778The Commissioners to BersollePassy, 1778 May 3. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:88. Bersolle, a merchant at Brest, was informed that his bill drawn on the Commissioners' b... 3 May 1778The Commissioners to James MoylanPassy, 3 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:88–89. The Commissioners acknowledged letters from Moylan, dated 23, 30 March and 15, 17 Ap... 3 May 1778The Commissioners to John RossPassy, 3 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:89–90. Composed in two drafts, one dated 22, the other perhaps as early as 23 April (DLC: F... 4 May 1778James Moylan to the CommissionersHonorable Gentlemen This morning arrived here the Schooner Milford Cap: Blackwell from Rapahanac River in Virginia after a passage of 33 days; she ha... 4 May 1778Vergennes to the CommissionersVersailles, 4 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 2:308 (French); 4:90 ('s translation). Vergennes announced that would be presented to L... Translation Group 5 May 1778From AdamMonsieur Je vous prie de me permmettre De vous temoigner combien je Suis flattè D'avoir L'honneur de porter votre nom, Et je le Serois bien davantage... 5 May 1778Adam to John Adams: A TranslationSir Please allow me to tell you how honored I am to bear your name, and how much more so I would be, had I the honor of being descended from your fam... 5 May 1778Nathaniel Dowse to the CommissionersGentlemen On the 14th April 1777 I sailed from Virginia Commander of the Ship Mercer belonging to Messrs. Mercer and Schenck of Boston, with a Cargo ... Translation Group 5 May 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs J'ai l'honneur de vous envoyer ci-joint la Traduction de deux Lettres Allemandes, que j'ai reçues Samedi passé, et ce matin, de Berlin et d... 5 May 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen I have the honor to send you translations of two German letters from Berlin and Hamburg that I received last Saturday and this morning. The... 7 May 1778From SarsfieldSir The Bearer is a Surgeon whom I take the liberty of recommanding to you. He wishes very much to settle in North America and though there is a good... Translation Group 7 May 177815 May 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs Après avoir dépêché ma derniere Lettre du 5e, qui finissoit parvous accuser la réception de l'honorée vôtre du 30 Avril, je merendis chez l... 7 May 177815 May 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen After sending you my last letter dated the 5th, which at the end acknowledged your letter of April 30th, I called on the Grand Facteur to s... 8 May 1778From William Hyslop Mr. Hyslop presents his respectfull Compliments to Mr. Adams and takes the freedom to acquaint Him that he has not heard from his Wife, Family, and o... 8 May 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHon Sirs Since I had the honor to write you the 2d Instant there are arrived at this port two ships the One from Savanah the other from Charles Town.... 8 May 1778William Lee to the CommissionersFrankfort on the Main, 8 May 1778. printed:William Lee, Letters, 2:429–430. Lee reported that, because of Frederick's refusal to recognize American in... 8 May 1778Thomas Simpson to the CommissionersGentlemen Its extremely disagreeable to me, that my first address to you, shou'd be on such an occasion, as the following detail, which is that immed... 9 May 1778From Samuel TuckerSir These with my Regards to your Honour, acquainting you of my receiving your kind Epistle by the Docter and will engage myself to take all the Care... 9 May 1778John Paul Jones to the CommissionersGentlemen I have the honor to acquaint you that I arrived here last Night and brought in with me the British Ship of War Drake of 20 Guns with Englis... Translation Group 10 May 1778From SenésMonsieur J'ay L'honneur de vous informer que je Possede des Secrets que je regarde comme Specifiques En ce qu'ils guerissent En très peu de temps les... 10 May 1778Senés to John Adams: A TranslationSir I have the honor to inform you that I possess certain secret remedies that I consider as specific because they very rapidly cure collapses, old a... Translation Group 11 May 1778From LataqueMonsieur Une famille honete, se sert de mon entremise pour avoir lhonneur de vous demander, si Mr de Roche Fremoy est toujour employé dans larmée de... 11 May 1778Lataque to John Adams: A TranslationSir A respected family has requested me to please ask you if Mr. de Roche Fremoy is still employed in the army of General Washington. I dare hope, si... 11 May 1778Jonathan Williams to the Commissioners Your Excellencies are before this Time informed of the Gallant Action performed by Capt. Jones, who has no doubt also informed you of his Intentions ... 12 May 1778To William Vernon Jr.Passy, 12 May 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:96–97. Replying to Vernon's letter of 10 April (above), Adams commended Vernon for his deci... 12 May 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHon Sirs Yesterday came into this Port the Brig Peggy Captain Kelly from No. Carolina. She has on board One hundred and forty eight hhd Tobacco for a... Translation Group 12 May 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs Je ne vous parlerai de mes opérations ici, en conséquence de vos ordres du 30e. Avril, que lorsque je pourrai vous donner quelque chose de ... 12 May 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen I will not refer to my dealings here with respect to your orders of 30 April until I am in a position to give you something more than a mer... 13 May 1778From Richard Henry LeeMy dear Sir Our public letter does not leave me much to add, but friendship will not suffer me to let this opportunity pass, without expressing my wi... Translation Group 13 May 1778Vergennes to the Commissioners Les fermiers-generaux viennent de me faire passer, Messieurs, un proces-verbal relatif au refus que le S. Tucker, capitaine de la fregate américaine ... 13 May 1778The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners: A Translation The Farmers General have just brought to my attention a report concerning the refusal of S. Tucker, captain of the American frigate the Boston, to su... 14 May 1778To William MacCreeryPassy, 14 May 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:98–99. Replying to MacCreery's letters of 25 April (above) and 3 May (Adams Family Correspo... 14 May 1778The Commissioners to Sartineprinted:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:99–100. The Commissioners requested that they be given permission to confine on French soil the prisoners taken... 14 May 1778From William HeathSir The French Frigate Nimphe Commanded by the Chevalier Senneville returning directly to France I cannot omit so favorable an oppertunity of testify... 14 May 1778The Foreign Affairs Committee to the CommissionersGentlemen Our Affairs have now a universally good appearance. Every thing at home and abroad seems verging towards a happy and permanent period. We a... 15 May 1778From James LovellMy dear Sir I find it impossible to write to you at this Time so fully as I wish being greatly overplied with business from the neglect of others. I ... 15 May 1778Vergennes to the CommissionersVersailles, 15 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:100–101. This letter and its supporting enclosure, a copy of a letter from La Tuillie... 