31To Benjamin Franklin from the Conte di Scarnafiggi, 23 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society L’Ambassadeur de Sardaigne prie Monsieur Franklin de lui faire l’honneur de Venir Diner chez lui Jeudi 28. Août. R.S.V.P. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / En son hotel This is the first letter in our edition from the Sardinian diplomat who had served in London while BF was there in 1773, and whose connection to BF had hitherto been as an...
32To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library Inclosed is an Acct: of the Expenses of Master Johnnott including his passage to Philadelphia amouting to £ 752 l.t. 2.— for which I have this day drawn a bill on you in favour of Messr: Laval & Wilfelsheim. It was not possible to get his passage at a Cheaper Rate, though extravagant & unreasonable all have been obliged to Submit. Another Lad of the Same age of...
33To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Bruet, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Le cte de Bruet a reçû avec la plus grande sensibilité lexemplaire que Monsieur franklin a eu lattention et lhonnetteté de luÿ adresser il luÿ en fait mile remerciements et il seroit bien flatté de trouver les occasions de luÿ en marquer toute Sa reconoissance. Mde de Bruet fait mille et mille Compliments a messieurs franklin et ne pouvent etre plus...
34To Benjamin Franklin from César Bucquet, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L(?): American Philosophical Society Après un travail assidu de plus de trente années Je Suis parvenu a perfectionner la Mouture économique et a la faire Connoitre dans les Provinces ou elle étoit ignorée. Ce fait est Constaté tant par des Procès Verbaux qui ont eu lieu dans Ces Provinces que par le Rapport des administrateurs de l’hopital Général de Paris. Par Mes procèdés Cet hopital épargne...
35To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Deux-Ponts, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I put so much confidence in your Excellencys friendship to me, that I depend on your forgiveness, for the freedom I take, to beg of you the conveyance of the inclos’d to Chevr. La Luzerne which includes some Lines to my american friends. I shall be very particularly oblig’d to you for it and am with wery respectfull sentiments Your Excellencys Most obedient...
36To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Royal Mail Archive This Morning Mr. Potts delivered to me your kind Letter of the 17th. Instant. I now inclose according to your desire without loss of Time a Copy of mine to you which you happen to have mislaid of the 25th. of June last, and I should be very much obliged to you for your opinion of the Matters therein as soon as it may be in your...
37To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 21 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honor to furnish your Excellency a small Account, I think it was in the year 1781, of some articles shipped by your orders for Mr. Richd Bache of Philada.— In the Letter which accompany’d the Account I mention’d my intentions of drawing for the amount, which however never was done;— Your Excellency will oblige me greatly by ordering said Account...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Félix Vicq d’Azyr, 21 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society La societé Royale de medecine m’a Chargé d’avoir l’honneur de Vous adresser des Billets pour sa séance publique qui aura lieu le 26 de ce mois; elle Vous prie d’en agréer l’hommage et de Vouloir bien en Disposer. La societé toujours flattée lorsque Vous Voulez bien l’honorer de Votre Présence Vous prie d’assister à Cette séance. J’y Lirai l’Eloge de feu M...
39To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Condorcet, 20 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’academie m’a chargé de vous exprimer toute sa reconnaissance pour le beau present que vous lui avez fait. Elle verra avec plaisir dans sa biblioteque ce premier monument de L’histoire d’un peuple auquel les sciences auront un jour tant d’obligation, et cet ouvrage lui rappelera La part distinguée qu’un des membres a eue, à la plus grande revolution...
40To Benjamin Franklin from Caleb Davis, 20 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Liberty I take in Addressing your Excellencey and incloseing the within to your Care, is in Consequence of Mr. St. Johns request and information that he had obtained your permission for that purpose, and I most Ardently Wish the inclosed May reach him as it Contains information of Much importance for him to Know and Several Letters which have been Wrote...
41To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte de Rochambeau, 20 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le vcte. de Rochambeau a l’honneur d’Envoyer a Monsieur le Docteur franklin un livre que Monsieur Telles Dacosta a fait sur les bois. Comme il n’a pas l’honneur d’estre connu de Monsieur franklin il a este requis de le lui faire passer. The general’s son: XXXIV , 205n. Dominique-Antoine Tellès d’Acosta (b. 1719), grand maître des eaux et forêts of Champagne,...
42To Benjamin Franklin from Madame ——— Düeil, 19 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Sont escellance cerapelles [se rappellera] sandoutte que le 14 juilliet jeus lhonneur dele voir apasÿ et deluy aufrir duvin de chanpangne de mont Creux [mon Cru]. Monsieur le Compte de Mallebois qui citrouva, voulleu bien asurré sont escellance que je meritté sas [sa] Confiance et vous Mordonnate devous adressé un pannier de 60 bouttelles jes choisÿ Cellecy...
