29401To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Henri Titius, 3 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je meriterois le titre d’ingrat si je laissois passer l’occasion qui se presente de Vous assurer de mon estime parfaite et de la plus vive réconnoissance que je Vous ai, pour toutes les marques de bienveillance et d’amitié que Vous daignates m’accorder pendant mon séjour à Paris, ou j’avois l’honneur de Vous voir souvent chès Msr. le Comte de Buffon, nôtre...
29402To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Aycard, 7 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’avois employé mon ciseau à sculpter la statüe de mon Roi, dont je voulois me faire un monument à la publication du traité d’alliance conclu entre Sa Majesté très chrétienne, et les très honnorables et intimes seigneuries des treize provinces des colonies unies. Je résolus de faire hommage de cette statüe de mon Roi aux illustres Etats, dont vous êtes le...
29403To Benjamin Franklin from Bowens, 29 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Having received certain information from a friend of some Consequence at Bruxelles, that the Government of the Low Countries has taken the Resolution of sending a person of Rank to America in quality of a plenipotentiary to negotiate a treaty of Commerce between the united States & this Country— I most respectfully take the liberty of enclosing you a...
29404To Benjamin Franklin from Kéralio, 27 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je me mets à vos pieds pour vous remercier de L’honneur que vous m’avés fait Hier et je n’ai point d’expressions pour vous dire combien j’en suis flatté. Une heure plus tard vous eussiés trouvé notre bonne et respectable amie qui vous embrasse, qui vous fait mille amitiés. Elle aura L’honneur d’aller diner chés vous Vendredi prochain, et L’Excellent...
29405To Benjamin Franklin from Georges Grand, 4 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania En accompagnant les Incluses de M. Stockton, qui m’a eté particulierement Recommandé, Je dois Vous dire qu’il m’a fait confidence de ses Engagements avec M. Wm. Lée; et des inquietudes qu’on luy à donné trop tard, sur son caractêre, en l’informant avant son départ de Londres, de la Réputation des deux Freres. Je n’ai pas pu en consçience le consoler,...
29406To Benjamin Franklin from Gustavus Hanson et al., 4 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society We the Subjects of the thirteen United States of America, actually at Bordeaux with all Submission to your Will and pleasure take the Liberty to represent to you that having been taken prisoners and being actually in great Necessity for Supplys to pay our debts as there are no American Vessels here at this time nor No Work to be done, on which Account...
29407To Benjamin Franklin from Arendt, 22 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Baron de Arendt présente Ses trés humbles rêspects et répéte Ses adieux a Monsieur Le Docteur Francklin, il est trés mortifié d’être obligé de l’incommoder encore car il n’aime pas d’être a charge à quelqu’n, mais se trouvant dans la plus grande peine par le refus que M. Le Docteur lui fit hier, il L’invite d’avoir la complaisance de dire seulement au...
29408To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé de Charmois, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 29 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le nommé francisque Sube, ci devant Soldat au regiment d’agenois, compagnie de peyre, á servi dans vos guerres, et á Recû plusieurs Blessures au Siege d’yorc; il est actuellement dans sa patrie à Tours, ou on lui á envoié avec son congé absolû les certificats les plus honorables. Ce Brave Soldat auroit envie de retourner dans vos Etats, et il le desire...
29409To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 7 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft) and transcript: National Archives I am honored in due Course with your esteemed favor of the 22d. Ult.— I send this by an Express that has given me no warning, but sets out immediately; so that I have not time to be very particular— The Ariel is in the Road, nearly ready for the Sea— I have taken on Board 146 Chests of Arms and 400 Barrels of...
29410To Benjamin Franklin from Nathan Rumsey, 14 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yrs. of the 6th Instant by Mr. Penet, and of the 11th. by Mr. Williams I safely rec’d. I am happy that Messieurs Morris and Penet are safely arrived. The papers respecting the Prizes I have put in Mr. Morris’s hands. Nothing material has been agitated with respect to a reclamation since I had the Honor of writing to You last. Cap. Cod has offered to...
29411To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 30 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer l’Exempl. in 40. pour le Grand Duc de Russie. Je vous renvoye aussi l’Ex. in 80. que vous m’aviez fait passer. Je suis avec un respect infini, Monsieur, Votre très humble & très obeissant serviteur Notation: Pierres 30 Août 1783. Grand Duke Paul of Russia, whom BF had met in the summer of 1782: XXXVII , 311–12, 316, 445–6.
29412To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd the Catalogue of the Marquis de la Fayettes Cargo only last Night—and I now return it with marks & a note on the other side which I hope may answer your Purpose. I have been very uneasy on accot of your Illness but a Letter from Billy this morning has relieved me, & I hope by the Time you receive this you will be perfectly recovered. I am as ever...