16 May 1778The Commissioners to SartineSir Messrs. Basmarine, Raimbeaux and Co. having represented to Us, that they have applied to Government for a Frigate, to be employed in Defence of t... 16 May 1778The Commissioners to VergennesSir We had this Morning the Honour of receiving your Excellency's Letter of the 13. Instant relative to the Boston Frigate. We beg leave to assure yo... 16 May 1778From James LovellDear Sir As I hinted to you in my letter of yesterday, which goes by a different Vessel from what bears this, Half-pay for 7 years, if they live so l... 16 May 1778From William Vernon Jr.Sir I had the honour of writing you a letter on the tenth of April, in which I informed you of my determination to reside in this place, and prayed t... 16 May 1778The Commerce Committee to the CommissionersGentlemen This will be accompanied with a Contract entered into between John Baptist Lazarus Theveneau De Francy Agent of Mr. Peter Augustine Caron D... 16 May 1778John Paul Jones to the CommissionersGentlemen As there is an appearance that the Sales of the Rangers prizes will be greatly protracted thro' the claims of the Admiralty here—I have bee... 17 May 1778The Commissioners to Ferdinand GrandSir It is our desire that you accept no Bills nor pay any money out of the funds which are or may be in your hands to the credit of us three jointly ... 17 May 1778Arthur Lee to Benjamin Franklin and John AdamsGentlemen Being too much indisposd to come to Passi this morning, and thinking the subjects of the enclosd Letters of pressing importance; I have sen... 18 May 1778Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to American State OfficialsParis, 18 May 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:102; ordered printed by the congress as a broadside (illustration facing p. 99). This lette... Translation Group 18 May 1778From Alagnac Le Docteur Franklin, Monsieur, a qui j'ay eu l'honneur D'ecrire pour Savoir Des nouvelles D'un jeune homme nommé le chevalier De Pontgibaut, embarqué... 18 May 1778Alagnac to John Adams: A Translation Dr. Franklin, sir, to whom I had the honor to write for information about a young man, Chevalier de Pontgibaut, who left Nantes on 11 October 1777 on... 18 May 1778From Dupont de LensMy lord Under the auspices of my friend Mr. Recules de Basmarin I take the Liberty of addressing myself to you; to make a tender of my Services to yo... 18 May 1778Christian Stenger and William Straughan to the Commissioners The Humble Petition of Christian Stenger and William Stragham Showed that Your Petitioners with thyre Propertyes, by this Unnaturall Ware have fallen... 18 May 1778Jonathan Williams to the Commissioners My last informed your Excellencies of my Arrival at this place from Morlaix and my Motives in coming hither. Capt. Jones has received a Letter from M... 19 May 1778From Henry LaurensDear Sir Will you permit me to congratulate with you upon the favorable appearances in our American concerns and particularly upon your safe arrival ... Translation Group 19 May 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs Ma derniere, en forme de Journal, commencoit par le 7e. et finissoit par le 15e de ce mois. Vous y aurez vu ma marche, pas à pas; et qu'ell... 19 May 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen My last, in the form of a diary, began with the 7th and ended on the 15th of this month. You will there have seen my progress, step by step... 20 May 1778To FleuryPassy, 20 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:104. In his reply to Fleury's letter of 26 April (above), Adams noted the excellent reputa... 20 May 1778From William Vernon Sr.Dear sir The preceeding is Copy of my last, via Bilboa. I have noted, that we have run out the Warren Capt. Hopkins from Providence, he happily escap... 21 May 1778To Samuel AdamsPassy, 21 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:106–108. Adams commented on, among other things, the probability of a European war, the mo... 22 May 1778Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to the Massachusetts General CourtPassy, 22 May 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:110. Citing the usual practice under the law of nations of allowing six months after the co... Translation Group 22 May 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs Les Etats d'Hollande se sont séparés aujourdhui; et chacun part demain pour sa Ville. Je viens de souhaiter un bon Voyage à notre Ami. Il a... 22 May 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen The Dutch States General ended their session today, and each member will be leaving for his town tomorrow. I have just come from wishing ou... 24 May 1778To the Commerce CommitteePassy, 24 May 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:111–112. John Adams described the confusion that resulted from the multiplicity of commerci... 25 May 1778The Commissioners to John BondfieldPassy, 25 May 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:116. Replying to Bondfield's letters of 12 (above) and 17 May (not found), the Commissioner... 25 May 1778The Commissioners to John Paul JonesPassy, 25 May 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:112–114. Responding to Jones' letters of 9 and 16 May (both above), the Commissioners' lett... 25 May 1778The Commissioners to J. D. SchweighauserPassy, 25 May 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:115. Drafted by Adams, this letter, through enclosed extracts from letters of 25 May to Joh... 25 May 1778The Commissioners to Jonathan WilliamsPassy, 25 May 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:114–115. Replying to Williams' letters of 11 and 18 May (both above), this letter, drafted... 25 May 1778Thomas Simpson to the CommissionersMay it please your Honours I addressed you on the 8th. of this Instant on a very disagreeable affair, not recieving any answer, or order from your Ho... 26 May 1778From William Vernon Sr.Dear sir The Two foregoing Letters are Copys, thinking it necessary to transmit at least Three Copys these precarious Times, which I shall think no t... 27 May 1778From Samuel TuckerSir I am ready for Sea and waiting for a wind after a teadious fatigueing Jobb. I heartily Congratulate you with the News of Capt. Jones takeing the ... 27 May 1778John Paul Jones to the CommissionersGentlemen I have now to fulfil the promise made in my last by giving you an Account of my late Expedition. I sailed from Brest the 10th of April. My ... 28 May 1778The Commerce Committee to the CommissionersGentn You will receive this by Thomas Read Esqr who was Captain of the Frigate Washington but is now Commander of the Armed Brigantine Baltimore. Thi... 29 May 1778William Bingham to the CommissionersHonble Gentn I have done myself the Honor of writing Several Letters to Congress upon the Subject of Remittances, for Debts I have contracted in this... 29 May 1778Jonathan Trumbull to the CommissionersGentlemen This will be handed to you by Capt. Robert Niles (Commander of the Schooner Spy own'd by this State) and has in Charge Dispatches from the ... 30 May 1778Elijah Hall and Others to the CommissionersGentlemen The Petition and Remonstrance of Us the Subscribers Officers of the american continental Ship of War Ranger humbly sheweth— That our Friend... 