1To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, [8 December? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I took the first opportunity, after my Arrival in Paris from the Country, to wait on the worthy Mr. Dubourg. He mention’d his having offer’d to your Inspection, Sir, a little hasty Ode that was addressed to you. When I avow myself the Author of that Copy of Verses, it is merely in the Hope that it may discover enough of my Heart and my Wishes to induce you...
2To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, [6 January 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society An American friend, who sups with me this Evening, expresses great desire to read the little Ode call’d the Muse of America which I had, some time since, the Honour to present to you thro the medium of Mr: Dubourg of Paris. Having no second Copy of the above trifle, I shall be very much indebted to you, Sir, if you will give it to the Bearer; and, I...
3To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, [8 January 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Dubourg yesterday gave me a second notice that you were to meet him and some other Company at Mr. Jeaneux’s to day. Upon my going to that Gentleman’s I found some Ladies and other Persons waiting the same Pleasure as myself, viz: that of seeing Dr: Franklin. Mr. Jeaneux beg’d I would inform you of his earnest wishes to see you upon an electrical...
4To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 11 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honour of the Inclosd from Dr. Dubourg to day: Both that Gentleman, and Mr. Jeaneux, are so very anxious for the favor of your inspecting some electrical Instruments &c., &c., that I should be very happy if you could fix any Day and hour for a meeting at the Hotel de Chevigny, and let me know it by Mr. Kendall the bearer by which means, I shall...
5To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 28 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Were it likely to suppose that the human mind, however comprehensive, could always be exerted on one Subject, even tho that subject be the fate of Empires, I should never attempt to seduce your attention to any trifle that could possibly drop from either my own Pen, or that of any part of my family; but, when I consider that the profoundest sagacity must...
6To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 29 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Will you permit me to withdraw your attention from contemplations of general Calamity, to a Tale of private Woe? It will cost you an half hour of your Leizure, and, perhaps, may procure to me many years of Felicity. I have already said enough to engage the patience of a Man whose Characteristic is Benevolence. The matter, Sir, which I wish to communicate...
7To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth: Two Notes, [1 February? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society Having an opportunity, without expence, of seeing the Procession of the Cordon Bleau to morrow Morning at Versailles, we are tempted to comply with an Invitation, and are just setting off for that Place; but it is impossible anything should, on our part, prevent our happy addition at the Teatable to morrow afternoon. I am, with the warmest Sensibility,...
8To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 4 [February] 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave in a few Lines, to intimate to you, and thro’ your means to Mr. Dean and Mr. Lee, the nature and extent of those Services which I am so anxious to be retained for. I would chearfully undertake the replies of those inundations of Letters which issue from all sorts of application for offices, and, I think, I could perform this branch to your...
9To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 19 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I understand the Abbé Condillac , to whom I have a Letter of recommendation, is just come to Town from his attendance on the Duke of Parma. As I recollect that I put the Letter into your Hands it will very much oblige me Sir, if you will please to return it by the bearer. I am going to engage in a Performance which I hope may serve the Cause I profess to...
10To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 27 [February?] 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Person who offers to go to America on the Saltpetre and Powder Scheme is anxious to pay his Respects for the favor of a Conversation on Sunday Morning. There is also another Person just arrived from his Captivity in London for trading in the American Service, who has just lost a large cargo of Tobacco but is still warm and wealthy enough to venture out...