101From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris: Extract, 14 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: National Archives The three millions you mention previous to 1778 were two of them given & the third was an Advance on a Contract with the Farmers general of tobacco. Excerpted from a now-missing letter probably written in response to Morris’ letter of July 1 ( XXXVII , 568–72). An extract of BF ’s earlier response is above, Sept. 26. In Arthur Lee’s hand. During 1777 the...
102From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 1754 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Send 50 Reams largest Demi to Mr. Daniel, Printer at Jamaica. Send 30 Reams Do to Peter Timothy. Send the Ream of thick blue Paper to Parker. Send half the brown Paper in the House to Parker[?], ’tother half to Brother John in Boston; No, send it all to Boston. [ In margin ]: Nota, bene. Don’t forget to enter it. This note cannot be dated precisely; sometime...
103From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 7 May 1774 (Franklin Papers)
AL (fragment): American Philosophical Society It is now a very long time indeed since I have had the Pleasure of a Line from you. I hope however that you are well as I am, Thanks to God. [ Remainder missing. ] Her last extant letter was the previous October: XX , 449–50.
104From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 2 June 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This just informs you I am well and received yours by the April Packet. I shall write fully to you and all Friends by Osborn. My Love to Sally, Mr. Bache, the Child, and all that love us. I can now only add, that I am ever Your affectionate Husband
105From Benjamin Franklin to Stephen Sayre, 25 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: National Archives I have considered the proposition you mention & have given my approbation to it in the fullest manner. I wish you success in carrying it into execution. In Sayre’s hand and submitted in support of his claims for compensation: see the preceding document. He supplied the dateline.
106From Benjamin Franklin to Alexander Colden, 6 January 1773: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress <London, January 6, 1773. Returns two protested bills, Zeph[aniah] Turner on Barnes & Ridgate for £72 7 s. 5 d. and William Taylor on Perkins, Buchanan & Brown for £15; the charges on each are 5 s. 9 d. Asks to have the bills acknowledged and to be credited with £87 18 s. 11 d. > See above, XIX , 398.
107[Benjamin Franklin?] to ———, 26 January 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Extract printed in The Pennsylvania Gazette , January 29, 1756. Wednesday we were hinder’d almost all Day by Rain. Thursday most of the Stockades were set up. Friday all inclosed to the Gate, and Part of the Platform round the Inside made. Saturday the Platform was finished, and two Swivels mounted. Sunday had a Thanksgiving Sermon, hoisted the British Flag, fired three Vollies, and the...
108From Benjamin Franklin to William Lee, 24 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
L : Maryland Historical Society; copy: Harvard University Library Dr. Franklin’s Compliments to Mr. W. Lee and informs him, that the Treaty of Alliance, is ordered by the Court of France, to be kept a Secret, ’till they think fit to publish it. Addressed: Honble William Lee Esqr / Chaillot. Or possibly a copy; in WTF ’s hand.
109From Benjamin Franklin to Browns & Collinson, 27 June 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society Pay the Ballance of my Account to John Sargent Esqr. whose Receipt shall be your Discharge. I am, Gentlemen Your old Friend and humble Servant Why BF wrote as of London the reader must guess. No record of this transaction appears in his Jour. or Ledger, and all we know about it is contained in the note itself and in the following document. The...
110From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, [4 February 1777] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Henry E. Huntington Library Mrs. Hall and her Sons, whom you enquire after, were well when I left Philadelphia. I was too much employed while there to be often with them; but I heard that their Trade goes on as successfully as ever. Quoted in Strahan to Mrs. Hall, April 7, 1778. She is identified above, XVII , 101 n. Strahan gave the place and date in quoting these sentences, which...
111From Benjamin Franklin to Penet, D’Acosta frères & Cie., 8 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 31. past. The Packet you sent me for Mr. Mazzei has been by his Direction, deliver’d to M. Favi, Chargé des Affaires du Duc de Toscane, at this Court. I have the Honour to be, Gentlemen Your &c.
112From Benjamin Franklin to Watson & Cossoul, 10 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the honour to write to me the 2d. Inst. Inclosed is the Pass-port you request for your Brig Emelia. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen Your &c— P.S. For what relates to Sailors you should apply to the Consul. Messrs. Watson & Cossoul. Barclay.
113From Benjamin Franklin to a Committee of the Library Company of Philadelphia, 28 August 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress <London, August 28, 1772: Encloses a bill of lading of the books for the Library Company. Endorsed to Robert Strettell Jones, Samuel Rhoads, and Josiah Hewes. > For the list of books see the letter above of April 27 from the committee, which then had a different composition; the new group wrote to BF on May 28.