1 May 177831 May 1778From James LovellMy dear Sir In aid to your scrutiny after the real robber of the Commissioners Dispatches, I send what I think a good Confirmation of Folgiers honest... Translation Group 2 June 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs J'ai l'honneur de vous confirmer mes trois dernieres Lettres, savoir celle en forme de Journal, du 7 au 15e May; une autre du 19e; et la de... 2 June 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen I have the honor to confirm my last three letters, namely that of 7 to 15 May in the form of a journal, another of the 19th, and the last o... 3 June 1778To John BondfieldPassy, 3 June 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:126. Adams acknowledged Bondfield's letter of 26 May (not found), enclosing an account for ... 3 June 1778The Commissioners to John Paul JonesPassy, 3 June 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:123–124. The Commissioners, as a result of letters from Lt. Thomas Simpson and appeals by o... 3 June 1778The Commissioners to SartinePassy, 3 June 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:125–126. Protesting duties charged on goods purchased for the Boston at Bordeaux, listed in... 3 June 1778The Commissioners to Thomas SimpsonPassy, 3 June 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:124. This letter informed Simpson that the Commissioners had ordered John Paul Jones to gr... 3 June 1778Elijah Hall to Benjamin Franklin and John AdamsGentlemen I request your Honours Favour in behalf of the Officers and Men, that you would point out some Method to bring the Prizes to sail, which we... 3 June 1778John Paul Jones to the CommissionersGentlemen Your letter of the 25th Ultimo I received by Yesterdays post: I frankly ask your pardon for the undue liberty which I took the 16th Ultimo ... Translation Group 3 June 1778Sartine to the Commissioners J'ai recû, Messieurs, La Lettre que vous m'avez fait l'honneur de m'écrire Le 16 du Mois passé pour demander qu'il soit accordé une fregate du Roi au... 3 June 1778Sartine to the Commissioners: A Translation I received the letter that you did me the honor to write the 16th of last month, asking that one of His Majesty's frigates be given to Basmarin, Raim... 3 June 1778Ranger Crew Members to the Commissioners To the honourable the Commissioners of the United States of North America, the Petition of the Jovial Tars Now on board the Continental Sloop of war ... 4 June 1778The Commissioners to John BondfieldPassy, 4 June 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:127. Replying to letters (not found) from Bondfield of 26 and 30 May, the first enclosing a... 4 June 17786 June 1778The Commissioners to Lord NorthPassy, 4 or 6 June 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:127–128; not sent. The Commissioners appealed “for an immediate Exchange of Prisoners ... 6 June 1778The Commissioners to J. D. SchweighauserPassy, 6 June 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:129. The Commissioners, in reply to Schweighauser's letter of 1 June (not found), directed ... 6 June 1778The Commissioners to Abraham WhipplePassy, 6 June 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:128–129. The Commissioners congratulated Whipple on his escape from the British blockade of... 6 June 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHonorable Sirs I am not favord with any of your Commands since the 18th Ultimo. All the advertizements containd therein are at Sea and some of them f... 6 June 1778Sartine to the CommissionersMarly, 6 June 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:129–130 ('s English translation); for the French text, see JA, Works, 7:15–16. Sartine here... 7 June 1778From James WarrenMy Dear Sir We are yet in A State of Uncertainty whether you are Arrived in France or England, and Consequently whether you are now Acting As An Emba... 8 June 1778To Edmé Jacques Genet I do myself, the Honour to transmit you a Small Bundle of Newspapers, for your Perusal, out of which you will Select any Thing that you think proper ... 8 June 1778From Edmé Jacques GenetHonour'd Sir The News papers you So kindly transmit me will be carefully perus'd and will afford, I dare say, many interesting articles to my publica... 8 June 1778From James LovellDear Sir I fear I omitted to send the Resolve of May 5th. with 3 past Packets. I shall be vexed if it does not reach you with the Ratifications as, o... 8 June 1778The Navy Board for the Eastern Department to the CommissionersGentlemen Agreeable to the directions of the Honorable Marine Committee, We have provided the Scooner Dispatch, Corbin Barns Master, for the purpose ... Translation Group 9 June 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs Ma derniere étoit du 2 de ce mois. Vous verrez par les deux traductions ci-jointes à quoi en sont les affaires en Allemagne, et que l'on pe... 9 June 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen My last was dated the 2d of this month. You will see by the two enclosed translations what the state of affairs in Germany is and that one ... 10 June 1778The Commissioners to John Paul JonesPassy, 10 June 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:135. The Commissioners requested a list of Jones' prisoners for a possible exchange and no... 10 June 1778The Commissioners to J. D. SchweighauserPassy, 10 June 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:134–135. The Commissioners, responding to Schweighauser's letter of 4 June (not found), co... 10 June 1778Marine Committee to the CommissionersHonorable Gentn There is wanted for A fifty Six Gun Ship now building at Portsmouth in the State of New Hampshire, Twenty eight 24 pounders Cannon an... Translation Group 11 June 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs Hier matin je reçus de Sir G——Gd. le paquet contenant la respectée vôtre du 2e. Juin. En conséquence je me transportai d'abord chez le g—— ... 11 June 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen Yesterday morning I received, from Sir George Grand, the packet containing your letter of 2 June and decided that I should go first to the ... 13 June 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHonble. Sirs I took the liberty to draw on your honors as the most assured means to obtain a certainty of my letters in course getting to your hands.... 14 June 1778H. Archer to the CommissionersGentlemen I presume to trouble you with the communication of my design to enter into the army, and becoming a citizen of the united States. Though a ... 15 June 1778The Commissioners to SartinePassy, 15 June 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:135–137. The Commissioners, in answer to Sartine's letter of 6 June, indicated their reaso... 15 June 1778From Stephen SayreSir As my information is only from the public papers, I am left in uncertainty whether I am writing to Mr. John, or Mr. Samuel Adams. Some Letters ha... 15 June 1778Abraham Whipple to the CommissionersGentlemen Had the honour of Recieving your Letter per Capt. Jones, beg leave to mention there are no Orders relative to my Prisoners, which should be... 16 June 1778The Commissioners to John Paul JonesPassy, 16 June 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:137–138. Jones was ordered to prepare for a voyage to America on which he would harass the... Translation Group 16 June 1778From FleuryMonsieur Je suis trop reconnoissant des bontés dont vous mavés honnoré pour ne pas vous exprimer a cet egard tous les sentiments que je vous dois. Re... 16 June 1778Fleury to John Adams: A TranslationSir I am too grateful for the aid you accorded me not to express, in this regard, all the sentiments due you. Accept therefore, sir, the homage of a ... 