31To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Kéralio, with a Note by the Duchesse de Deux-Ponts, 27 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons appris aujourd’hui, mon Respectable ami, que les préliminaires de la paix avoient êté signés le 20e entre les puissances belligérantes, et sur le champ la Dame du chateau a ordonné à son secrétaire intime de mettre son tendre hommage aux pieds du libérateur de l’amérique, du Vengeur du droit des Nations, en attendant qu’elle puisse l’embrasser de...
32To Benjamin Franklin from Jacob Duché, Jr., 28 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the earliest Opportunity, since the Signing of the Provisional & Preliminary Articles of a General Peace, of expressing my sincere Congratulations to your Excellency on that happy Event, and at the same Time of communicating to you my most ardent Desire of returning to my Native City; earnestly requesting you to honour me with your Opinion &...
33To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Pitot Duhellés and Other Consulship Seekers, 28 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Once the preliminary peace treaties were signed, applications for American consulships came streaming into Passy from all over Europe. Most of the applicants expected their home ports would soon begin a vigorous trade with America and that Congress would appoint consuls immediately. Franklin, on the other hand, believed that the United States could not...
34To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Grasse, 28 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Permettez, Monsieur, que J’ay l’honneur De faire a Votre Execellence mon sincere Compliment Sur la Signature des preliminaires De la Paix & Sur l’Independance Reconnue & Definitive Des Etats unis De l’amerique. J’ose me flatter que Votre Execelence Sera plus Convaincüe De la sastifaction que J’ay Ressentie De Ce grand Evenemement que Je ne puis La luy...
35To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, 28 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I expected every day to hear that peace was actualy made, I postponed to write to you, fearing to interrupt your attention now engaged in more whighty affaires than the Content of my lettres. I hope you have put the wire inclosed in my last to the test in a phial filled with fine dephlogisticated air. If you have, I am Sure you will have been pleased...
36To Benjamin Franklin from John Sargent, 28 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Charettier, the Bearer hereof, who had the Honour of paying His respects to You two Years agoe being about to set for Paris again, in a few Hours, to give an account of a Trust He hath executed for that Court, as Commissary for Their Prisoners of War, with great Credit, I beg Leave to recommend Him to Your Favour, & Protection, as a very honest...
37To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library As It is proper for every prudent Man to know on what Ground he proceeds before he engages too far, and as now we have a general Peace there can no longer be a Reason for keeping the Terms of it Secret, I beg you will kindly resolve the following Questions. 1 Does the Prohibition of English Goods in America cease, on Britains...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 29 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honour of receiving the Letter which your Excellency was so kind as to Write me the 21st. instant and I very heartily and sincerely Congratulate you on your having seen such Important Events take place as the Independence of America, and General Peace of Europe. There are now in this port several American Vessels ready to push to Sea, and if there...
39To Benjamin Franklin from Maxwell Garthshore, 29 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Garthshore returns His respl. Compts. & Thanks to Dr. Franklin, it is with infinite regret He finds Himself oblidged to leave Paris this day, where He has only staid a very few & without having it once in His power to wait on Dr. Franklin but that single time on His return from Versailles, which He was conscious was an improper Hour, but was owing to His...
40To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 29 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Two Days ago I requested the favor of Mr. W. Franklin to mention to you the Case of Mr. Johnsons Bills, and to inform me whether it would be convenient to You to provide for their paymt. & when, in Case I accepted them. Mr Johnson is anxious to know my Determination, and offers to be the Bearer of this note— I am Dr. Sir your obliged & obt Servt Addressed:...
41To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 29 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Your kind Favour of the 7th Inst. came to hand safe the 16th.— Please to accept my sincere & hearty thanks for your good Advice, & the many Obligations I am under to so good a Benefactor, & permit me also, to congratulate You upon the Peace lately concluded, which gives me the greatest Joy as a Patriot & by the Hopes I have that it will ease You of a...
42To Benjamin Franklin from François-Félix Nogaret, 29 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Aimable Docteur! homme utile! Votre santé est-elle retablie? Personne ne le desire plus que vos respectueux amis de versailles homme et femme f. nogaret. Je vous prierai d’agréer, pour vos etrennes, Le portrait de notre archevêque de Paris, qui paraîtra dans les premiers jours de janvier, et qu’on vous portera. Menagés une Santé precieuse à tout le monde,...
43To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Pettit, 29 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Presuming on some Degree of personal Acquaintance and the Respect I have long entertained for your Character, I take the Liberty of recommending to your Notice my Son, Andrew Pettit, who will have the Honor to present this Letter. As a Citizen of the United States I doubt not he would receive your Countenance and Protection, and I flatter myself that...
