1The American Peace Commissioners to David Hartley, 5 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Public Record Office, William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives; press copy of copy: National Archives; copies of draft: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society We have received the Letter which you did us the Honour to write yesterday. Your friendly Congratulations on the signature of the definitive Treaty, meet...
2From Benjamin Franklin to Charles James Fox, 5 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Public Record Office; copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society I received in its time the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me by Mr. Hartley: And I cannot let him depart without expressing my Satisfaction in his Conduct towards us, and applauding the Prudence of that Choice which sent us a Man possess’d of such a Spirit of Conciliation, and of all...
3From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 6 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, William L. Clements Library (two), Library of Congress (two) Inclosed is my Letter to Mr. Fox. I beg you would assure him, that my Expressions of Esteem for him are not mere Professions. I really think him a Great Man; & I could not think so, if I did not believe he was at Bottom, and would prove himself, a good One. Guard him against Mistaken Notions...
4From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley: Two Letters, 7 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copies: Library of Congress (two), William L. Clements Library, Massachusetts Historical Society; (II) Copies: Library of Congress (two), William L. Clements Library, Massachusetts Historical Society, Public Record Office The enclosed Letters to you and to Mr. Fox were written before I saw you yesterday. On my return home last night I found despatches from Congress which may remove the...
5The American Peace Commissioners to David Hartley, 7 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachussetts Historical Society, Library of Congress We have the honour of transmitting herewith enclosed an Extract of a Resolution of Congress of the 1. May last, which we have Just recd. You will perceive from it that we may daily expect a Commission in due Form, for the Purposes mentioned in it, and we assure you of our Readiness to enter upon the Business, whenever you may think...
6From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Hewson, 7 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I received your kind Letter of the 9th past. I am glad that the little Books are pleasing to you and your Children, and that the Children improve by them. I send you herewith some more of them. My Grandson Bache has been four Years at School at Geneva; and is but lately come home to me here. I find Reason to be satisfied with the Improvement he has made in his...
7To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 10 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have received a Letter from a very respectable Person in America, containing the following Words, Viz “It is confidently reported, propagated, and believed by some among us, that the Court of France was at bottom against our Obtaining the Fishery and Territory in that great Extent in which both are secured to us by the Treaty; that our Minister at that Court favoured, or did not oppose this...
8The American Peace Commissioners to Elias Boudinot, 10 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and press copy of LS : National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society On the third Instant, Definitive Treaties were concluded, between all the late belligerent Powers, except the Dutch, who the Day before settled and signed Preliminary Articles of Peace with Britain. We most sincerely & cordially congratulate Congress and our Country in general, on this...
9From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 10 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society I have received a Letter from a very respectable Person in America, containing the following Words, Viz “It is confidently reported, propagated, and believed by some among us, that the Court of France was at bottom against our obtaining the Fishery and Territory in that great Extent in which both are secured to us by the Treaty; that our Minister at that...
10To John Jay from Benjamin Franklin, 10 September 1783 (Jay Papers)
I have received a Letter from a very respectable Person in America, containing the following Words viz. “It is confidently reported, propagated and believed ^ by some ^ among us, that the Court of France was at bottom against our Obtaining the Fishery and Territory in that great Extent in which both are secured to us by the Treaty; that our Minister at that Court favoured, or did not oppose...
11From 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.
12From Benjamin Franklin to Josiah Quincy, Sr., 11 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Storer told me not long since that you complain’d of my not writing to you. You had reason; for I find among your Letters to me two unanswered, viz. those of May 25, and Dec. 17. 1781. The Truth is, I have had too much Business to do for the Publick, and too little Help allow’d me; so that it became impossible for me to keep up my private...
13From Benjamin Franklin to [Madame Durey de Meinières], 12 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Friend Made [Madame] Helvetius tells me that I do wrong to dine abroad, as it hurts my Health; and I much respect her Counsels: But I cannot resist the double Temptation you offer me of dining with you and with that amiable Family. So that if alive and well I shall certainly render my self on Sunday at the Pavilions of Chaillot, when I hope your...
14From Benjamin Franklin to Elias Boudinot, 13 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS , press copy of LS , and transcript: National Archives; ALS (draft) and transcript: Library of Congress I received a few Days since the Private Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me of the 18th. June. I regret with you the Resignation of the late Secretary. Your present Cares are encreased by it, and it will be difficult to find a Successor of equal Abilities. We found...
15From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 13 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I received your kind Letter of April 29. and am happy that the little Supplies I sent you, have contributed to make your Life more comfortable. I shall by this Opportunity order some more Money into the Hands of Cousin Williams, to be dispos’d of in assisting you as you may have Occasion. Your Project of taking a House for us to spend the Remainder of our...