16 June 1778William Bingham to the CommissionersHonble Gentn It is a long time Since I have had the honor of receiving any of your Commands, and am the more surprized at it, as a Packet Boat has ar... 16 June 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHonble. Sirs I had the Honor to write you the 13.13 and 14th Instant. Mr. Emery receiv'd letters from Capt. Cunningham at Corrunha advising their Arr... Translation Group 16 June 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs Le feuillet ci-joint a èté écrit à diverses reprises en allant et venant hier et aujourd'hui. J'en ai donné connoissance aussi à Mr. Lee à ... 16 June 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen The enclosed sheet was written piecemeal yesterday and while coming and going today. A copy, omitting what is in brackets, has been sent to... 17 June 1778From John BradfordSir After a tedious Suspension, our fears being greatly Alarm'd at your not being Arriv'd after forty eight days sailing hence, A General Joy was dif... 18 June 1778Francis Coffyn to the CommissionersHond. Gentlemen I take the liberty to crave your referrence to the letter I had the honnur of writing to you the 8 instant to the contents of which I... Translation Group 18 June 1778Dubourg to the CommissionersMessieurs Persone ne reconnoit plus volontiers et ne rend plus de justice que moi a la profondeur de votre sagesse et a la superiorité de vos lumiere... 18 June 1778Dubourg to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen No one would more readily concede or pay more tribute to the depth of your wisdom and the superiority of your intelligence than I. Otherwis... 19 June 1778Francis Coffyn to the CommissionersHond. Gentlemen I had the honnor of writing to you yesterday referring to my letter of 8 instant which I beg leave to confirm. This cheafly Serves to... Translation Group 19 June 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs Nulla dies sine linea. J'ai eu l'honneur de vous communiquer l'ordinaire passé l'article insidieux que Sir J. Y. avoit fait placer dans la ... 19 June 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen Nulla dies sine linea. I had the honor to send you, by the last regular mail, the insidious article inserted in the Gazette de la Haie by S... 20 June 1778From Richard Henry LeeMy dear Sir Our enemies at N. York had contrived to distress us a good deal by a publication that the Boston was taken and carried into England. We w... 20 June 1778William Moore to the CommissionersTo the Honble the Commissioners of the United States of North America Your Petitioner Humbly Sheweth that being a native of the States of New Jersey ... Translation Group 20 June 1778Sartine to the Commissioners J'ai recû, Messieurs, une Lettre de Nantes qui m'a été ecrite par le Sieur J. D. Schweighauser Agent des Etats unis de L'Amerique Septentrionale, qui... 20 June 1778Sartine to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen I have received, gentlemen, a letter from Nantes by Mr. J. D. Schweighauser, the agent of the United States of North America. Charged with ... 21 June 1778From Samuel AdamsMy dear Sir Although we are exceedingly pressd with publick Business at this Juncture, I cannot omit the Opportunity that now offers of writing to yo... 21 June 1778Foreign Affairs Committee to the CommissionersGentlemen The British Commissioners have arrived and transmitted their powers and propositions to Congress, which have received the answer you will s... 22 June 1778Joy Castle to the CommissionersHonourable Gentlemen Your petitioner is Come from Irland to Bordeaux to procure American papers to procead with a Cargo to America; But the Embargo h... 22 June 1778Pierce Powers to the CommissionersGentlemen I would beg leave to inform You that in the Action with the Drake Sloop of War on the 24th of April last, I had the misfortune to lose My r... 23 June 1778The Commissioners to J. D. SchweighauserPassy, 23 June 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:140–141. The Commissioners, noting Schweighauser's letter of 18 June (not found) and thei... 23 June 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHonble. Sirs We are without any object Interesting other than the Eclat with which Le Marquis D'Almadova is receiv'd by the Governor Intendant and ot... 23 June 1778Peter Amiel: Oath of Allegiance to the United StatesI, Peter Amiel, do acknowledge the thirteen United States of America, namely New Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticutt, New York, N... 25 June 1778Hezekiah Ford to the CommissionersGentlemen As Mr. Ross, a Gentleman of Pennsylvania, has been kind enough to offer me a Passage on Board his Schooner, bound to Virginia; I have decli... 26 June 1778The Commissioners to Francis CoffynPassy, 26 June 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:142–143. The Commissioners left to Coffyn's judgment the amount to be paid on a surgeon's... 27 June 1778From John WilliamsSir Tho I have not the honor of a Parsonal acquaintance yet from your high Station and Character, and the Genteel as well as faithful conduct, you ha... 27 June 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHonble Sirs The Engagement of La Belle Poule is esteem'd at this port as a prelude to the declaration. Sugar Coffee and every other forreign Produce ... Translation Group 27 June 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs Voici copie de la Lettre que je viens d'écrire à Mr. le G—— P—— “Monsieur, Le Traite d'amitié et de commerce entre la France et les Etats-U... 27 June 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen Here is a copy of the letter I have just written to the Grand Pensionary. “Sir: The Treaty of Amity and Commerce between France and the Uni... 27 June 1778Abraham Whipple to the CommissionersHonorable Gentlemen In my last letter I had the pleasure of Acquainting you, that it was in my power to take some Goods on board in account of the Un... 29 June 1778James Moylan Jr. to the CommissionersHonorable Gentlemen The Frigate Oiseau who convoyed a Virginia Schooner out of the Bay which I dispatched from hence, is returned yesterday with the ... 30 June 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHonble Sirs A vessel Arrived yesterday from Louisiana confirms the Accounts received from them parts of the Back Settlers from Georgia and Carolina h... 30 June 1778Francis Coffyn to the CommissionersHond. Gentlemen I take the liberty to crave your referrence to the letter I had the honnor of writing to you the 22d. instant being Still deprived of... 30 June 1778Hezekiah Ford to the CommissionersGentl. By Capt. Turner, who left South Carolina the Beginning of May, I have the Happiness to communicate the following Intelligence; which he receiv... 30 June 17788 August 1778The Commissioners' Accounts with Ferdinand Grand1778DebitCredit Juin30Pour solde de lancien Compte697434.4. Juillet1erMandat de J. Williams du 25 7bre. ordre Mr. Franklin891.10. 1erCes Messieurs aia... 1 July 1778From Samuel CooperMy dear Sir After various Reports of the Capture of the Boston by a British Cruizer, and of her being struck with Lightning at Sea, it was with pecul... 