44To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan and Samuel Vaughan, Jr., 29 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Messrs: Vaughan have the honor to present their respects to Dr: Franklin. A prior engagement obliges them with the most extreme regret to decline the pleasure of waiting upon him on sunday, agreeable to his kind invitation. Mr: Vaughan has the honor to inclose a list of some books sold by the same bookseller who furnished Mr V with the copy of the Politique...
45To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 30 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I Reciv’d your Letter dated the 7 January the 18 of the same month. I wrote your Letter a little in a hurry because the night was coming on and that I wanted to put the letter to the Post office that made me forget the date but I will try to forget it no more. I have not receiv’d the parsel of Books you mentioned me in your letter that you had sent to...
46To Benjamin Franklin from Angélique-Michèle-Rosalie Jogues de Martinville Lafreté, 30 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Mr. et Madme. La Vicomtesse de la héréria prennent le plus grand intêrét, mon cher Docteur a Mr. De La barre, ancien Receveur des Tailles de Villefranche, qui vous remettra cette lettre. Il désireroit passer en amérique, honnoré de Votre protection. Vous nous obligeriéz infiniment si vous daignéz l’accorder a un homme honnête et malheureux. Je ne vous dis...
47To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de La Salle, [30 January 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La R∴ L∴ des IX Soeurs qui a eû L’avantage de vous avoir pour Son Vénerable, Enchantée d’une paix qui rendant Le repos au monde assurre l’indépendance de votre patrie qui doit bien vous nomer son père, Dèsireroit faire passer jusqu’à vous l’expression de Sa joyë. Elle a nomée une députation pour aller vous feliciter Sur cet heurreux évenement; & j’ai la...
48To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Meyronnet de Saint-Marc, 30 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai L’honneur de vous prevenir, que j’ai reçû il y a quelques jours une Lettre du Vice Consul de françe à L’Isle de Fayal; dans la qu’elle cet officier me donne Avis; qu’ayant reçû du Consul Anglois cinq Americains pris par le Corsaire la Hornett de Bristol Sur le Brigantin la Betsey de Boston . Il Les embarquera sur un des Vaisseaux qu’on expedie de Fayal...
49To Benjamin Franklin from the Chamber of Commerce of Aunis and Others Concerning the Selection of Free Ports, 31 January … (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Article 32 of the 1778 Franco-American Treaty of Amity and Commerce promised that the king of France would provide one or more free ports in Europe for American produce and merchandise. During the war all French ports were open to American ships, the choice of free ports being left until the peace. Once France reached peace terms with Britain, various...
50To Benjamin Franklin from Brongniart, 31 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Brongniart a L’honneur de presenter Son Respect a Monsieur franklin et Le prie de Lui faire Sçavoir Si on lui a remis Vendredi de L’autre Semaine, deux Nouvelles Epreuves de la Medaille, et entre autres Celle de la tete de la libertè. Monsieur franklin oublie apparemment d’envoyer a Mr Brongniart Ce qu’il desire faire mettre au Bas de la Medaille de...
51To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Illens, 31 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society J’ay bien reçu en son tems la Lettre dont vous m’avez honoré en datte du 6. aoust 1780. Elle me donnoit bon espoir pour la rentrée des fonds considerables qui me sont dus par le Tresor de la Caroline du Sud. Aujourd’huy qu’une paix avantageuse & honorable pour votre nation, la reconoit independante & libre, j’espere qu’elle se fera un devoir de...
52To Benjamin Franklin from Mathurin Roze de Chantoiseau, 31 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Oserois-je vous offrir Le fruit de plusieurs années d’un travail assidu et reflechi, dont le resumé n’exige pas un quart d’heure de Lecture, et dont le resultat seroit d’operer, d’une maniere simple et peu dispendieuse, la Liquidation de la majeure partie des Dettes d’un Etat, Sans en alterer les fonds, et Sans en diminuer les revenus, ny en aggraver...
53To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 31 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), I , 59–63. When I had read over your sheets of minutes of the principal incidents of your life, recovered for you by your Quaker acquaintance; I told you I would send you a letter expressing my reasons why I thought it would be useful to complete and publish it...
54To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 31 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer is the Honble. John Wheelock President of Dartmouth College, who has come to Europe with a Deputation from the Trustees, supported by strong Recommendations from the first Characters in America, in order to obtain Donations for an Institution for the propagation of Knowledge & Virtue. The respectable Recommendations Mr. Wheelock has with him make...
55To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 31 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The bearer is the Honble. President Wheelock (in Company with his Brother) he is on a Benevolint Design & has the Best Recommendations, he wishes to Lay the Plan & his Credentials before you, for your Opinion or Advice. I take the Liberty to Recommend the above Gentm. to your Civilities as strangers in your City, which will ad to the many Obligations all...