114From Benjamin Franklin to Smith, Wright & Gray, 5 June 1770: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library [Craven Street, June 5, 1770. Encloses three bills: Watts & McEvers on Harley & Drummond for £150, Colin Drummond on Nesbit, Drummond & Franks for £100, and Henry Thompson on Pearson & Baillie for £50, and asks for a receipt by bearer for £300. Again requests the protest of the bill on Cunningham. ] These were Parker’s remittances from New York on his postal...
115From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Vernon, 16 January 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Newport Historical Society The Bearer Mr. Bowman, intends for New York; and as he will be intirely a Stranger in Rhodeisland, I beg leave to recommend him to your Civilities as a young Gentleman of good Character, for whom I interest myself. Your Advice may be useful to him; and every Regard you shew him, will be acknowledg’d as an Obligation confer’d on, Dear Sir, Your most obedient...
116From Benjamin Franklin to James Logan, 29 January 1750 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Harvard College Library (Sparks) Enclosed I send you a Copy of the Constitution of the Academy. Your agreeing to be one of the Trustees gave great pleasure to all concerned. I shall wait on you with Mr. Kalm on Wednesday next, if the Weather be tolerable, and nothing extraordinary prevents. I am with great respect Sir Your Affectionate humble Servant See below, p. 469.
117To John Jay from Benjamin Franklin, 15 January 1782, enclosing Vergennes to Benjamin Franklin, 31 December 1781 (Jay Papers)
M r . Grand tells me that he hears from Madrid, you are uneasy at my long Silence.— I have had much Vexation and Perplexity lately with the Affair of our Goods in Holland: And I have so many urgent Correspondencies to keep up, that some of them at times necessarily suffer. I purpose writing fully to you per next Post. In the mean time I send the enclos’d for your Meditation. The “cursed...
118From Benjamin Franklin to John Foxcroft, [on or before 5 May 1772]: fragment (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft; fragment): American Philosophical Society My Love to dear Mrs. Foxcroft, and to little Sally my grandaughter. My best Wishes attend you all, being as ever, Your affectionate Friend and humble Servant The fragment appears in the letterbook immediately before BF to WF below, May 5, and is clearly the end of BF ’s reply to Foxcroft’s letter above, March 2, which mentioned...
119From Benjamin Franklin to John Pownall, 8 May 1771: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft ): American Philosophical Society <Craven Street, May 8, 1771, a note in the third person. Believes that Mr. Sargent of Downing Street corresponds with Mr. Coxe, and will take charge of sending the warrant. If Sargent is out of town or declines, Franklin will do it himself.> It is not in BF ’s hand, and is written at the foot of the preceding document. For John Sargent, a former...
120From Benjamin Franklin to [d’Haudouin], 29 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society No Orders are received from America to send an Officer to replace M. de Coudray. There is no doubt but his Place is long since filled; and I cannot give the smallest Encouragement to any Person to go over with that Expectation. My Thanks however are due to the Gentleman for his obliging Offer. And I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble...
121From Benjamin Franklin to Schweighauser, 25 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, Yale University Library This is to request you would Ship all the Stores you have in your Possession belonging to the Public of America, whether in the Arsenal or elsewhere, on board such Vessel or Vessels as shall be pointed out to you by Mr. Jonathan Williams. I have the Honour to be Sir, Your most humble Servant. B.F.
122From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 28 February 1749 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract reprinted from Stan V. Henkels, Catalogue No. 906, pt. 2, supplement (October 26, 1904), item 2910. Our Friend Hall goes on exceedingly well: Has lately got a Daughter. Mary, first child of David and Mary Hall, was born Feb. 7, 1749, and died before Sept. 27, 1750. PMHB , XVI (1892), 364; LX (1936), 458.
123From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Wharton, Jr., 19 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete copy: Library of Congress I receiv’d duely your favour of the 11th. The News you had heard from Brest is true; & I thank you for your kind Congratulations upon the Appointment. I wish for the Sake of See the preceding letter.
124From Benjamin Franklin to Lafayette, 12 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Accept my hearty Thanks for the Pains you have taken, and for your fully informing Letter of this Day. I will endeavour to see M. de Veimerange to Morrow, and will acquaint you with what I learn from him. I pray God to bless & prosper you being ever, Dear Sir, with the greatest Esteem, Your Affectionate &c.