1 July 1778From James WarrenSir I have wrote you several long Letters since you left us, some of which you will doubtless by the Enemy be releived from the trouble of reading. M... 2 July 1778Abraham Whipple to the CommissionersGentlemen The honour of your Letter bearing date the 23d June, had the pleasure of Recieving on the 30th and shall think myself happy, in a strict at... Translation Group 3 July 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs Ce que j'eus l'honneur de vous marquer l'ordinaire dernier de l'Emprunt d'Amsterdam, etoit extrémement exagéré. Cela se réduit à un petit e... 3 July 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen That which I had the honor to note in my last concerning Amsterdam's borrowing was greatly exaggerated. It is limited to a small loan that ... 3 July 1778John Paul Jones to the Commissioners Being informed from good authority that the Minister desired much to converse with me on a subject of great utility to the United States of America —... 3 July 1778Thomas Simpson to the CommissionersGentlemen I am to Acknowledge the receipt of your favor from Passi of the third of last month, for which, and your kind interposition in my behalf, I... 3 July 1778Samuel Tucker to the CommissionersGentlemen These may Serve to acquaint your Honours of my arrival at this port, after a short Cruze of twenty four Days. While on the Cruze I took fou... 3 July 1778Jonathan Williams to the CommissionersHonble Gentlemen Agreeable to your verbal order I have given Directions to stop the Reparation of the Arms at Nantes, paying the Workmen their Wages ... 4 July 1778From William MacCreeryDear Sir Last night arrived here from Baltimore the Brigantine Saratoga, Captn. Murray, who has brought 2 Packets from Congress for the Honble. the C... 4 July 1778From Samuel TuckerSir These will be handed you by Musco Livingston Gentleman my 2d Lewt. Who now must Leave me on account of an Imperfect State of helth att Present an... 4 July 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHonble. Sirs The Union Cap. Barry arriv'd the 2 Instant from Edenton which place he left the 6th June. I apply'd for Letters that I apprehended as be... 4 July 17785 July 1778John Paul Jones to the Commissioners Plan for expeditions submitted to the American Plenipotentiaries and to the French minister of Marine by Com. Jones. As the first proposal, will be i... 5 July 1778From Arthur LeeDear Sir I enclose you my Copy of Capt. Jones's Instructions. My opinion is that in quitting his Ship without our leave or orders was a breach of his... Translation Group 5 July 1778Sartine to the Commissioners Comme je suis dans le cas, Messieurs, d'avoir besoin du Capitaine Jones pour quelqu'expédition particuliere, je desirerois qu'il pût rester ici. Si v... 5 July 1778Sartine to the Commissioners: A Translation As I am in need, gentlemen, of Captain Jones for a specific expedition, I would like him to remain here. If it is not inconvenient, I would be gratef... 7 July 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersHonble Sirs Yesterday arrived from Edenton the Sloop Sally Cap Norton which place he left the 6th June. He has brought few Letters, he mentions the e... 7 July 1778Francis Coffyn to the CommissionersHond. Gentlemen I had the honnor of writing to you fully the 5th instant, to which I beg leave to refer you. Mr. Amiel having granted to the people w... Translation Group 7 July 1778Poreau, Mackenzie & Cie. to the CommissionersMesseigneurs Des Américains et autres nous ayant confié quils étoient retenus dans le desir de se signaler par le defaut d'apui et le manque de fonds... 7 July 1778Poreau, Mackenzie & Cie. to the Commissioners: A TranslationSirs Some Americans and others having confided in us that they were hampered in their desire to distinguish themselves by a lack of both support and ... 8 July 1778James Moylan to the CommissionersHonorable Gentlemen The day before yesterday two of Captain Tuckers prizes arrived here, one of which is loaded with 1400 Quintals of Dry'd Cod Fish,... Translation Group 9 July 1778From Edmé Jacques GenetMonsieur J'ai mis sous les yeux de M. le Cte. de Vergennes un Extrait de la lettre du general Heath, que j'ai lhoneur de vous renvoyer ci jointe. Vou... 9 July 1778Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A TranslationSir I submitted to Comte de Vergennes an excerpt from General Heath's letter which I have the honor to return enclosed. You will have seen that I hav... 9 July 1778To Elbridge GerryPassy, 9 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:149–150. Adams discussed Great Britain's shortsighted and self-defeating policy in refusin... 9 July 1778To Patrick HenryPassy, 9 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:153–154. Adams stated that Lee had attended to Henry's requests contained in a letter of 5... 9 July 1778To James LovellPassy, 9 July 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:148–149. Adams announced the arrival of dispatches from the congress, including the ratifie... 9 July 1778From Edmé Jacques GenetHonour'd Sir Here inclos'd I have the honour to return you the letter you trusted me so obligingly. I'm in great impatience to get a printed copy of ... 9 July 1778Francis Coffyn to the CommissionersHond. Gentlemen I beg leave to refer you to the letter I had the honor of writing to you yesterday. This cheafly Serves to inclose a Certificate from... 9 July 1778Richard Grinnell to the CommissionersHonour'd Sir I would Inform you that on the 28th of August Last I a Rived heare from London I had att that time Just obtained my Discharge, from the ... 10 July 1778To William HeathPassy, 10 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:156–158. Adams reported the arrival on 8 July of the ratified Franco-American treaties, w... 10 July 1778To William MacCreeryPassy, 10 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:155–156. Adams discussed British reports of the evacuation of Philadelphia, congratulated... 10 July 1778Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to Ferdinand GrandMr. Grand We agree that the Bills drawn on you, by Mr. Williams, and paid by you according to the list herewith transmitted shall be charged to the P... 10 July 1778From Edmé Jacques GenetHond. Sir I have receiv'd the papers you Sent me, and will make a proper use of them as soon as possible. When I have done with them they shall be re... 10 July 1778William Hodge to the CommissionersHonorable. Gentlemen By Yesterdays' Post I had the honor of receiving your Letter of the 19th of April. What could have occasioned its not reaching m... 11 July 1778Benjamin Reed and Benjamin Bates to the CommissionersGentlemen Whereas Jerome Cazneau, Serjeant of Marines, on board said Ship, on her Arrival in said Port, obtain'd Liberty to go on Shore, and there ma... 12 July 1778To Edmé Jacques GenetSir There are Reasons to believe, that the Story of Commissioners appointed by Congress to meet the British Commissioners, is a Forgery. 1. Phillip ... 12 July 1778Samuel Tucker to the CommissionersGentlemen Since my Arrival at this Port, I have been much troubled with those Frenchmen I enter'd at Bourdeaux, although I Enlisted them according to... 13 July 1778The Commissioners to Francis CoffynPassy, 13 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:159–160. In reply to Coffyn's letters of 7 and 9 July (above), the Commissioners noted th... 13 July 1778The Commissioners to Samuel TuckerPassy, 13 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:160. The Commissioners advised Tucker that to improve the sailing qualities of the Boston... 