43To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Situation of the american Merchants in France is not the Effect of the ill Conduct of any one but a general Consequence of the Peace, and I believe there is no Exception. Mr Grubb is one of us, and with a full Intention as well as Capacity to pay all, intends to apply for Letters of Surseance to prevent any little Creditor arresting his Property as it...
44To Benjamin Franklin from Séraphin-Guillaume Hooke, Chevalier de L’Etang, 17 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le chier. de hooke Letang Mestre de Camp, attaché au Regiment de Berwick Irlandais Prie son Excellence Monsieur Franklin De Vouloir Bien Lui indiquer l’heure et Le jour ou elle pourroit Lui accorder une audience. Il a deja eu lhonneur De La voir et Desireroit Conferer avec Elle sur Les moyens De former un etablissement soit Dans La Virginie soit Dans La...
45To Benjamin Franklin from Berkenrode, 15 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress L’Ambassadeur de Hollande a L’honneur d’assurer Monsieur Francklin de Ses tres humbles civilités. Il S’acquittera tres exactement de La Commission en question, et fera parvenir a Leur adresse Le paquet qu’il Lui à envoié hier. Court un bruit ici, depuis 24 heures, de nouvelles reçues d’une rebellion dans Les troupes Americaines au nombre de 5000 hommes, aiant des bas...
46To Benjamin Franklin from Elias Boudinot, 15 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress; copy: National Archives I had the honor of your favor of the 7th. of March last enclosing the treaty between the United States and the King of Sweden, the ratification whereof has been retarded for want of nine States present in Congress. This Act has now taken place, and I am honored with the commands of Congress to transmit it to you for exchange, which I now have...
47To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 15 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote to you a note some weaks ago to accompany the request of mr. Veinbrenner, which you allready had granted. His commissionary is allready gone to Hamburg and will set out with the first vessel for Philadelphia, waiting only for the introductory lettres you promish’d— Your last was dated may 16th, of Which I first recieved the copy. Reciev my thanks...
48To Benjamin Franklin from John Jebb, 15 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Baynes the bearer of this Letter has conceived that I am honoured with a share of your confidence & friendship—& has sollicited from me an introduction to you. I am at a distance from him—and if I were to assure him that I had only the pleasure of being twice in company with you when in England, he might imagine that I underrated the nature of my...
49To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Potts, 15 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In consequence of the conversation I had the honour of having with your Excellency last Wednesday, I beg leave to submit my thoughts to your consideration on the arrangements necessary to take place between the Post Offices of England and America in respect to the mode of establishing a regular correspondence with the two Countries and if they should meet...
50To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 14 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I reach’d this Place the 11th, & waited the same Day on Mr Williams. He was kind enough to think of my Passage & sent Me to the Gentleman that fits out the Ship Le Comte D’Estaing, to agree for my Passage to Philadelphia, as there is no Vessel here bound to the Northward. The Price is 600 Livres.— Mr Williams thinks it exorbitant, & desires to know whether...
51To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Nairne, 14 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Sikes of Paris has been so obliging as to undertake the care of delivering a Book to you. It is directions for using my Patent Electrical Machine which I hope before this you have received safe. There are some experiments in the Philosophical part, which I hope will give you pleasure, as they tend to confirm your Theory of Electricity. If it were...
52To Benjamin Franklin from Pamphili, 14 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : Library of Congress M. Le Nonce a l’honneur de faire bien des complimens à Monsieur Franklin, et Se fera un devoir de faire passer par la premiere occasion à Sa Sainteté Le livre qu’il vient de lui envoyer./. Pope Pius VI. Doubtless the Constitutions des treize Etats-Unis de l’Amérique.
53To Benjamin Franklin from Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart, 13 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Brongniart a L’honneur de présenter Son tres humble Respect a Monsieur franklin, et de le prier de lui faire Sçavoir Si il Se donnera la peine de passer chez Lui Ce Matin Mercredi, et a quelle heure, Comme m. Son fils le lui a fait espérer La Semaine derniere. Il S’agit d’aller ensuitte a L’Ecole militaire et aux invalides relativement aux paratonnere que m....
54To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 13 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your Favour by young Johonnott who unluckily arrived two days too late for the last Vessell to New England, we have now only one Opportunity & that is for Philadelphia and I will get him away with as little Expence as possible unless you direct otherwise; if he were to miss this Occasion it would be a long time before he could...
55David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 12 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Public Record Office, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society August 12 and 13 were of far greater diplomatic consequence than this exchange of formal letters about the birth of an English princess (the present letter and the commissioners’ answer of the following day) would suggest. On Tuesday, August 12, at the weekly meeting of ministers at Versailles, Franklin and...
