June 3. 1778
It would be improper for Us, to give any Opinion concerning this charge,
which is to be determined only by a Court Marshall: But We have
requested Captain Jones to sett you at
Liberty upon your Parol to go to
Nantes, there to take your Passage to
America, by the first favourable
Opportunity, in order to take your Tryal by a Court
Marshall. We are, Sir, your humble Servants
B. Franklin, Arthur Lee, John
Adams.
[to] Lt. Simpson of the Ranger.
The Representations in favour of
Simpson and against Jones, were very strong.
His whole Ship was against the Captain, with a surprizing Unanimity, and although
Jones was evidently one of Franklins Party
both among the French and Americans, yet his Conduct was so evidently wrong in
some Instances, and so dubious in others that Franklin could
not refuse his Signature, to all the decisions of his Colleagues concerning
him.
Jones had obtained the Command of the Ranger, under the
Auspices of Mr. Robert Morris in
Philadelphia, and I understood carried Letters to Mr.
Deane and Dr. Franklin, which upon his first Arrival
in
France he carried to
Paris. They introduced him to their friends among the French and
Americans, particularly to Mr. Williams, and he was so
universally considered as the Partisan of Deane and
Franklin, that as soon as he had made a Prize of an English
Ship of War the Drake, the Cry of
Versailles and the Clamour of
Paris became as loud in favour of
Monsieur Jones [illegible] as of
Monsieur Franklin and the Inclination of the Ladies to embrace
him almost as fashionable and as strong. Jones's personal
Behaviour to me was always, to the time of his
Death as civil and respectful as I could wish: But I suppose that means were
found to insinuate into him that the refusal of his Draught and the Lenity to
Lt. Simpson were the Effects of my Uniting with Mr.
Lee against Mr. Franklin, although
Franklin had agreed to both. The Impressions he received from
that Party I suppose were the cause of his impertinent Enquiries after my
Conduct in Holland and his Wish that I was in
America expressed in a Letter to Mr. Dumas which
was published in the Portfolio at
Philadelphia a few Years ago. What became of Lt.
Simpson I know not, but I have always thought that the arbitrary
Conduct of Jones was the cause of great Injustice to him.
Passi
June 3. 1778
To his Excellency Monsieur De Sartine at
Versailles.
We have the honour of inclosing to your Excellency, an Account of Duties paid
by the Agent for necessary Supplies to the Ship of War the Boston,
in the Port of
Bourdeaux. As these duties are very heavy, and the payment of
any Duties on mere Supplies to Ships of War, as on Merchandizes exported, appears to Us uncommon, We beg
the favour of your Excellency to give such orders,
relative to it, in all his Majestys Ports, as may regulate this, for the
future.
The Captain of the Ship of War the Ranger, belonging to the
United States, has We understand, put his Prizes into the hands
of the Intendant or
Commandant at Brest, and no Account has been rendered of them, to the Public Agent or to Us. We are also given to understand, that in Consequence of this proceeding, very heavy Fees are to be paid upon the Sale of them. As the Transaction is altogether improper, We must trouble your Excellency for an order to the Commandant to deliver them, without delay, or extraordinary Charges to the Public Agent, Mr. Schweighauser of Nantes or to his order.
Commandant at Brest, and no Account has been rendered of them, to the Public Agent or to Us. We are also given to understand, that in Consequence of this proceeding, very heavy Fees are to be paid upon the Sale of them. As the Transaction is altogether improper, We must trouble your Excellency for an order to the Commandant to deliver them, without delay, or extraordinary Charges to the Public Agent, Mr. Schweighauser of Nantes or to his order.
It would give Us Satisfaction to annoy our Ennemies, by granting a Letter of Marque, as is desired,
for a Vessell fitted out at
Dunkquerque, and as it is represented to Us, containing a mixed
Crew of French, Americans and English: But if this should seem improper to your
Excellency, We will not do it. We have the Honour to
be &c. Signed B. Franklin, Arthur Lee,
John Adams.
40 Coats for Marines--Do. Waistcoats and Breeches--260 Outside
Jacketts--250 inside--260 Pair of Breeches--66
Blankets--330 Pr. of Shoes--108 Hatts--108 Caps--Duties
paid on the whole seven hundred and ninety Livres.
Passi June 3.
1778
Sir
Two days ago I had the pleasure of your Letter of the 26 May
inclosing an Account of Cash and Payments made to
and for me, at
Bourdeaux, amounting to 1404 Livres, in which Sum it ought to be
remembered, are included the Expences of Dr.
Noel Captain Palmes, Dr. Noel and
Mr. Jesse Deane at
Bourdeaux and from thence to
Paris, as well as my own, excepting 231 Livres and six Sous paid
to Dr. Noel by an order on the Banker at
Paris, for the ballance of all
Expences.
Your Letter incloses also an Account of sundry Articles of
Merchandizes shipped by you in a Trunk for my
Family, to the Amount of 888 Livres and twelve Sous, which Sum together with
your Commissions please to charge to the public Account, as you propose, and I
will be responsible for the Money here. I am much obliged to you, Sir, for your
Care in this Business and am your most obedient Servant
John Adams
John Bondfield Esqr.