13 July 1778From Edmé Jacques GenetHond. Sir I hope to make a proper use of your observations in the relation to the pretended nomination of the American Commissioners, and am very obl... 14 July 1778Sartine to the CommissionersVersailles, 14 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:161 ('s English translation). For the French text, see Adams Papers, Microfilms, Ree... 14 July 1778Samuel Tucker to the CommissionersHond. Gentlemen I received a Letter from Mr. Livingston of the 8th. Instant wherein he informs me that their is a possibility of an Exchange of Priso... 15 July 1778From Arthur LeeDear Sir I am so unwell to-day that I cannot stir out. Will you have the goodness to expedite what is necessary for Mr. Livingston and he will bring ... 15 July 1778Sartine to the CommissionersVersailles, 15 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:161–162 ('s English translation). For the French text, see Adams Papers, Microfilms,... 16 July 1778The Commissioners to SartinePassy, 16 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:164. The Commissioners told Sartine that the congress and the authorities in Massachusett... 16 July 1778The Commissioners to J. D. SchweighauserPassy, 16 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:163. The Commissioners notified Schweighauser of Thomas Simpson's appointment to command ... 16 July 1778The Commissioners to Abraham WhipplePassy, 16 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:162–163. The Commissioners informed Whipple of Thomas Simpson's appointment to command th... 16 July 1778From Thomas GreenleafHonored Sir Pardon the presumption of addressing you in this manner at this unhappy Crisis of my life. Considering the distinguish'd nobleness of you... 16 July 1778From Edward RutledgeMy dear Sir The State of South Carolina, desirous of protecting her Trade, with as little Burthen to the United States as possible, has voted a Sum o... 17 July 1778To Edmé Jacques Genet In your forty Eighth Number of Affairs de L'Angleterre et de L'Amerique I find, in Page sixth, marked number I. Resolutions des sauvages contre l'arm... 17 July 1778The Commissioners to VergennesSir We herewith communicate to your Excellency a Resolution of Congress relative to the Treaties, which we request may be laid before the King. There... Translation Group 17 July 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs Quoique je sois tous les jours avec le G—— F—— et avec notre Ami, cependant, comme il ne se passe rien d'extraordinaire, j'ai cru pouvoir d... 17 July 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen Although I have seen the Grand Facteur and our friend every day, since nothing extraordinary has happened, I have postponed writing to you ... 17 July 1778Jonathan Williams to the CommissionersHonble Gentlemen I am highly sensible of the Confidence you honour me with by your Approbation of my Drafts on Mr. Grand, and am ready to account for... 18 July 1778William Hill Sargeant to the CommissionersGentlemen Having lately Arrived in a Very fast Sailing Vessell from the State of Virginia whose Owners not having it in their Power to arm her in tha... 18 July 1778Sartine to the CommissionersVersailles, 18 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:166–167 ('s English translation). For the French text, see Adams Papers, Microfilms,... 20 July 1778The Commissioners to the President of the CongressPassy, 20 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:168–170; also, with “The Function of Consuls” enclosed, in Wharton, ed., Dipl. Corr. Amer... Translation Group 21 July 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs Ma derniere est du 17e. Je viens de recevoir, traduire et porter au g— F— une Lettre Allemande. En attendant qu'il me renvoie mon feuillet,... 21 July 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen My last was of the 17th. I have just received, translated, and delivered a German letter to the Grand Facteur. While waiting for him to ret... 21 July 1778Muscoe Livingston to the CommissionersGentlemen I arrived here Last night, deliverd my letters to Capt. Whippie, and shall have his Instructions for Capt. Tucker and Sett out immediately ... 22 July 1778The Commissioners to Sartine We have the Honour of your Excellencys Letters of July the 15th, and 18th. James Niggins and John Selby are wholly unknown to Us, but as their Accoun... 22 July 1778The Commissioners to Jonathan TrumbullSir We received your Excellencys Letter of May 29, by Captain Niles, with the Dispatches from Congress, which you had intrusted him, with, in good or... 22 July 1778The Commissioners to Samuel TuckerSir We have received your Letters relative to the Disputes between two of your Officers and some of your Men belonging to this Nation, and we are of ... 23 July 1778Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to the President of the CongressSir We have just received a Message from Monsr. Le Comte De Vergennes, by his Secretary, acquainting Us; that Information is received from England of... Translation Group 24 July 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs Le g—— F—— ay ant oublié de me renvoyer le 21 mes Nouvelles d'Allemagne, je fus obligé de les traduire à la hâte, telles que je vous les en... 24 July 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen Because the Grand Facteur forgot to return my news from Germany on the 31st, I was obliged to translate in haste that which I sent that day... 25 July 1778To Thomas CushingDear sir I had this Day the Pleasure of your Letter by Captain Barnes, of June 9. I did myself the Honour, when in Boston to call at your House, but ... 25 July 1778To Richard Henry LeePassy, 25 July 1778. printed:JA, Diary and Autobiography, 4:171–172. In this letter, the last copied from Adams' Letterbooks into his Autobiography fo... 25 July 1778From William MacCreeryDear Sir Your favor of 10th. Instant did not reach me 'till this moment. I thank you kindly for your good wishes, and for the whole contents of it. T... 26 July 1778To James LovellMy dear Friend Your favours of May 16 and 25 by Captain Barnes reached me Yesterday. These with those by Niles from Connecticut and those by the Sara... 26 July 1778To James WarrenMy dear Sir Yours of 7 June by Captain Barnes fortunately reached me, Yesterday. I was much Surprised, you may well imagine at its Contents. But I Su... 27 July 1778To Henry Laurens I thank you, my dear sir for your kind Congratulations, on the favourable Appearances in our American Concerns, and for so politely particularising o... 27 July 1778To William Vernon Sr.Sir Your Letter of 26 May with Duplicats of those of 9 March and 20 May, arrived safe at Passy by the Hand of Captn. Barnes the day before Yesterday.... 27 July 1778Thomas Simpson to the CommissionersMay it please your Honours I wrote you from Nantes that I had arrived there, and was to take my passage for America in the Providence, the 25. Mr. Li... 28 July 1778To Samuel AdamsMy dear Sir The Sovereign of Britain and his Council have determined to instruct their Commissioners to offer you Independance, provided you will dis... Translation Group 28 July 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners Voilà, Messieurs, la quintessence de douze pages Hollandoises in folio, que je viens de par courir. Les dépêches de Cologne, Paris, Elseneur, Hambour... 28 July 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A Translation Here, Gentlemen, is the substance of twelve pages in folio, in Dutch, that I have just skimmed through. The dispatches from Cologne, Paris, Elsinore,... 