56To Benjamin Franklin from Antoinette-Cécile Clavel, dite Mademoiselle Saint-Huberti, and Christian Karl Hartmann … (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Votre Excellence est invitée d’honorer de Sa présence le Concert des Amateurs qui Se donnera le 1er. février 1783, dans la Salle du Contrat Social, Rue Coqhéron de la part de Madelle. St. huberti et de Mr. hartman Directeur dudit Concert./. Son Excellence voudra bien accepter les deux Billets d’Entrée ci-joints./. The celebrated soprano Saint-Huberti...
57Franklin’s Passport for British Ships, 1 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
DS : Massachusetts Historical Society, American Philosophical Society Exchanging ships’ passports was the first official act between the former belligerent nations, whose vessels needed protection until the news of the armistice was generally known, and whose merchants were anxious to race their cargo to newly opened ports. But were those ports truly open? Franklin maintained that until the...
58To Benjamin Franklin from Martha Laurens, [before 2 February 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Miss Laurens presents her respectful Compliments to his Excellency Doctor Franklin, & will be much obliged to him if he has any Letters directed for her, to send them by the Bearer of this Billet— Addressed: His Excellency Dr Franklin / Passy— Notation: Miss Laurens.— The day she left for London, after a brief stopover in Paris. Accompanied only by a maid,...
59To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 2 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society Mr Adams having Something of Consequence to communicate to the American Ministers Plenipotentiary, for the Peace, requests the Honour of His Excellency Dr Franklin’s Attendance, with the other Ministers, at Mr Adams’s Lodgings, at Eleven O Clock Tomorrow Morning. The Points to be considered, are 1. Passports to be given to and...
60To Benjamin Franklin from Michel-Alain Chartier de Lotbinière, 2 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Monsieur paris, Rue de Bourgogne En face du palais Bourbon petit hôtel de Lordat, Ce dimanche matin 2 fevrier 1783. Vous Etes trop Certain de l’intèrêt que j’ai pris dez le principe a la Cause des Etats-unis de l’amérique, pour pouvoir douter de la joye Extrême que j’ai ressenti En apprenant que vous Etiez Enfin reconnus indépendans par Ceux même qui...
61To Benjamin Franklin from Matthew Ridley, 2 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty inclosing you a power of Attorney executed by me & to beg you will affix a Certificate there to with your Seal annexed— I should not have given your Excellency this Trouble had not some difficulties been made by the Notary here as to the Form— I would not pretend to dictate to you the form of a Certificate but wish if agreeable to you...
62To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 2 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : Library of Congress M le Cte. de Vergennes a l’honneur d’envoyer à Monsieur franklin deux exemplaires des articles preliminaires de paix convenus entre le Roi et le Roi de la Grande Bretagne. Signed on Jan. 20; see XXXVIII , 605n. Those preliminary articles had in fact been ratified by both governments, as Vergennes may have known; he and Fitzherbert exchanged ratified treaties the...
63The American Peace Commissioners: Passport for British Ships, [3 February 1783] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society (three), Library of Congress We John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, three of the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the United States of America for making Peace with Great Britain. To all Captains or Commanders of Ships of War, Privateers or armed Vessels belonging to the said States, or to either of them, or to any of the Citizens of the same, And...
64To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 3 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society Mr Adams has the Honour to inform Dr Franklin that the American Ministers for the Peace, are desired by the British Minister to meet him at the Hotel du Parc Royal, Wednesday, at Eleven, for a Conference concerning the Definitive Treaty. Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis...
65To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 3 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit me to introduce to your Acquaintance & Civilities, Mr. Petitt, Son of my Friend Mr Charles Petitt of this place; I believe him to be a young Gentleman of merit, and as such beg leave to recommend him to your Notice & Esteem— Sally & the Children are well, I am ever Dear Sir Yours affectionately Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Franklin / at / Passy /...
66To Benjamin Franklin from Fizeaux, Grand & Cie., 3 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Conformément á la lettre que vous nous avéz fait l’honneur de nous écrire le 23 du mois dernier, nous avons acquité la traitte de M. Morris Sur nous de L2458.10. & Suivant vos ordres nous nous en remboursons par la nôtre Sur vous Monsieur de 820 écus, á 20 jours de date, á nôtre ordre. Nous en créditons le Compte des Etats unis au che. [change] de 54 5/16 en...
67To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Loyseau, 3 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La Revolution de L’amerique etant heureusement achevée, il est permis de penser aux objets du commerce qu’il est dorenavant possible de faire avec elle. Je m’interesse Beaucoup a une Manufacture d’acier etablie a 20 lieues de paris, elle opére par cementation pour parvenir a La conversion du fer de Suede en acier. Elle veut S’ouvrir un débouché en amerique,...
68To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 4 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I enclose this in the same cover as one from my Brother, his letter anticipates every thing that I have to say to you at present. I beg leave to join in the recommendation to you of Mr Joshua Grigby who with the Spirit of Youth & activity wishes to see the new world. I hope the future intercommunication between this Country and America will obliterate...