29413To Benjamin Franklin from George Walton, 20 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having but lately returned from Congress, where I have been ever since you left America, and Captain Dunn and Mr. Curlis being about to depart from this State to France, I do myself the honor and pleasure of congratulating you upon the great and signal successes of our arms this campaign. The two defeats of General Bourgyne’s whole army, and the subsequent...
29414From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 23 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favor of Oct. 8. but the volume of the transactions mentioned to come with it, did not; but I have received one from Mr. Hopkinson. You also mention the diplomas it covered for other persons, and some order of the society relative to myself, which I suppose were omitted by accident and will come by some other conveiance. So far as relates to myself, whatever the order...
29415To Benjamin Franklin from Dubuysson, 29 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Permettez moi d’avoir l’honneur d’adresser à votre Excellence un mémoire pour M. le Marquis de Segur. Messieurs Le Duc Dayen et le Prince de poix ont déja parlé en ma faveur; Mme La Marquise de la fayette doit aussi en parler aujourdhui. Ils sont tous d’avis que si votre Excellence veut bien appuyer leur demande, cela ne souffrira aucune difficulté. Les...
29416To Benjamin Franklin from James Partridge, 3 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The packet sent me for Mrs Barry shall be taken care of, & this letter for Governor Pownal as it relates to her affairs I shall deliver my self & shall be glad if he can say any thing that may be advantageous to the good little Woman. My Niece & I return you our warmest thanks for your polite wishes on our journey & for the many Civilities shew’d us at your...
29417To Benjamin Franklin from Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hartley and John(?) Batley, 4 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr & Mrs Hartley & Mr Batley present their respectfull compliments to Dr Franklin—they will do themselves the honour of accepting his kind invitation on Fryday next. Addressed: To / His Excellency / Dr Franklin / &c &c &c / Passy Notation: Mr. & Mrs. Hartley. Paris 4 Oct. 1780 Possibly John Batley, like Hartley, a London merchant. A lacemaker, he is listed...
29418To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 31 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives Nationales M. de sartine fait ses complimens à Monsieur franklin, et a l’honneur de le prévenir qu’il vient d’etre rendû un Arrêt du Conseil portant que la Requête du Sr. Walpole sera communiquée aux Srs. Alexander pour y répondre dans la quinzaine; les choses demeurant en même état où elles étoient avant l’Ordonnance de M le Comte de Durat les Srs. Alexandre ont écrit à M le...
29419To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 19 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I take the opportunity of Mr Laurens going to Paris to transmitt one line to you, only to express to you my constant & affectionate remembrance of you, in your public character, & as a private friend; And my sincerest wishes for your personal health & happiness, and for success to all your pacific Counsels. The report wch prevails at present on this side of the water,...
29420To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [c. 14 October 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mon illustre Docteur avez vous beaucoup de monde à dîner aujourdhui dites moi le Sans façon parceque si vous n’en aviez pas beaucoup Je vous demanderois à dîner pour ces Dames qui glorieuses de vous connoître et s’en allant ce Soir à Paris souhaiteroient de passer encore quelques momens avec vous. J’imagine et J’espere que la Jeunesse de Monsieur votre petit...
29421To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 27 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society The background of this note was Lee’s dispatch from England to the committee of secret correspondence of June 3, 1776. William Carmichael was supposed to deliver it but did not for more than two years; he and Silas Deane opened it, kept it, and used it, Lee believed, to cause trouble for him. The statement about the episode that Lee enclosed with his note is...
29422To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Tucker, 12 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The imperial crisis, long before it erupted in war, began to affect parts of the empire that were remote from the quarrel; and one of them was Bermuda. The small island, with a population of only 12,000, was in danger of being crushed between the upper and nether millstone. The embargo that the Continental Association laid on trade with other British...
29423To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Franklin, 30 May 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take it particularly kind of you to write to me at a time when I know you must have so much Business on Your hands. However I hope tis hapily setled before this and that we shall have the Satisfaction of seing you here in the fall, which we long for. As I know my dear Papa likes to hear of Wedings I will Give him a list of my Acquaintance that has enter’d...
29424To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 9 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The preceding is Copy of what I had the pleasure to write you a few days ago per Brig retaliation. When I sent you your Bills, I sent Bills to Mr. Jonathan Williams for 210 Dollars, being Interest on some Money I put into the loan office for my Brother, and requested him to lay it out in Shirting Linen, Sheeting Linen, Stocking Gauze, Ribbons, & sundry...
29425To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy, 5 [June] 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Je suis dans un beau pays, je suis avéc un bonne maman qui m’aime tendrement, que j’aime de mesme; on me feste, on me soigne, on me chérit, on me gaste; éh bien mon bon papa mon Coeur n’est pas Content, il pense que demain ce sera mércredi, et qu’ensuitte arriverons succéssivement deux samedi et un autre mércredi qu’il faudra passer sans vous voir, point de...