125From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Rush, 14 July 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; letterbook draft: Library of Congress I received your Favour of May 1. with the Pamphlet for which I am obliged to you. It is well written. I hope in time that the Friends to Liberty and Humanity will get the better of a Practice that has so long disgrac’d our Nation and Religion. A few Days after I receiv’d your Packet for M. Dubourg, I had an Opportunity of...
126From Benjamin Franklin to Montgolfier, 11 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace Mr. Franklin remercie monsieur de Montgolfier de son attention et se rendra a l’heure prescripte pour voir l’experience a laquelle il veut bien l’inviter. See the preceding document.
127From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 3 September 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Hearing just now of this Opportunity, I write a Line to acquaint you that I am well and hearty, Thanks to God, as I hope you are. It seems likely now that I shall stay here another Winter; you will therefore be kind in continuing to write to me. My Love to Jenney, &c. I am ever, Your affectionate Brother For reasons explained in the preceding document. Jane...
128From Benjamin Franklin to John Bartram, 11 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: The Royal Society I thank you for your Account of the Aurora. A very considerable one appear’d here the same Evening, being Saturday, Nov. 12. I did not see it, but have heard of it from several. If it was the same that you saw; it must have been very high, or very extensive, as the two Places are 1000 Leagues asunder. In BF ’s hand. Read before the Royal Society, Feb. 25, 1762, and...
129From Benjamin Franklin to ——— de Pavara, 19 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Henkels Catalogue No. 1384 (December 18, 1925), p. 39. Mr Franklin presents his compliments to M. de Pavara, & returns his Book with many Thanks.
130From Benjamin Franklin to Christopher Gadsden, 12 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received the honour of yours by Commodore Gillon, and have done every thing in my Power to forward his Undertaking. But the present Circumstances here have prevented that Success which at another time he might have promised himself. I am glad to hear that you Continue well and active in your Country’s Cause, being, with Sincere Esteem Sir Your most obed. & most hum....
131From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 3 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I seldom hear from you or Sally, but I have lately had the satisfaction of hearing of you, that you and yours were all well the Begining of april last. I send you in a Parcel by this Opportunity some of the Correspondence betwen Ben and me. He was well a few weeks since, and very kindly notic’d where he is, by some respectable People. I continue, Thanks to God, well...
132From Benjamin Franklin to Schweighauser, 7 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress This is to request you would write to Messrs. DeSegray & Company to forward the Saltpetre by land to L’Orient, where M. Williams will be ready to receive it & ship it with other Goods in his Hands for America. By doing this immediately you will much oblige me. With great Esteem I have the Honour to be,
133From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 1 January 1747 (Franklin Papers)
Duplicate: Yale University Library This is only to enclose a Bill of Exchange for £25 Sterling, and to wish you and good Mrs. Strahan, with your Children &c. many happy new Years. Mr. Hall continues well. We shall both write largely per Seymour. This via New York. I am, &c.
134From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 23 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I beg leave to introduce Mr. Alexander by this Line to your Excellency, and to request that you would favour him with a few minutes Audience. With the greatest Respect, I am, your Excellency’s m. o. and m. &. Undoubtedly Alexander John Alexander, who had asked BF to deliver memoirs to Sartine and Vergennes; see his letter of Dec. 14, above.
135From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, 7 February 1770: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract: translated and printed in Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, ed., Œuvres de M. Franklin … (Paris, 1773), II , 314. Il est bien vrai, comme on vous l’a mandé d’Amérique, que les Trembleurs y ont donné la liberté à tous leurs esclaves, mais il est à remarquer qu’ils n’en avoient pas beaucoup. Cependant si l’effort en est moins surprenant de leur part, l’action n’en est pas moins belle en elle-même.
136From Benjamin Franklin to Anthony Todd, 18 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL (letterbook draft): Library of Congress Dr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr. Todd, and sends the above Extracts of Letters from Mr. Foxcroft to show what reason Dr. F. had to suppose the Accts might now have been settled. In reply to the preceding letter. Above, Nov. 2, 5; Dec. 7, 1774; Jan. 4, 1775.
137From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Perret, 12 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Bibliothèque municipale de Nantes; copy: Library of Congress I received duely the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me of the 6th. Instant, together with the Pacquet of Papers therein mentioned relating to the English Vessel called the Betsey, agreable to the Inventory that accompanied them. I have the honour to be with great Regard Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant
138From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Extract, 1 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Library of Congress I think it will be best for you to pay what Ballance you suppose in your hands towards the Anchors, and draw on me for the Rest. This will answer the present purpose of satisfying M. Gourlade, and Errors if any may be rectified in the final settlement of your accounts. Part of a Letter to Jonathan Williams In answer, finally, to JW ’s letter of April 8. The extract...
