Jonathan Jr Williams to Benjamin Franklin, March 20, 1781

Nantes March 20 1781

Dear & hond Sir.

I have the pleasure to inform you that the Marquis de la Fayette is now loaded & ready for the Sea. I sent on last post my Letters to Congress & the Agent for supplying the Army informing them of all that is necessary relative to the Cargo, 6 so that the Ship now only waits for your final Orders. My Presence at L’Orient has not been necessary for had I been there my Part of the Business could not have been conducted with greater Expedition, I shall however go this Week 7 but think it probable the Ship will be gone round to Brest: If I find anything requires my Presence I will follow her on to that Place. I suppose you have given Capt Galatheau Orders about joining the Fleet 8 as I hear he intends to do it, & he has not asked my Opinion about the Matter, nor indeed have I ever had a scrip from him on any subject. I have informed him that tho’ I believe it is intended he should join the Fleet at Brest, yet as I have not your direct Authority I cannot take upon myself to order it, as the final Orders relative the Destination of the ship must come only from you; I conclude however this matter was arranged when he was at passy.—

I hear it supposed that Coll Laurens’s Mission will tend to delay the Fleet a little while, I hope it will not be long as I think they should sail immediately after the Equinox and I think it would be imprudent to sail before.—

Mrs Williams still continues low, we have got her out twice in a Carriage but she does not recover fast, every favourable Appearance seems to be succeeded with an unfavourable Circumstance, no sooner is one irruption in a healing State than another in the same or the other Breast takes Place this has been the case already five Times, I flatter myself every one will be the last & I am every time deceived.—

I am ever most dutifully & affectionately Yours

Jona Williams J