1401To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 28 November 1772 (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu la lettre dont vous m’avez honoré en date du 12e. 9bre. avec un p.s. du 16. Je suis au moins à la moitié de ma traduction de votre in 4 o . et j’espere l’achever sur la fin de l’année, ou dans les commencemens de l’autre. Non laboratur ubi amatur , disoit st. Augustin. Vous ne sauriez douter que je ne reçoive avec plaisir, que je...
1402To Benjamin Franklin from William Henly, 28 November 1772 (Franklin Papers)
AD and draft: American Philosophical Society; printed in the Royal Society, Philosophical Transactions …, LXIV (1774), 403–6. The Description and use, of a new Conductor for Experiments in Electricity , contrived by Mr. H——and executed by Mr. Edward Nairne. A. A Tube of Glass 2 feet in length, 2 Inches diameter. B. C. Balls with a ferril of Brass (2 Inches long, to each) which are to be...
1403To Benjamin Franklin from David Colden, 30 November 1772 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft ): New-York Historical Society The attention you pay to every Invention that promises either utility or amusement to Mankind induces Me to communicate to you a very simple Machine which I have made this Year for sowing Seeds in Rows. I am happy in haveing an opportunity of addressing you upon any Thing that may be worth your Notice; If it shall prove of no real value to others, it...
1404To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg: Dedicatory Epistle, [late 1772] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in [Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg,] Petit code de la raison humaine; ou Exposition succincte de ce que la raison dicte à tous les hommes, pour éclairer leur conduite, et assurer leur bonheur ( London, 1773 ) , pp. [ v– ] vi . Vous reconnutes dans la premiere esquisse de ce Petit Code, l’effusion simple et naïve de votre propre coeur; j’ai achevé de le developer autant que je l’ai pu, et...
1405To Benjamin Franklin from Theophylact Bache, 10 December 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your much esteemed favor of 19th Sepr. was handed me by Mr. Alexander Chysholm. I shall pay due attention to this stranger, and shall be happy in doing him service. He has been to Phila: and is much disappointed in his expectations of setling there. He intends waiting here until Spring, before he determines what to do: We hope to get him well fixed at...
1406To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, [19 December? 1772]: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract: printed in Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, ed., Œuvres de M. Franklin … (2 vols., Paris, 1773), II , 129–33; ALS (incomplete): American Philosophical Society The document that follows is in two parts, a printed extract and the conclusion of a letter in manuscript. The two are quite different in subject matter; neither contains any evidence of precisely when it was written, or of its belonging...
1407To Benjamin Franklin from Hannah Walker, 22 December 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your kind Present for which I return you a thousand thanks for such great Benevolence and hope your Charitable Distributations will be Doubly restored from above and I have sent my sons Indentures as Mrs. Stevenson Informed you Desired I should. I am Extremly sorry to hear of Mr. Williams Death and that my Son is removed because he seemed so...
1408To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 26 December 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This being the last month in the Year, I have been ’till now busily employed in casting up and settling my affairs, and as I never form’d very great Expectations, I find myself very content with the result. It appears that I have good enough to pay all I owe, and £300 Sterling left being the clear profits of last years Business. In the last Account I gave...
1409To Benjamin Franklin from William Henly, [30 December 1772] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send you herewith the paper of your experiments, and shall think myself under great obligation for the addition. I am quite at a loss what to think or say about the Bell. The effects are so contrary to the notions I [had] entertained of Electricity; and yet I scarse know how to disbelieve my Friends relation, for though by his Letter he appears to be no...
1410To Benjamin Franklin from Clément Noguères and Geneviève-Elisabeth Belamy Le Veillard, [before 5 September 1779] (Franklin Papers)
Printed form with MS insertions in blanks: American Philosophical Society Vous étes prié, de la part de Monsieur le Curé & de Madame Le Veillard , Trésoriere des Pauvres, de vous trouver à l’Assemblée de Charité qui se tiendra dans l’Eglise Royale & Paroissiale de Notre-Dame-de-Graces de Passy, à l’issue des Vépres, Dimanche prochain 5 7bre 1779 Il y aura Prédication, par mr L’abbé gautier...
1411To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, [1773?]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <1773? A note in the third person: thanks Franklin “for the Paragraphs which seem to be perfectly right”; the New York packet will sail, wind permitting, when tonight’s mail reaches Falmouth.>
1412To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, [January? 1773] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, ed., Œuvres de M. Franklin … (2 vols., Paris, 1773), II , 226–7. Ayant fait voir ces jours-ci les premieres épreuves de vos feuilles sur la Musique à MM. G——, amateurs éclairés de tous les beaux arts, je crois devoir vous communiquer le résultat de ma conversation avec eux. On ne doute point que ces airs Ecossois, que vous exaltez tant, ne soient excellens...