29 July 1778The Commissioners to the Commerce CommitteeGentlemen We have the Honour of your Letter of 28 May by Captain Reed. We are rejoiced at the Arrival, even of 49 Hogsheads of Tobacco, and cannot bu... 29 July 1778The Commissioners to the Foreign Affairs CommitteeGentlemen We have the Honour of your Letters of May 14. and 15. We congratulate you on the general good Appearance of our Affairs, and are happy in y... 29 July 1778The Commissioners to the Navy Board for the Eastern DepartmentGentlemen We have received your Favour of the Eighth of June, by the Hand of Captain Barns of the schooner Dispatch, together with the Packetts, forw... 29 July 1778John Ayres to the CommissionersGentlemen I arived Yesterday in 26 days from Boston, with a packet for Your Excellencys With Positive Orders to deliver the Same with my Own Hands, w... 29 July 1778Sartine to the CommissionersVersailles, 29 July 1778. (Adams Papers, French text of both letter and enclosure). For other contemporary copies of the French text of the letter an... 31 July 1778To William MacCreeryDear Sir I thank you for your favours of 25 and 27. the last of which I recived this Moment. The Baltimore Paper of the 6th. of June I had before rec... 1 July 177831 July 1778Titus Ogden to the CommissionersGentlemen Pardon the freedom I take in thus addressing your honours unknown but as an American I trust you will not take it amiss. On my arrival here... 1 August 1778To Edmé Jacques Genet M. Adams is not able to inform Monsieur Genet, the precise Date of the inclosed Law. It was made in the Course of the last Winter, in the Month of Ja... Translation Group 1 August 1778From Edmé Jacques Genet Genet a lhonneur de remercier Monsieur Adams qui n'ignore Sûrement pas que le Russel de l'Escadre de Byron est rentré à Plymouth le 23. en tres mauva... 1 August 1778Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A Translation Genet has the honor to thank Mr. Adams, who must already know that the Russell, of Byron's squadron, returned to Plymouth on the 23d, in very poor co... Translation Group 1 August 1778Pezerat to Benjamin Franklin and John AdamsMessieurs Sans Etre Connu de vous Je prens La liberté de Vous Ecrire, Parce que Je Pense que les Réprésentans d'une nation, qui doit son Existence à ... 1 August 1778Pezerat to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams: A TranslationGentlemen Although a stranger to you, I take the liberty of writing because I think that, as the representatives of a nation owing its existence to i... 1 August 1778James Moylan to the CommissionersHonorable Gentlemen The Frigate Boston saild this morning with her three prizes. Captain Tucker happend accidentally to have mention'd to me, that he... 2 August 1778John Paul Jones to the Commissioners Captain Jones begs the Commissioners to oblige him with Copies of the following letters—or with the liberty of taking Copies of Monseigneur De Sartin... Translation Group 3 August 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs J'ai eu l'honneur de vous envoyer copie de la Lettre que j'aiécrite à Mr. Van Berkel Pensionaire d'Amsterdam le 27 du mois passé. Il m'a ré... 3 August 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen I had the honor to send you a copy of the letter that I wrote to Mr. van Berckel, Pensionary of Amsterdam, on the 27th of last month. Writi... 4 August 1778To James WarrenMy dear Sir Your kind Favor of July 1st. was brought here Yesterday from Bordeaux where Capt. Ayres has arrived, but was not deliver'd me till this d... 5 August 1778To Richard Henry LeeMy dear Sir Your Letter of the 20 June, by Captain Ayrs from Boston had a quick Passage. She Sailed on the 4 July and your Letters were brought to Pa... 6 August 1778John Paul Jones to the CommissionersGentlemen By a resolve of Congress the Seamen who engaged to Serve in the Ranger under my Command were furnished Individually with forty Dollars, the... 7 August 1778To Samuel AdamsMy dear Sir I had a few days ago the Pleasure of your Letter of the 21. of June, which is the only one as yet received. I have written Several to you... 7 August 1778From Arthur Lee Mr. Lee's compliments to Mr. Adams. Mr. Lee has over and over again written to Mr. Williams that the Letters shoud be delivered to him whenever he ch... 9 August 1778From William MacCreeryDear Sir I this day received the Letter which you did me the Honor to Write me under the 31st. Ultimo. Your other Letter to me was still longer on th... 9 August 177812 November 1778The Commissioners' Accounts with Ferdinand GrandDoit Compte courant des Etats Unis par Messieurs Franklin, Lee, et Adams chez Fd. Grand 1778DebitCredit Payé a Monsr. Ar: Lee sur reçu{ le 17 Juin 1200.}6000. le 9 Juillet 4800. Aoust 9Pour Solde du dernier Compte25995.5.6 9Acceptations ... 10 August 1778Benjamin Franklin and John Adams to John Paul JonesSir We do not think ourselves authorized to give any Orders concerning the Deductions to be made from the Seamen's Price money or Wages, of what was ... Translation Group 10 August 1778Sartine to the Commissioners Depuis la letter, que j'ai eu l'honneur de vous écrire, Messieurs le 29 du mois dernier, le Commissaire des classes a Nantes m'a marqué que l'agent d... 10 August 1778Sartine to the Commissioners: A Translation Since the letter that I had the honor to write you on the 29th of last month, the Commissionaire des Classes at Nantes has informed me that the agent... 11 August 1778Peter Frederick Dobrée to the CommissionersHonourable Gentlemen My Father in law has just now comunicated me the Honble. Mr. Lee's Letter of the 4 Instant which he received Yesterday, together... 12 August 1778To John BradfordSir Your favour of 17 June is before me. I thank you, sir for your kind Congratulations on my safe arrival at Paris. Before this arrives you will hav... 12 August 1778To Samuel CooperMy dear sir Your kind favour of July 1st. is before me, and I feel myself much obliged to you for it, as well as for your generous Endeavours, to con... 13 August 1778Arthur Lee and John Adams to Sartine Your Excellency s Letter of the Twenty ninth of July, inclosing a Plan for a System of Regulations for Prizes and Prisoners, We had the Honour of rec... 14 August 1778To the President of the CongressSir I have the Honour to inclose to Congress a few of the public Papers, which contain all the News that is passing. As it is uncertain by what Vesse... Translation Group 14 August 1778From Edmé Jacques GenetMonsieur J'ai traduit ce jour ci une lettre d'un armateur américain à Nantes, en datte du 8. août, qui se plaint que deux de ses vaisseaux lui ont ét... 14 August 1778Edmé Jacques Genet to John Adams: A TranslationSir I have today translated a letter dated 8 August from an American shipowner at Nantes who complains that two of his vessels were taken coming out ... 