1291From 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...
1292To 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...
1293To 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...
1294To 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...
1295To 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...
1296To 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,...
1297To 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...
1298To 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...
1299To 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...
1300To 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...
1301To 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...
1302To 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...
1303To 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...
1304To 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...
1305To 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...
1306To 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...
1307To 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...
1308The 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...
1309To 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...
1310To 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....
1311To 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,...
1312To 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...
1313To 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,...
1314To 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...
1315To 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...
1316To 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...
1317To 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...
1318To 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.
1319To 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...
1320To 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...
1321To 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...
1322To 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...
1323To 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...
1324To 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...
1325To 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...
1326To 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...
1327To 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...
1328To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 1 November 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I have the honour to forward to you, the Address to the King and an Address to the people of Great Britain and these colonies. I was in hopes by this opportunity to have sent you the Journal of the proceedings of the congress which is in the press. I hope administration will see and be convinced that it is not a little faction, but the whole body of American...
1329To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 8 January 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I donte think the Packit will sail at the time but I write lest it shold and I shold be found wantting in my Duty and you be displesd. In the firste plase Salley is Come home Shee traveled the coldest day I ever felte or that I ever remember and staid at the ferry [?] house till the next day then walked over one halef of the river and then in the bote the...
1330To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recvd your kind favour of the 14th and 20th Inst. the first reccommending M. de Bretigny &c. to whom I will show every possible assistance and civility as far as is consistent with my orders, the last informing me of Mr. Deans absence and of the necessity of waiting his return. I hope he will be by this time at paris and that I may have some orders...
1331To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 15 August 1752 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Haverford College Library I had the pleasure of my Dear friend Letter of June 19th: It gives Mee concern for find my Letters Miscarried, for I writ both by Neat Ship and by Mesnard and I keep no Coppys. Indeed what I write generally in a Hurry does not deserve It but there was some things my Friends may be glad to know. In particular there was J. Bartrams Orders and Letters of advice of...
1332To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 7 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is with pleasure I embrace the oppertunity afforded me by Mr. Ridley of renewing our correspondence, and of assuring you of the continuance of my esteem and friendship for you— I presume you are not unacquainted with Mr Ridley’s character and person: his being appointed Commercial Agent for this State is proof of his attachment to our cause and country...
1333To Benjamin Franklin from John MacMahon, 1 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I make bold to recommend to you the bearer, who is a Clergyman of my country. He has received a letter from Ireland to be forwarded to Albany in North America, and is charged at the same time to have the answer directed to him in Paris. Will you be so kind as to let him know, how he is to send off this letter? I think it may be by means of some Merchant in...
1334To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Wharton, Jr., 27 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The many marks of your esteem for me at Passy, at the same time that they are so many proofs of the kindness of your disposition, lays me under the agreeable necessity of acknowledging them with gratitude and thankfullness. And as that disposition is not confined, but with the most amiable generosity, seeks opportunities of doing good, it gives me peculiar...
1335To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 5 October 1760 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I wrote on the 26 and 27 of 7 br. last the First via Bristol and the other intended by our Friend C Kelby who is taking shipping at NY . in the 1st I sent our Agent Bill and the Governors proposed Amendments copied by the Clerk and in the other the Vindication of the Commissioner and Assessors of Cumberland County against the Representation...
1336To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin West, 28 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your friendly remmbrences of me by the bearer of this is so flattering, I could not permit his return to you without making my Acknowlegments by letter for so pleasing a marke of your esteem, It allways gave me and Mrs. West the greatest satisfaction to hear of your health—a confirmation of which I have not only recived by our friend, but have now before in...
1337To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Alexander, 3 September 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my return to Scotland, I have been some days in the Country by which means I did not receive your Letter before yesterday. I return you a Thousand Thanks for the Trouble you have taken about the Harpsichord, the one you describe at 33 Guineas is precisely what is wanted and therefore you will please give orders to have it immediately packt up and Sent...
1338To Benjamin Franklin from Louis d’Ussieux, [before 19 March 1781] (Franklin Papers)
Printed invitation: American Philosophical Society L∴R∴L∴ des Neuf Sœurs, Est convoquée pour le Lundi 19 du 1er. mois D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ L∴ 5781. à onze heures précises. Les FF∴ DE Sauvigny, Dezedes & Morel prêteront le serment d’Affiliation. On fera la distribution des Jettons à midi un quart sonnant. Les FF∴ qui arriveront passé cette heure, n’y auront plus de droit. Cet article est de rigueur....
1339To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste-Xavier Joyeuse, 19 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’interêt que j’ay toujours pris, Monsieur, aux succés des Colonies unies de l’Amerique, vû la bonté qui m’a paru dans leur cause, me donne le desir de tâcher d’y contribuer, si je le pouvais. Le déperissement de l’Armée Anglaise en Amerique, attribué principalement a la mauvaise qualité des Vivres qu’on leur distribüe, dont je lisais le détail, il y a...
1340To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Destouches, 14 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser la lettre cy jointe du Cap Bennet Negus, dont la conduite dans la croisiere qu’il vient de faire avec le Corsaire qui portoit l’illustre nom de Votre excellence a merité vos eloges, et votre bienveillance pour lui. Je suis persuadé que vous voudrez bien lui en faire sentir les effets. Il honore la nouvelle republique qui doit...