1413A Committee of the Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital to Franklin, David Barclay, and John Fothergill, 1 January 1773 (Franklin Papers)
Minutebook copy: Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia We are now deputed by a Board of Managers of this Hospital to inform you, That it is agreed to draw on you for the further Sum of Four thousand pounds Sterling as Opportunities offer to dispose of our drafts, and to put out the money on Interest on good and Sufficient Securities, which from our present prospect we expect will be Effected in...
1414The Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital to Franklin, David Barclay, and John Fothergill, 4 January 1773: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Minutebook copy: Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia <January 4, 1773: In accordance with the letter of Jan. 1 from their committee, they have drawn on the recipients for £700 sterling in four bills of exchange in favor of John Clark, three for £200 each and one for £100. > The Board was continuing its earlier policy of investing in mortgages; Clark had obtained one for £1,137 10 s. ,...
1415To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 4 January 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By the October Packet, I am favored by yours of 7. that Month, am obliged to you for the pleasing Intelligence, that my Mother and Sisters were well, for it is some time since I heard from them. I am glad to hear, that the Bill I sent you was duly honored. I had really forgot the five Guineas you lent me, on the Morning I left you, or should have included...
1416To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas O’Gorman, 4 January 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg pardon for having been hitherto defficient in acquiting myself of my duty towards you and in returning you thanks for the many Civilities I have received from you While in London. Receive, I beseech you, tho late, my sincere acknowledgement thereon and be assur’d I shall for ever with pleasure embrace every opportunity of Shewing you the defference I...
1417To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 5 January 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am favoured with your Letters by the October and November Packets, and want much for an Opportunity of writing to you safely on several Subjects, but I cannot venture to do it by the Packet, as your Letter by the October Packet came opened to me exactly in the same Manner that mine did to you. And Mr. Todd I hear has wrote to Mr. Foxcroft that his Letters...
1418To Benjamin Franklin from the Trustees of the Burlington Free School, 5 January 1773 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society To a person of Doctor Franklins well known character, for humanity and benevolence, we think it scarcely necessary to enter into an apology for the freedom we have taken in enclosing the within Petition to the King, in presenting which we request thy friendly assistance. Notwithstanding the application made by Lord Rochford for a Grant of the Islands in...
1419To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Colden, 7 January 1773: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <General Post Office, January 7, 1773: Has received Franklin’s letter of October 7 acknowledging receipt of several bills, and of Nov. 3 enclosing Mackie’s bill on Molleson for £294 5 s. 2 d. with the protest, which Colden will transmit to him. Encloses the second bill for £150 sterling by John Hancock on Haley & Hopkins in favor of Tuthill Hubbart; the...
1420To Benjamin Franklin from Jane (Jenny) Mecom, 9 January 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Heart has ever been susceptible of the warmest greatitude for your frequent Benefactions to the whole of our Family, but your last KIND , unexpected as well as undiserved, NOBLE presant in particular to me, calls for a particular acknoledgement from me. Except then dearest Sir, my most Sinceare and hearty thanks, with a promise, that your kindness Shall...
1421To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, [13 January 1773?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (badly mutilated): American Philosophical Society Je n’ai encore reçu ni votre paq[uet ni votre lettre?] du 8e. Je vous prie de me marquer [ torn ] ferez l’honneur de m’ecrire par la [ torn ] vous etiez servi pour les deux [ torn ] voyageans, je pourrois pour peu que [ torn ] decouvrir icy dans les hôtels garnis ou [ torn ] et si ce sont des françois domiciliés a Paris cela seroit encore...
1422To Benjamin Franklin from Noble Wimberly Jones, 13 January 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am realy ashamed at my remissness in neglect of Writing after your repeated favours, And this now can only serve as an Appology the Captn: being ready to go down. Your much esteemed of the 5th. May containing the curious Seed from India I received safe, also yours of the 3d. of August and a few days since that of the 7th. of October, which repeated marks...
1423The Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital to Franklin, David Barclay, and John Fothergill, 18 January 1773: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Minutebook copy: Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia <January 18, 1773: A copy of their previous letter is enclosed. They have now drawn further on Franklin, Barclay, and Fothergill for £1,250 sterling in three bills of exchange, one in favor of Joseph Mitchell for £600 and two in favor of Joseph King for £300 and £350 respectively.> Presumably that of Jan. 4 above. For the little we know...
1424To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac L. Winn, 22 January 1773 (Franklin Papers)
MS : the Royal Society Capt. Winn presents Respects to Dr. Franklin and sends Two Barrels of Apples from Mr. Theo. Bache and begs leave to add one to them. In August last Capt. Winn took the Liberty of sending Dr. Franklin some Observations on the Aurora Borealis, to which he would add that on Saturday Evening the 16 Instt., as Capt. Winn came to Town the Aurora was so bright that he found a...