29426To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Lee, 7 April 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I forgot before I left London to desire You wou’d (if Mr. Durden shoud write to me on the subject of the Springsborough estate) direct it to me at Sir Charles Bunbury’s Barton near Bury St. Edmonds Suffolk. I shoud ask ten thoushand pardons for this liberty, and intreat You to believe me, Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant Alexander Durdin, a Dublin...
29427To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwallader Colden, 29 November 1753 (Franklin Papers)
Draft (letter and enclosure): New-York Historical Society; copy (enclosure only): American Philosophical Society I have your favour of the 25th of last month. While you are employed in affairs of consequence to the public I must submit to the Want of that pleasure which I allwise receive from your letters. You will oblige me much by a Copy of your Treaty with the Ohio Indians as I hope thereby...
29428To Benjamin Franklin from Balthazar-Georges Sage, 22 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai appris par Mr. Leschevin que vous aviez eté voir à versailles Le Cabinet de Minéraux de Mr Son frere; Les objets qu’il renferme sont tous beaux, bien choisis, le Catalogue en a été fait par Mr Delisle, et je me suis chargé avec plaisir de le Completer de sorte que Les Morceaux qui n’y Sont point indiqués sont etiquetés par moi. Cette Collection fera...
29429To Benjamin Franklin from [David Hartley], 8 June 1776 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress It is so many months since I have heard from you that I fear the Communication between the two Countries is but too effectually Stopt. I have writ to you from time to time letters which perhaps you have never received. My object is the same with yours viz. the restoration of peace. The Stoppage of communication between the two countries seems to have had the...
29430To Benjamin Franklin from Chaumont, 16 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. Bernier et gourlade qui vendent avec moy la fregatte que vous avez fait visiter par le Capitaine Lambert Vickes me prient de leur envoyer promptement vostre decision; Ils veulent vendre cette fregatte quatre cents mile livres. Il fait beau tems, venez diner avec nous amenez vos deux confreres et nous concluerons. J’ay l’honneur d’estre avec Respect...
29431The Marquis de Lafayette’s Note Containing Vergennes’ Proposal, [11 September? 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AD and copy: Library of Congress Vergennes had advised the American commissioners against delaying negotiations over the issue of Oswald’s commission. As he wrote to La Luzerne, in politics one should yield on form when satisfied with the substance. Franklin agreed. When Jay continued to object, Vergennes and Lafayette proposed to him a solution that might expedite matters: having Oswald write...
29432To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Crafton, 11 March 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you (as an American) have not caught that epidemical Disorder, that infects our Senators on this Side the Atlantic: Law Makers should not be Law-Breakers! You and I, cum aliis, laid our wise Noddles together, and framed a wise Statute; that we and all other Persons under a certain Predicament therein express’d, should dine every Thursday at the Dog...
29433To Benjamin Franklin from Soulavie, [after 12 August 1781] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’Abbé soulavie prie Monsieur francklin de vouloir bien se ressouvenir qu’il est prét de S’occuper aux ordres du Ministre De L’histoire civile des pays montagneux de la france meridionale ou il montrera toutes les operations de la Grande Bretagne pour Le soulevement de ces regions et leur changement en Republique. L’abbé Soulavie est logé hotel de M....
29434To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 30 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this day contracted for a small Brig which I shall send off with all diligence to Philadelphia. She will load only about eighty Tons so that I hope to have her at Sea in fifteen Days. As it is Nessessary on her becoming American property that her papers are conformable I request the favor you will please to transmit me a passport for the said Vessel,...
29435To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 21 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; transcript: National Archives Congress a few days since passed the enclosed Resolution No. 1. by which they have added Mr Jefferson to the Commission for concluding a peace; the established character of this Gentleman gives me reason to hope, that his appointment will be very acceptable to you, and the other Gentlemen in the Commission, I have...
29436To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 15 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am got thus far on my Journey, much fatigued by the Vehicle in which we travelled; We set off from Paris at 12 the Night I left you, & have been, ’till an hour ago, on the Road to this Place. No stopping for Sleep, & no means of taking any in so Rough a Machine. It is the first, & I hope will be the last time, I shall ever climb into such a Thing. I made,...
29437To Benjamin Franklin from Ralph Izard, 28 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; three copies: National Archives; copy: South Carolina Historical Society Article XIII of the proposed commercial treaty that Franklin had brought with him prohibited French export duties on West Indian molasses coming into the United States. This provision had raised uncertainties at the start, and the commissioners had been empowered to waive it if need...
29438To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have received your Favour of the 22 Instant with the Judgement of the Mifflins Prize Goods, and Mr Coulougnac’s Proposals about furnishing Cloth &c. Agreeable to your desire I have conversed with him and find that he realy can furnish at good Prices, but he has no great Quantity by him at present. I have taken some Patterns...