56To Benjamin Franklin from Sir James Nicolson, 12 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Sir James Nicolson presents Compliments to Doctor Franklin and is somewhat surprized to find out, only since his visit to the Doctr., that his Grandson had been received, out of respect to the Doctor’s great merit, by Lady Nicolson and that he had concealed her Ladyship’s portrait in miniature, under pretence of putting a glass to it. Sir James insists on...
57To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 11 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Mr Grand Cannon is a youn Gentleman from Connecticut who passes through paris in his Way to London. He will have the Honour to pay his Respects to you, and I beg leave to introduce him to your kind Notice as a discreet, intelligent worthy young man, and deserving the Esteem of all his Friend; I have this knowledge of him from his...
58To Benjamin Franklin from A. C. G. Deudon, 10 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Lors de mon départ de Bruxelles, monsieur Bournons, de l’académie roÿale des Sciences de cette ville, m’a prié de vous faire parvenir la prèmiére partie de ses élémens de mathématiques, que voici; il m’a chargé en même-tems, de vous faire Connoître de Sa part, qu’il aura l’honneur de vous prèsenter les deux volumes Suivans, du même ouvrage, à mesure qu’ils...
59To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 10 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress Mgr. Le Margrave rêgnant de Bâde me charge de vous prier de vouloir bien faire toutes les démarches qui dépendront de vous, pour avoir l’Extrait-Mortuaire du Sr. Adam Marggrander, né Sujet de ce Prince, et qui doit être mort noïé à Philadelphie. Ce S. Marggrander est parti pour Philadelphie, en 1774, avec un S. Gucker de Schreck, et il étoit emploïé à Philadelphie chéz...
60To Benjamin Franklin from William Nixon, 10 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You will please to call to Mind that I presumed to inclose to your Excellency a little Book, which I published, Viz. Prosody made easy . The very polite Answer, which you returned, & your unexpected Liberality at so seasonable a Time can never be forgotten by me. The Mode of paying the Debt due by me to you was such a Proof of Politeness, Liberality, &...
61To Benjamin Franklin from Pio, 10 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. de Pio a l’honneur de renouveller les assurances de son respect à monsieur franklin, Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de l’Amerique et de lui envoyer le 3me. volume des Oeuvres de Mr. filangieri avec une lettre du même, que Mr. de Pio a reçu hier de naples. Mr. de Pio est très flatté de pouvoir dire a Mr. franklin, qu’il y a actuellement un homme...
62To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 9 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete AL : American Philosophical Society Having heard that you have been told at Paris, that Lord Shelburne had used foul play about the instructions for removing the troops from New York, I have only to state as a fact, that Genl. Gray in a letter I have in my possession addressed to Lord Keppel, requests to know on what means he may depend for removing the troops from New York, which...
63To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have sent to Billy by this Post a Copy of my last Memoire to M de Vergennes, Supported by those of my Creditors who are of this Town & were of the Meeting, with Copies & Extracts of Several Letters I have received. I send also the originals of these Letters to prove the veracity of the Extracts. As they extend to matters foreign to the Subject and are too...
64To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 8 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I beg to introduce to your kind regards one of my best respected friends, Mr Dugald Stewart, who though as yet little known out of Scotland, is one of the best known men in it. He stands in the very first class of their mathematicians & literary men. He has twice at a day’s warning taken up Dr. Adam Ferguson’s lectures in Moral Philosophy, & twice completely excelled...
65To Benjamin Franklin from Kéralio, 7 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Plaignés notre bonne Douairiere, mon respectable ami; elle part demain et n’a pu vous aller demander votre bénédiction; elle me charge de vous peindre tout le regret qu’elle a de vous quitter; mais comment y parvenir? Il est trop profond; il faudroit sentir comme elle pour le rendre: recevés de sa part les embrassements de L’amitié la plus tendre, et...
66To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 5 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous addresser la copie d’un mémoire qui m’a été présenté par le Sr. Baÿard; Comme les demandes de ce particulier me semblent justes, je me fais un devoir de vous les transmettre en vous priant de les recommander en Amérique. J’ai l’Honneur d’être très sincérement,...
67To Benjamin Franklin from William Robertson, 4 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My eldest Son will have the honour of presenting this letter to Your Excellency. He has been educated to the profession of Law here, & during the vacation of the Courts of justice, purposes to make a rapid excursion to the Continent. As he will be two or three weeks at Paris, he is ambitious of being introduced to you, & of being able to tell his children...