1425To Benjamin Franklin from François Rozier, 24 January 1773 (Franklin Papers)
Printed circular letter with handwritten postscript: American Philosophical Society The letter below is an interesting example of scientific communication in the period. The editor of a scientific journal in Paris was inviting each of many learned societies in Europe to send him a periodic report of its current activities, which he would then broadcast within three months via his journal....
1426To Benjamin Franklin from William Brownrigg, 27 January 1773 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: the Royal Society By the enclosed from an old friend, a worthy clergyman at Carlisle, whose great learning and extensive knowledge in most sciences would have more distinguished him had he been placed in a more conspicuous point of view, You will find that he had heard of your experiment on Derwent Lake, and has thrown together what he could collect on that subject; to which I have...
1427To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Parker Bedford, 2 February 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society At my Mamas perticular request I take the liberty of writing to you, whom once I could address without ceremony, but the unhappy Difference between our families render that perhaps now more necessary, which would formerly have been looked upon as an Act of Duty. You my Dear Sir, I was ever taught to look upon as the Friend, the Benefactor of one of the best...
1428To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 12 February 1773 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, ed., Œuvres de M. Franklin … (2 vols., Paris, 1773), II , 246–57. J’ai trouvé votre Lettre à M. Néave beaucoup trop courte, parce que les choses excellentes qu’elle contient, m’ont appris à en desirer beaucoup d’autres dont je n’aurois peut-être jamais eu la moindre idée. On ne m’a point fait apprendre à nager dans ma jeunesse, et je n’y ai gueres songé...
1429To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Potts, 15 February 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am very sorry as you have had the trouble of writing your Letters to acquaint you that we have no North American Boat on this side, consequently your Letters could not be forwarded as no mail was made up last Saturday night for New York. This Office does not supply the Post Boys with Horns, they are purchased by themselves, but I beleive the best place to...
1430To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 15 February 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you Decr. 27 by Capt: Jenkins, and Inform’d you of a proposal made by Hall or rather Halls Friends, Who have advanced the Hundred pounds Sterling, and I have Received it, on this Condition, to Wait for the Remander Six and twelvemonths, to be paid in two equal payments from the above Date. I Wish I had your Orders in regard to the Disposition of the...
1431To Benjamin Franklin from Horace-Benedict de Saussure, 23 February 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu avec un extrême plaisir les deux lettres que vous m’avés fait l’honneur de m’écrire, l’une du 8e. Octobre, l’autre du 1er. Xbre de l’année dernière. Mais comme elles m’étoient l’une et l’autre adressées à Genève, et que j’en suis parti dès le commencement d’Octobre pour venir passer l’hyver en Italie, elles me sont parvenues extrêmement tard, et...
1432To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 24 February 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’impression avança bien la semaine derniere, j’eus châque jour une feuille nouvelle (a corriger les epreuves). Le carnaval est cause que cette semaine cy ne m’a encore rien produit, mais j’espere que cela va reprendre le même train sans interruption. Je vous envoyai, il y a aujourd’huy 8 jours sous une simple envelope deux feuilles sortantes de la presse....
1433To Benjamin Franklin from John Winthrop, 4 March 1773 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I received your favor of Septr. 18. I return you many thanks for Dr. Priestly’s Piece on impregnating water with fix’d air. If this should prove an effectual remedy for the sea-scurvy, it would be indeed a most important discovery. I am extremely concerned to hear, that Dr. Priestly is so meanly provided for, while so many [ blank ] are rolling about here in...
1434To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 15 March 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been confin’d to my House great Part of this Winter by my valetudinary State, and been little able to see and converse with my Friends, and less to write to them. A Line from you would have greatly refresh’d me in this Confinement, as your Letters have ever been one of the greatest Entertainments of my Life: but I do not mean to complain, having been...
1435To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 24 March 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I have just received your Favor of the 2d. December last with the several papers Inclosed for which I am much oblidged to you. I have communicated them to some of the Gentlemen you mentioned. They are of opinion, that though it might be inconvenient to publish them, yet it might be expedient to have Copys taken and left on this side the water as there may be a...
1436To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 25 March 1773 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, ed., Œuvres de M. Franklin … (2 vols., Paris, 1773), I, 309–11; copy: American Philosophical Society Si j’ai bien saisi vos principes, il faut que le verre qui doit servir à l’expérience de Leyde réunisse ces deux conditions: 1º. qu’il soit impénétrable au fluide électrique; 2º. qu’il ne soit pas impénétrable à l’énergie de ce fluide; ou, pour exprimer la...
1437To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 1 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, ed., Œuvres de M. Franklin … (2 vols., Paris, 1773), 1, 314–20; two incomplete copies: American Philosophical Society Depuis six mois que je suis occupé presque sans relâche de la traduction et de l’édition de vos Oeuvres, je me suis un peu familiarisé avec l’Electricité. Il faudroit avoir l’esprit bien bouché pour ne pas devenir Electrician avec vous. Mais...