14 August 1778To Edmé Jacques Genet I Have the Honour of yours of the 14. By the Imitation you inclose, I have no dout that the Name of the Writer of the Letter you mention is John Ross... 15 August 1778John Paul Jones to the CommissionersGentlemen I have now been five days in this place since my Arrival from Passy—during which time neither seen nor heard from Lieutenant Simpson. But M... 16 August 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersSirs Captain Ayres I have found in a very ill State of Health and apprehend he will not be able to proceed in the Vessel. The Brig will be ready for ... Translation Group 16 August 1778Sartine to the Commissioners, with a Contemporary Translation Je m'empresse, Messieurs, de repondre aux observations que vous m'avez adressées par La Lettre que vous m'avez fait L'honneur de m'ecrire le 13 de ce... 16 August 1778Sartine to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen I take the earliest opportunity to answer the observations addressed to me in the letter which you did me the honor to write to me the 13th... 17 August 1778James Moylan to the CommissionersHonorable Gentlemen The Brig Lady Washington Cap: Rowntree arrived here yesterday from James River Virginia loaded with Tobacco. She sail'd from then... 18 August 1778The Commissioners to Sartine We embrace this first opportunity to answer the Letter, which your Excellency did Us the Honour to address to Us, the Sixteenth of this Month. We hav... Translation Group 18 August 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the CommissionersMessieurs Depuis mes dernieres, il ne s'est rien passé ici qui valût la peine de vous l'écrire. Cela ne veut pas dire cependant, que je n'aie tous le... 18 August 1778C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners: A TranslationGentlemen Since my last letters, nothing worthy of writing about has occurred. That is not to say, however, that every day I have not had some occasi... 18 August 1778John Ross to the CommissionersHonble. Gentlemen I did myself the honour to Address You, on the 16th and 23d. Ultimo —Not on business of my own but that which Regards the United St... 19 August 1778To William MacCreerySir I thank you for your favour of the 8th. I believe my Letters to you, were carried faithfully enough. The secret is that I write my Letters, at th... 19 August 1778Abraham Whipple to the CommissionersHonoured Gentlemen I had the pleasure of writing you July 31 from Paimbeufe where I had been wind bound for fifteen days. The Boston had not joined m... 21 August 1778To the President of the CongressSir I have the Honour to inclose to congress, the last Gazettes and a Plann of the various Manoeuvres in the late sea fight by which the masterly Mov... 22 August 1778The Commissioners to John Paul JonesSir that your Letter to Us of the 16 July, expressing your Willingness to drop the Dispute between you and Lieutenant Simpson, and to give up his P... 22 August 1778The Commissioners to John Paul Jones ... 22 August 1778The Commissioners to J. D. Schweighauser We received yours of the 18 Instant. Mr. Bersoll has already been informed that he must send his Accounts and Vouchers to us before we can order him ... 22 August 1778British Prisoners of War to the CommissionersHonorable Gentlemen This to inform your honouers we perisoners was Taken By Capt. Tucker Commander of the Boston was Sent on Shore the 3 Instant to N... 24 August 1778Muscoe Livingston to the CommissionersGentlemen My having been very unwell ever Since Capt. Tuckers departure from this place, has prevented My writing you, on the Subject, of the three p... Translation Group 24 August 1778Puchelberg & Co. to the Commissioners Nous avons l'honneur de remettre très humblement à Vos Excellences la lettre ci-jointe dont M. Lee demeurant chez M. Schweighauser a Nantes nous char... 24 August 1778Puchelberg & Co. to the Commissioners: A Translation We have the honor to forward very humbly to your excellencies the enclosed letter which was given to us yesterday by Mr. Lee, who resided with Mr. Sc... 24 August 1778James Smith to the CommissionersGentlemen This is to inform you that when I arrived at Calis the 4th of May 1778 I had part of my Baggage detain'd by the Custom House Officers under... 25 August 1778Ralph Izard to the CommissionersGentlemen In a Letter which I have lately received from Florence, and which I have had the honour of laying before you, it is recommended that an end... 25 August 1778The Commissioners to Ralph IzardSir We have the Honour of your Letter of this Days Date, and shall give the earliest Attention to its Contents. We apprehend their would be no Improp... 25 August 1778From Thomas BarnesSir Nothing gives me greater concern, than to be under, The Necessity of troubling you with a detail of my situation But distress urges me therefore ... 25 August 1778Thomas Read to the CommissionersHonorable Sirs I Received yours by Capt. Barns. I have been So unwell that I have not been out of my Room, am now recuiting fast, and in a few days t... 26 August 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersSirs Last Evening Arrived at this Port a prize Brig call'd the Archangel from Archangel for London taken by the privateer General Mifflin: Cap. Danie... 26 August 1778James Moylan to the CommissionersHonorable Gentlemen The General Mifflin Privateer Cap: McNeal arrived here yesterday. He sail'd from Portsmouth the 8th. of May last and has been for... Translation Group 26 August 1778Puchelberg & Co. to the Commissioners Nous avons l'honneur de nous referer à nôtre lettre du 24 de ce mois, et celuy d'annoncer très humblement à vos Excellences que depuis hier il est ar... 26 August 1778Puchelberg & Co. to the Commissioners: A Translation We have the honor to refer to our letter of the 24th of this month and very humbly to inform your Excellencies that yesterday an Anglo-American vesse... 27 August 1778To the President of the CongressSir I have the Honour to inclose, the last Gazettes by which Congress will see the Dearth of News in Europe at present. We expect an Abundance of it ... 27 August 1778From Thomas BarnesSir This day have had the pleasure of receiving Your much desired and welcome letter. Have also Received the feavour asked of 5 guineas which I great... 28 August 1778The Commissioners to VergennesSir There are several Subjects, which we find it necessary to lay before your Excellency; to which we have the Honour to request your Attention. At a... 28 August 1778John Paul Jones to the CommissionersGentlemen I have this moment been with Mons. De la Prévalaye by Accident. That Gentleman you know, Commands here in the Absence of Comte D'Orvilliers... 29 August 1778John Bondfield to the CommissionersSirs Since my last of the 26th I an honord with your favor of the 19th. Commissioning the emediate purchase of fifty six pieces of Cannon say Twenty ... 30 August 1778From William MacCreeryDear Sir I am very much obliged to you for yours of 19th. Instant and am glad to find that there is a prospect of an end being speedily put to the tr... 30 August 1778John Paul Jones to the CommissionersGentlemen I had the honor of writing to you by the last Post that Monsieur De la Prevalaye, the present Commandant here, had absolutely refused to co... Translation Group 31 August 1778The Commissioners to Horneca, Fizeaux & Co.Messieurs Nous avons profité de l'Occasion de Mr. Whitall pour vous faire parvenir un Livre relie en Burane Basane con tenant deux cent cinq promesse... 31 August 1778The Commissioners to Horneca, Fizeaux & Co.: A TranslationGentlemen We take the opportunity of Mr. Whitall's visit to convey to you a leather-bound book containing 205 promissory notes, each worth 1,000 flor... 31 August 1778The Commissioners to James MoylanSir Our last to you was of the twenty second, since which We have received yours of the 26th., and are much pleased to hear of the good success, as w... Translation Group 15 May 1778La Vauguyon to Vergennes J'ai receu, Mr. le Comte, les depesches que vous m'avez fait l'honneur de m'addresser. La lettre de Mr. Franklin est arrivée, comme Je m'y attendois;... 15 May 1778La Vauguyon to Vergennes: A Translation I have received, M. le Comte, the dispatches that you did me the honor to send. Mr. Franklin's letter arrived as I expected, but I convinced the emis...