69To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 4 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Madame La Comtesse D’houdetot Se Conformera aux intentions De Monsieur franklin avec Le Regret De le Voir huit jours plus tard. Elle Espere qu’il n’a point oublié qu’il Luy a promis De Luy faire L’honneur de Venir Entendre De la Musique Chez Elle De jeudy prochain En huit treize de Ce Mois. Elle aura Soin De prevenir Mr. De St. Lambert pour Le Mercredy douze;...
70To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Brossière, 5 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mille pardons si Je prens la liberté de vous détourner un instant de vos immenses occupations; mais la Circonstance dans laquelle Je me trouve, demande un éclaircissement qu’on m’a assuré que vous pouviés me donner. Voici le fait. Une certaine Demoiselle, nommée Desbois, originaire de cette Province, est venû demeurer dans cette Ville; elle y est entré, y...
71To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Campo-de-Arbe, 5 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le temoignage que je me rends au fond de mon Cœur, de n’avoir aucun reproche a me faire pandant le tems que j’ai eü L’honneur de vous appartenir, tant a l’egard de la probité, que de mon zéle a chercher en tout, les occasions de vous plaire, et de vous Servir utilement; me fait esperér, Monsieur, que vous voudrés bien m’honorer de vôtre protection pres des...
72To Benjamin Franklin from Alleyne Fitzherbert, [5 February? 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress Mr. Fitz-Herbert presents his Compliments to Dr Franklin and many Thanks for the passports.— He purposes sending away a Messenger to England tomorrow about noon and will be happy to charge him with any letters or packets which Dr Franklin may have to send. If Fitzherbert is referring to the first set of American passports for British ships, then this date is likely....
73To Benjamin Franklin from Matthew Ridley, [5 February 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Ridley presents his Respects to His Excellency Dr. Franklin & informs him that he is going for Nantes today & will take charge of anything for Mr Williams or others that his Excellency will have to send. Mr Ridley does not know that a pass is necessary but will be thanful for one in case it should be asked for. Mr. Ridley will with Mr Hunt have the honor...
74To Benjamin Franklin from George Walker, 5 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself the honour of writing to you in the beginning of December to request your advice and assistance. Mr. Laurens, whom I saw on his return from Paris, told me I was not to wonder at your silence, for that your time was so taken up with matters of State, that your private friends must excuse you, nor impute to a seeming inattention to them, what...
75To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 6 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress Altho Mr Jays acquaintance with Mr Gardoqui, who will have the honor to deliver this to your Excy. Might excuse me from taking the present Liberty, yet I cannot refuse this Gentlemans request to be the bearer of a Line from myself to your Excy; His friendly conduct to me intitles him to every mark of Consideration in my power to shew him & I hope to the many proofs of...
76To Benjamin Franklin from Mademoiselle ——— Defay, 6 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Cest Avec tout le Respect La Reconnoissance que je doit a vos Bontees que je vous prie de Recevoir Mon Compliment Sur Lanonce de la paix que vous procuree aux puissances interessee. Je joint icy une nouvelles Supliques de Mr Gastellier Sur la quelle je vous Suplie de Vouloir bien a Cordée La grace quil demande. Si je nestoit pas incomodee jauroit eü...
77To Benjamin Franklin from Frédéric-Samuel Ostervald, 6 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Puisje me flatter que Votre Excellence Se rappellera encore, l’hommage respectueux, qu’eut l’honneur de lui rendre, il y a pres de deux ans un homme de Lettres, directeur de la Société Typographique de neuchâtel en suisse, en sollicitant humblement Sa puissante protection, dans la vue de faire connoitre cet établissement, chès les Etats unis de l’amerique...
78To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 6 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Daprès la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire, Monsieur, le 25. Janvier dernier, j’ai pris définitivement les ordres du Roi touchant le nouveau prêt d’argent que le Congrès des Etats-Unis de l’Amérique Septentrionale, Sollicite des bontés de Sa Majesté; Elle a bien voulu le fixer à Six millions de livres payables dans le Cours de la présente...
79To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Guillaume Backhaus, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 7 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de feliciter Vôtre Excellence de la paix glorieuse, qui vient être conclue, & dont l’histoire èternisera Vôtre nom très réspectable & Vos insignes merites. A Son rétour me vinrent quelques considerations en égard de l’Armée des Etats Souvrains de l’Amerique Septentrionale, les quelles mon Zêle m’inspira, & ma confiance réspectueuse aux...
80To Benjamin Franklin from Christoph Diedrich Arnold Delius, 7 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am established in this City near 20 Years and carry on Business for my own proper Account particularly in the Linnen Trade & other Manufactories & Merchandizes for Exportation, especially the produces of the Dominions of His Majesty the King of Prussia and with some tolerable good Success. These different Kind of Goods were formerly sold to the English...