From Jonathan Williams, Jr. (unpublished)
London 15 May 1785.
Dear and honoured sir

The enclosed was written when I received your two Favours of the 1st and 5 Inst. which I will answer in their Course. Mr. Orillards memoire is falsly stated as to my refusing any satisfaction to him for I have repeatedly offered him all the Goods saved from the Theft, and even the Judges who have condemned me on a point of Law, allow that to be all he can in equity demand; but because the Criminal Laws of France make all Evidence of Theft secret, I am deprived of the advantages of full Proof, and it seems the People who stated the Proces Verbale, did it loosely. It seems also that the Law does not allow me the Advantage of Orillards own declaration that he would hold me to no risque; I shall always think myself as much justifiable in refusing any other satisfaction than what I have offerd, as I should to refuse my Purse to a highwayman. I will write directly to M. de Vergennes on this subject.

As to M Gavrelle he is in the situation of any other Creditor and shall fare as they all fare, and it would be an Injustice to the others to give him more or pay him sooner; His style is an Affectation of misery which I do not believe true. I have already written on the subject of Mr. Renouard, so far as I find myself engaged to him I will comply when I can, and in the meantime do all I can to serve him in getting his money from Mr. Browns Estate. My Will out of the Question, it is not in my Power to do more.

I have been in the City and consulted Mr. Johnson about finding a ship that would call for you, he tells me he does not think it can be done, because a ship by touching at Havre makes her Insurance void, and to insure with permission to touch there, would be a considerable addition to the Premium. He tried his utmost to accomodate Mr. Jay in this way, and found none would go under from 2 to 400 Guineas. Besides if you were not there at the moment of the ships arrival the Expence of her waiting would be about 5 Guineas a day. If you could cross to the Isle of wight or any of the Channel Ports, there would be no difficulty; this is what Mr. Jay was at last obliged to do. If the June packet realy sails from Havre it appears to me the better and more simple method, and if you will inform me when your Resolution is taken I will if it is possible join you a day or two before sailing. By applying to Mr. Le Couteulx you can engage as much of the Packet as you choose. I do not think the Dutch ship can be depended on, besides I doubt the Accomodations are not very good, for Mr. Pecks Construction are all narrow sterns, and these do not allow of comfortable Births. As Mr. Moore does not arrive I am obliged to go to Ireland after him. I hope I shall not be detained above two or 3 Weeks and I can then have Time to meet the June Packet. I have desired Mr. Johnson to write you during my absence, all the Information he can obtain about Vessels here and their Terms, and if anything can be done he will inform you. I am obliged to leave Town tomorrow least I should not catch Moore in Dublin. I am too late to write to Billy by this Post give my Love to him. I am with the greatest Respect most dutifully and affectionately Yours

Jona Williams

Endorsed: Williams 15 May 1785.
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