1438The Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital to Franklin, David Barclay, and John Fothergill, 6 April 1773: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS (minutebook copy): Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia <Pennsylvania Hospital, April 6, 1773: Notification that ten bills, nos. 23 through 32, have been drawn on Franklin, Barclay, and Fothergill, to be paid from the account of the contributors to the Hospital. The bills are: two of Feb. 6 in favor of Charles Stewart, £365 sterling in all; one of Feb. 19 and three of March 12 in favor of...
1439To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 6 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (fragment): American Philosophical Society [ Beginning mutilated ] I wrote you a few lines of the Mar[ torn ] that we were all well. We have continued so [ torn ] at this Time made happy by the Company of the Burlington Family who have been with us a few days, and intend making some Stay with us. Having disposed of almost all my dry Goods, and found them but a sorry Concern, I have...
1440To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 6 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did reseve yours by the laste packit dated Jan 6. I due in tend to write by Capt. All if it pies got [God] to preserve him Safe back a gen. I did in tend to say [sum]thing a boute Ben Franklin Beache but Billey told me he had mens[honed him?] to you in his letter yester day, I had thought I had bin two trubel sum [ torn ] as you had told me that he was...
1441To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 6 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Todd presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin and as he understands he has received his Accounts by this Days Mail he would be glad if the Accountant General could have them to examine next Wednesday that if there should be any Errors in them they may be wrote about by this Month’s Mail. For the accounts see the following document. The 6th was a Tuesday;...
1442To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 11 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (incomplete): American Philosophical Society [ Beginning lost. ] M. Dalibard avoit un tableau magique tres bon, et une grande cucurbite dont il s’etoit fait une bonne bouteille de Leyde. L’un et l’autre sont devenus tout a fait conducteurs. Il en a trouvé la raison sensible dans l’alteration de la colle qui avoit servi a faire tenir l’etamure, et qui s’est trouvée aigrie et corrompue. Il...
1443To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 15 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, ed., Œuvres de M. Franklin … (2 vols., Paris, 1773), I , 322–6. Moitié dormant, moitié éveillé, j’ai beaucoup rêvé la nuit derniere. Il faut vous dire sur quoi, et comment, afin que vous jugiez si ce sont des rêves, ou des rêveries; s’il faut s’y arrêter, ou les oublier. J’ai songé à la vie, à la mort; mais plus à celle-ci qu’à celle-là. Je recherchois ce qui...
1444To Benjamin Franklin from William Henly, 18 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This letter poses a remarkable problem of dating, and we cannot solve it. Henly’s date is all too clear, and could not have been a slip: April 18 was a Sunday in 1773. Yet he makes a number of references that seem inapplicable to that year, and are definitely applicable to 1774. They were all related to the continuing controversy with Benjamin Wilson over...
1445To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste LeRoy, 19 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Vous vous plaigniez de moi Monsieur et cher confrere comme je me plaignois de vous. Nos lettres se sont croisées car Jespere bien que vous avez reçu un Exemplaire de mon memoire sur les barres métalliques &c. que je vous ai envoyé dans le mois de mars. Cependant par vos plaintes obligeantes sur mon silence je crains fort que vous n’ayez pas reçu une lettre...
1446To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 20 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I wrote you in my last that the Gentlemen, to whom I had communicated the papers you Sent me under Cover of your’s of the 2d December last, were of opinion that they ought to be retained on this side the water to be hereafter improved as the Exigency of our affairs may require or at least that authenticated Copies ought to be taken before they are returned: I shall...
1447To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have wrote you several Letters, but have not as yet been honor’d with an answer, which I impute to the want of Time, occasioned by your more important Engagements: tho’ should have been glad if you had mentioned your opinion of my conduct with regard to Henry, as I wish to see the Boy settled; his Master still likes him and he behaves very well. I had the...
1448To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cushing, 22 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress Inclosed you have a number of the Pamphlets Containing the Governors Speaches and the Answers of the two Houses with which you may Accomodate some few of your Freinds. I conclude with great Respect your most humble Servant Addressed: To / Benjamin Franklin Esqr BF ’s own copy had been enclosed with Cushing’s letter of two days before.
1449To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 April 1773: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Boston, April 22, 1773: Sends a letter from Henry that came too late to be enclosed with his. > Jonathan’s letter was that of two days before. For Henry Walker’s letter to his mother see hers to BF below, June 20.
1450To Benjamin Franklin from James Hunter, 24 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Received yours of the 10th of February, by which I was told to Draw upon you for eighty seven pounds ten shillings sterling, pursuant to which I have Drawn upon you, for the said sum of eighty seven pounds ten shillings sterling, and have disposed of the Bill unto James Hunter Merchant of our City on his order, to be paid on thirty Days Sight according to...