29439To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 28 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress; copy: University of South Carolina Library The 20th. Instant I had the honor of receiving your favor of the 12th. with Postscript of the 13th. by the hand of my Son, who will be the Bearer of this. I should have replied immediately, and at all hazards to my health have made a Journey to Whitehall, on the subject of Mr. Secretary Thomson’s Letter, which considering...
29440To Benjamin Franklin from Count Andreas Peter von Bernstorff, 8 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; copies: Columbia University Library, National Archives; press copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives Si Vous etiés un Homme moins connû et moins consideré, j’aurois eté fort incertain au Sujet de la Lettre que jai eu l’honneur de recevoir de votre part, et qui ne m’est parvenue qu’au 31. du Mois de Janvier. J’aurois pû la regarder comme une demarche...
29441To Benjamin Franklin from ——— and ——— de Monregard, 7 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. et Madame de Monregard, et leur fils acceptent avec le plus grand plaisir la proposition de Monsieur Franklin d’avoir l’honneur de diner chez luy samedy prochain 13. de ce mois, et ils s’y rendront avec grand Empressement. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy. The only year of BF ’s residence at Passy when the seventh of February was a Sunday.
29442To Benjamin Franklin from John Willson and Stephen Hamson, 9 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We the Undernamed persons being Natives and Subjects of America, take the Liberty to Inform you of our Disagreeable Situation as finding no Redress Elsewhere— We Were on the 15th Octr. 1780 on A Schooner from Marblehead bound to Cadiz Onfortunatly taken by An English Cruizer Called the Albert, the Captn. of Which thought proper to Leave three of Our Ships...
29443To Benjamin Franklin from George Whitefield, 26 November 1740 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from A Select Collection of Letters of the late George Whitefield, M.A .... (London, 1772), I , 226. I thank you for your letter. You may print my life, as you desire. God willing, I shall correct my two volumes of sermons, and send them the very first opportunity. Pray write to me by every ship, that goes shortly to Charles-Town. I shall embark for England, God...
29444To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Court de Gébelin, 6 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu avec autant de reconnoissance que de plaisir le précieux present que vous venez de me faire et qui augmente mes richesses sur les Langues de l’Amerique. Je suis bien faché de n’avoir pas connu plutot cet ouvrage, j’en aurois tiré grand parti dans un Memoire que j’ai fait imprimer dans mon 8me. volume, qui va paroitre dans le courant de ce mois; ce...
29445To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine: Two Letters, 21 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) Copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Monsieur, avec la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 13. de ce mois, celle que vous avez écrite à l’agent des Etats unis à l’Orient et je me suis empressé de lui faire passer le Commissaire de la Marine dans ce port. Je doute qu’elle soit arrivée assez promptement pour que cet Agent ait remis au Capitaine du Navire Anglois...
29446To Benjamin Franklin from ——— De Reine, 26 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Les harricots que j’ai eu lhonneur de vous donner hier chez Madame, Sont originaire du cap de bonne Esperance, ils ont étés recoltés a versailles. Ce un tres bon farineux, Surtout a l’huile et au vinaigre, en verd et Sec. Cette espece d’harricot, Monsieur, propagera beaucoup, et je Suis tres persuadé quil reussira tres bien en amerique, ou ils deviendront...
29447To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Reinhold Forster, 27 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit me to introduce to Your acquaintance the Bearer Mr. Loder, first Physician to the Duke of Saxe Weimar a Man remarkable for his natural & acquired talents & one of the first Anatomists of our Germany. The happy moments which my Son has passed in Yr. company & the civilities You honoured him with as well as the condescendence & Kindness You are used to...
29448To Benjamin Franklin from J.F. Frin & Co., 17 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons reçu hier une Lettre de nos amis d’amsterdam Mrs. Del. [Messieurs Daniel] Crommelin & fs. renfermant un avis que nous croyons devoir vous participer, nous le transcrivons Litteralement en joignant à la présente les deux Signatures de cette maison pour vous aider à reconnoitre Le faux S’il y en a. “Nous sommes informés que nos amis de st. Eustache...
29449To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 17 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Draft: Library of Congress I have been honord with your favour of the 2d. April by Monsieur De Cenis written on behalf of that Gentleman on the credit of Monsr. Turgot’s recommendation. I should have been happy had it been in my power, in deference to your recommendation, founded upon that of so respectable a character as Monsr. Turgot, to afford Mr. De Cenis the encouragement, his zeal and...
29450To Benjamin Franklin from ——— d’Urbainville, 2 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je rends avec plaisir cet hommage à une Nation naissante, qui offre à l’Univers le Modèle d’un des plus beaux gouvernemens politiques qui aient eû lieu. Puisse votre Constitution nationale ne recevoir Jamais aucune atteinte; et accélérer l’heureuse révolution que le progrès des lumières semble annoncer comme prochaine, en faveur du Commerce des Nations! On...