139From Benjamin Franklin to William Dillwyn, 20 July 1774: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Summary printed in Sotheby & Co. auction catalogue, December 6, 1965, p. 52. <Craven Street, July 20, 1774: A note in the third person, presenting his compliments and asking Dillwyn to send by the bearer “the Papers he was so kind as to offer Dr. F. the Sight of.”> The Quaker opponent of the slave trade who carried Smith’s letter above, May 13.
140From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Blagden, 29 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : James M. Osborn, New Haven, Connecticut (1966) Dr Franklin presents his Compliments to Dr Blagden, requests his Care of the enclos’d, and wishes him a good Journey with a happy Sight of his Friends & Country. Blagden had paid his final visit to BF on July 25. He was received in the “inner cabinet” where a “Great cover [was] laid out,” and the two men discussed the Montgolfiers’ “flying...
141From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 10 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I beg your Excellency to accept my thankfull Acknowledgment for your favour to the Captain of the American Union, in permitting him to continue his Cruize. You have made him & his People very happy, and have very much obliged Your Excellency’s obedient and most humble Servant. In response to his of the previous day, above.
142To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Franklin, 11 July 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Dr. Franklin requests Mr. Jefferson to do what he thinks is proper on the subject of the Letter inclosed, and afterwards to make answer to the writer. RC ( DLC ); in William Temple Franklin’s hand. Enclosure not identified.
143From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 20 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Abstract: Parke-Bernet catalogue (1963) <Passy, July 20, 1778: Franklin notifies Dumas of the ratification at Versailles of the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and authorizes him to “communicate the Treaty of Commerce to M. le Grand Pensionnaire.” > Session of December 3: p. 19 of catalogue 2235. See the preceding document. Three weeks earlier Dumas had shown the Grand...
144From Benjamin Franklin to Taverne Demont Dhiver, 28 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I am honor’d with yours of the 22 Inst. applying for two Commissions. I should have a Pleasure in complying with your Request; But it is not in my Power, till I shall have receiv’d fresh Orders from Congress. I have the Honor to be, Sir &c.
145From Benjamin Franklin to Schweighauser, 29 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Please to furnish Capt. Elisha Hart with the Same sum you advanced to the Officers Prisoners, who came over in the first Cartel with the approbation of Mr. Adams, taking his Promissory Notes for the Same per triplicate, payable to the President of Congress, or his Order. I have the honour to be, Sir
146From Benjamin Franklin to ――― Brillon, [before 25 August? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Franklin fait bien de Compliments a M. Brillon, et desire d’être informé ou demeure M. Hennet. Addressed: A Monsr / Monsieur Brillon BF and Hennet had been negotiating about supplies for some time before the latter’s first dated letter, Aug. 25, which immediately follows.
147From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 15 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received duly the large Parcel of Letters and Papers you favoured me with by Mr. Austin, to which I shall when I can get a little time, answer particularly. I received also a Box, containing 12 of the 4tos. and 4 of the 8vos. in boards, with the spanish Dictionary and Grammar, and I think some Pamphlets. A bound 4to. is also come to hand, I know not whether from you...
148From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Vaughan & Son, 9 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favour by Mr. Luard and would on your Recommendation have gladly rendred him any service in my Power but he has found no Difficulty in settling his affairs to his satisfaction. I rejoice to learn that you and all the amiable family of the Vaughans are well, which may God continue. I am ever, with great Esteem Gentlemen y. m. o. h. S. XXX , 512n.
149From Benjamin Franklin to [Elizabeth Hubbart], [18 March 1756] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from extract in Parke-Bernet Galleries Sale Catalogue, No. 61 (November 9–10, 1938), p. 30. I forgot whose Tickets I sent you; but you can write the names of the Managers, and the Numbers sign’d by each, and the 4th Class will be sent you. … I will get your Brother’s Commission sign’d by Mr. Hunter and send it from Virginia. … See above, pp. 403–4, for the lottery and...
150From Benjamin Franklin to [Lecoq], 11 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library The Equipping of armed Vessels in the Ports of France to act under Commissions from the Congress of America against the English, being contrary to Treaties, and therefore disagreable to Government here, your Friend’s Request cannot possibly be comply’d with. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant In reply to his inquiry above, July 28....