68To Benjamin Franklin from Berkenrode, 3 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society L’Ambassadeur des Etats Generaux, prie Monsieur Francklin, de Lui faire L’honneur de venir diner chez Lui, Jeudi prochain 7 du Mois./. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin. / Ministre plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis de / L’Amerique Septentrionale. / A passy.
69To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Monet, 3 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Vous avez prevenu le dessein ou j’etois d’aller vous prier, Monsieur, de me mettre à portée de mettre sous les yeux de sa majesté le roy de Pologne un exemplaire des constitutions des treize etats unis de l’amérique en m’envoyant celui dont j’ai l’honneur de vous accuser la réception et en y en joignant un pour moy. Cette attention obligeante, et la part que...
70To Benjamin Franklin from François Steinsky, 3 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a peu des plaisirs réélles égaux à celui, que me faisoit la recette de Vos lines; cela m’etoit un vrai soulagement dans une maladie que je souffrois alors. Je Vous remercie des louanges que Vous avez la bonté de faire de nos manufacturiers par raport a une petite chose, a la quelle hors la bonne volonté il n’y a rien qui merite d’etre regardé de Vous....
71To Benjamin Franklin from John Coakley Lettsom, 2 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Henry Smeathman, the bearer of this is an ingenious person, who was patronized by Dr. Fothergill and under the Doctor’s patronage he visited the coast of Africa, and in consequence of the knowledge he acquired, he seems capable of giving ample information respecting the present trade of Africa, and wishes I believe, to suggest, new sources of extending it...
72To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Johnson, 1 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Inclosed was sent me from the General Post Office, the Postage being 4/7. I have paid and which you will be pleased to return to Mr. Ridley, It is probable that many more Letters may come for you & which must remain in the Post Office, without the Inland Postage is paid, be pleased to signify whether I may take them up or not & forward them to you. I...
73To Benjamin Franklin from Ann Hudson de Lavau, [1 August 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (incomplete): American Philosophical Society months, the anxiety of my mind Joined with their manner of living brought me very near my Grave, I came here about eight days ago for the recovery of my health, pardon me sir for troubling you with this account of my self, but I think it is necessary I Shoud you be made acquinted with my manner of Living since I left paris mr. hoops in form me...
74To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Paul Marat, 1 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Marat prie Monsieur Franklin de vouloir bien lui accorder un quart d’heure d’audience lundy ou mercredy prochains dans la matinée. M. Marat desireroit Savoir l’heure de la comodité de Monsieur Franklin, au quel il à l’honneur de renouveller les assurances de Son respectueux attachement. Notation: Marat 1er. Aout 1783. To the best of our knowledge, this is...
75To Benjamin Franklin from Herman Heyman’s Sons, 31 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society We beg leave to Refer us to our last Letter which we had the honour to write to your Exelency, by addressing you our most humble thanks for the Letters of Introduction with which you favored us, for our new established House in Nord America. Beeing convinced of the Patriotism which your Exelency bears for your Country, we hope you’ll permit us to trouble you...
76To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes: Two Letters, 31 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; (II) LS and transcript: National Archives; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai communîqué confidentiellement, M, à M. le Ct. de Mercy la notte que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de me remettre; cet ambassadeur pense qu’il seroit convenable que vous la redigeassies d’après la notte que j’y ai mise: je me...
77To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 30 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Our friend W ——, has taken his measures & has Already agreed wt most of his people at 6, 12, 18 Months & 2 Years by equal payments— He hopes he will meet no difficulty with the others but thinks that the Extension of his protection to a year (it Expires the 6 septr) woud secure his Object by preventing any troublesome Man from laying by to Catch undue...
78To Benjamin Franklin from Cambray, 30 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Colo. Cambray’s most Respectful Compliments to Doctor Franklin. As he is going in the Country he is deprived of the honor of waiting upon him. He takes the liberty to Send him Some letters for America in consequence of the leave he has been So good as to grant him. If any letters Should arrive from America directed to him he begs they may be Sent to his...
79To Benjamin Franklin from Staël von Holstein, 30 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : Library of Congress Le Baron de Stael est passé chez Monsieur Francklin pour avoir l’honneur de lui faire part qu’il a eu le 29 du courant ses audiences comme Ministre plénipotentiaire du Roy de Suede chez leurs Majestés et la famille royale. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin / en son hotel / A Passy
80To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir, 29 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Je joins icy, Monsieur, La permission que vous désirez pour faire retirer de La Douanne un paquet de Livres venant de Strasbourg à votre adresse. J’ai L’honneur d’être avec un respectueux attachement, Monsieur, votre trés humble et trés Obeissant Serviteur Notation: Le Noir 29 Juillet 1783— Perhaps another book shipment from Hohlenfeld & Embser; see XXX-VIII...