Adams Papers Digital Edition

Papers of John Adams, volume 7

The Comte de Vergennes to the Commissioners

C. W. F. Dumas to the Commissioners
The Comte de Vergennes to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 9 January 1779 Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de Franklin, Benjamin Lee, Arthur JA First Joint Commission at Paris The Comte de Vergennes to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 9 January 1779 Vergennes, Charles Gravier, Comte de Franklin, Benjamin Lee, Arthur Adams, John First Joint Commission at Paris
The Comte de Vergennes to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation
Versailles, 9 January 1779

I have communicated to M. Sartine, gentlemen, the letter1 in which you request that an escort be provided for the vessels about to sail, which are bound for ports in the United States. This minister has just replied that it is not possible to provide an escort for the entire crossing, but the vessels in question will be conducted to waters where they can be safe from the attacks of enemy privateers. Therefore, gentlemen, would you be so kind as to indicate to me the ports where these ships, which are about to sail for North America, can be found so that M. Sartine may give orders for the convoys.2 I have the honor to be very perfectly, gentlemen, your very humble and very obedient servant3

De Vergennes

LbC (Adams Papers).

1.

Of 29 Dec. (above).

 2.

For the Commissioners' reply of 13 Jan., see the Commissioners to Vergennes, 24 Jan., and note 3 (below).

 3.

This letter is the last entered in Lb/JA/6 (Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 94). For information about this Letterbook, see Introduction, part 2, John Adams and his Letterbooks.