Jonathan Jr Williams to Benjamin Franklin, June 15, 1782
Nantes June 15, 1782 8 Dear & hond. Sir, In consequence of your Desire to be informed what Facilitys or Disadvantages the American Commerce enjoyed or suffered in this Place,…
Audrey Mae Sheppard Williams was an American musician known for being the first wife of country music singer and songwriter Hank Williams, the mother of Hank Williams Jr., and the grandmother of Hank Williams III and Holly Williams.
Nantes June 15, 1782 8 Dear & hond. Sir, In consequence of your Desire to be informed what Facilitys or Disadvantages the American Commerce enjoyed or suffered in this Place,…
Nantes July 9. 1782. Dear & hond Sir. I wrote you the 26 June relative to the affair of Mr Springer & his Comrades at Brest. I since hear the…
Nantes July 23d. 1782 Dear & Honoured Sir I have Received your Favour of the 15th Inst. 2 by Mr Paradise and Mr Jones who arrived here last evening. I…
Nantes July. 25. 1782. Dear & hond sir. The inclosed Letter I recvd by this days Post from my House at L’Orient. 4 I am at same Time informed that…
Nantes 4th Augt 1782 Dr & hond sir This will be delivered to you by Mr W Burgess late a london Merchant but now bound to America. 3 In his…
Nantes 16th. August 1782 Dear & hond. sir, I have lately received a letter from Tristram Dalton Esqr. of Newbury-Port, informing me that you some Time ago advis’d him of…
Nantes Augt 17. 1782. Dear & hond sir. I beg Leave to introduce to your particular Notice and Friendship my Friends Mr Nat Barrett and Mr Frazer, the former of…
Nantes Sept. 10. 1782 Dear & hond sir I recvd the Catalogue of the Marquis de la Fayettes Cargo only last Night—and I now return it with marks & a…
Nantes Octr. 10. 1782 Dear & hond sir. Onboard of one of the prizes lately arrived at L’Orient to the address of my House Williams Moore & Co, are part…
L’Orient Octor. 18. 1782 Dear & hond sir I came hither on the Business of our House having 5 rich Jamaica prizes to our address, with upwards of 2000 hhd…
Nantes 24. 9bre. 1782. Dear & hond Sir. Since writing you about the Prisoners on Parole and others who wanted their Parole, 2 I am informed by the Officer of…
Nantes Decemr. 1. 1782. Dear & hond Sir The Ship Nonesuch 8 is just arrived in 22 Days from Philadelphia. Thinking it of great Importance that the public Dispatches 9…
Nantes Jan. 25. 1783 Dear & hond Sir The present Serves to hand you some Letters brought by my Father who is in my house in perfect Health. 7 When…
Jonathan Jr. Williams writes to Benjamin Franklin explaining a delayed response due to business and informs him that a minister denies an exception requested through Mr. de Fleury. He clarifies that a packet sent by the admiralty was done without his knowledge and offers to credit Franklin for postage costs. Williams also addresses confusion over cheeses sent to Orleans, advising Franklin to consume them and settle ownership later to avoid spoilage.
Jonathan Jr Williams informs Benjamin Franklin about a financial dispute involving Mr. A. J. Alexander and requests Franklin's understanding of his refusal to intervene, citing potential negative consequences. He also discusses reports that the French government plans to make Port Louis a free trade port, expressing concerns about the significant changes needed to transform it from a military garrison to a commercial hub. Williams advocates for free trade with America to extend beyond a single port.
Jonathan Jr Williams requests Benjamin Franklin to forward a memorandum to the Marquis de Castries, seeking official captain's papers for a ship's commander, a common and necessary formality in France. He emphasizes the respectability of the ship's owner, Mr. de la Ville, and believes Franklin's endorsement will ensure the favor is granted.
Jonathan Jr Williams informs Benjamin Franklin that he has successfully negotiated a favorable repayment plan with his creditors in Nantes, securing a two-year extension with quarterly payments. He reports that his reputation remains intact and that his creditors recommend renewing his letters of sûreté to prevent preferential claims against him. Williams expresses hope that the Count de Vergennes will support his renewed application as before.
Jonathan Jr. Williams sends Benjamin Franklin copies and originals of letters supporting his claims to M. de Vergennes, requesting Franklin to verify the extracts' accuracy and return the originals. He expresses his ambition to honorably satisfy all his creditors and insists on fair treatment without favoring any creditor over another. Williams values Franklin's esteem and hopes his conduct will maintain their friendship despite his financial difficulties.
Jonathan Jr Williams introduces Mr. Grand Cannon, a young gentleman from Connecticut, to Benjamin Franklin while he travels through Paris to London. Williams vouches for Grand Cannon's character, describing him as discreet, intelligent, and worthy of esteem. He requests Franklin to extend his kind notice and support to the young man.
Jonathan Jr Williams informs Benjamin Franklin that American merchants in France face difficulties due to the general effects of the peace, not individual misconduct. He endorses Mr. Grubb as an honest man seeking legal protection to manage debts fairly and recommends Mr. Harrison as a capable young man aiming to gain commercial experience.
Jonathan Jr Williams requests Benjamin Franklin to send two bundles of papers concerning the ship Marquis de la Fayette, which are on Franklin’s library table, to Mr. Barclay via Colonel Franks’s servant. Williams needs these documents to clarify aspects of the ship’s business. He notes the papers were intended as materials for a memoir.
Jonathan Jr Williams writes to Benjamin Franklin in 1784 describing a versatile carriage suitable for both travel and city use, including detailed sketches and suggestions for adjustable seating and a suspended bed to improve comfort. He seeks Franklin's approval of the design and shares insights from a coachmaker who endorses the proposed features.