16From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Thomson, 13 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress Mr Livingston having resigned, I am obliged to trouble you with some Notes of Enquiry, and other Papers that have been put into my Hands from time to time. If you can procure any of the Informations desired, you will much oblige me and some of my Friends.— With great Esteem, I am ever, Yours most affectionately Endorsed: Letter from Doct Franklin Sept 13. 1783.— After...
17From Benjamin Franklin to Lewis R. Morris, 14 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and transcript: National Archives I receiv’d by the Washington the Bills and Accounts mentioned in yours of the 5th of June, and shall soon send you an Account of the Disposition of the Money. My Account as stated by you appears to be right. With much Esteem I have the honour to be, Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant
18From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 16 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : Library of Congress Having this Opportunity by Mr Bingham, who has the Honour of being known to you, I seize it to thank you for your excellent Book and other Favours, and to let you know that I continue well, except a little Gout, which perhaps is not more a Disease than a Remedy. Mr Petrie inform’d me of your being also well with Mrs Price lately at Brighthelmstone, which...
19To Benjamin Franklin from Prince Bariatinskii, with Franklin’s Draft of a Reply, 16 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Prince Bariatinskoÿ prie monsieur Francklein de lui faire L’honneur de venir diner chez lui aprés demain jeudi Le 18. du Courant. R:S:V:P: Addressed: à Monsieur / Monsieur Francklein / ministre plenipotentiaire des / Etats Unis de l’Amerique / près S:M:T:C: / à Passÿ Endorsed: Mr Franklin presents his respectful Compliments to Prince Baritinsky, with...
20From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Rush, 18 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library M. du Trône, who will have the Honour of presenting you this Line, is recommended to me by very respectable Persons, as a young Gentleman of excellent Character, who goes to America with Views of residing there some Years, and practising Chemistry. I beg leave to recommend him to your Protection and good Counsels, and to those Civilities you delight in showing to...
21From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 23 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library The Bearer Mr. Du Trône, is extreamly well recommended to me here, by Persons of the first Distinction & Character. He is a Physician by Profession, but goes over to America with other Views. I beg you will introduce him to some of my Friends, & that you will shew him every Civility & Attention in your Power.— My Love to Sally and the Children, & believe me ever,...
22From Benjamin Franklin to Elias Boudinot, 27 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and transcript: National Archives Mr Thaxter late Secretary of Mr Adams, who is charg’d with all our Dispatches that were intended to go by the French Pacquet-Boat, writes from L’Orient, that tho’ he arriv’d there two Days before the time appointed for her Sailing, he miss’d reaching her by four Hours; but another light Vessel was fitting and would sail the 21st. Inst. in which he hop’d to...
23From Benjamin Franklin to [Anthony Todd], 27 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d last Night your Favour of the 19th. Inst. and have this Day sent to propose a Meeting on the Subject with Mr. Couteulx; but he was not in Town. I shall do what you desire of me as soon as may be. Be so good as to forward the enclos’d, if not too late, by your next Wednesday’s Mail, and let me Know by a Line if it was in time. With...
24Remarks concerning the Savages of North America, [before 7 January 1784] (Franklin Papers)
Printed at Passy, [1784]; AD (draft): Library of Congress; two copies: Library of Congress; incomplete press copy of copy: American Philosophical Society In the fall and winter of 1783–84, when Franklin’s diplomatic responsibilities were at an ebb, he was confined to his house by painful ailments, and he was hoping for permission to leave France, he seems to have spent much of his time...
25From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Edward Newenham, 2 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 226–7. I have just received your very kind letter of the 16th past. I rejoice sincerely to hear of your safe return to your own country, family and friends, and of the success of your election. It is a pleasing reflection arising from the contemplation of...
26To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Stamitz, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 2 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pardonnez la liberté que je prends de vous Ecrire sans avoir l’honneur d’être Connû de vous; je viens d’apprendre trés positivement que Messieurs les Amériquains, voulant faire refleurir les beaux arts chez Eûx. Sont sur le point d’avoir une troupe française, dont Monsieur Clerval, ancien Comédien de Provinçe doit en être le Regiseur, qui pour cet Effect...
27To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 3 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania This very morning I had the Pleasure to receive Your Letter of the 27th. past inclosing one for the President of Congress, which was so exactly in Time that I forwarded it along with Lord Norths Dispatches this Evening to Falmouth with Orders for the three several Packet Boats for New York Jamaica and the Lewards Islands to sail immediately. These Boats...
28From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Brand Hollis, 5 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress I received but lately (tho’ sent in June) your most valuable present of the Memoirs of Thomas Hollis Esqr. who was truly as you describe him in your letter, a good “Citizen of the World and a faithful Friend of America.” America too is extremely sensible of his Benevolence and great Beneficence towards her, and will ever revere his Memory.—These These Volumes...
29From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Banks, 8 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Royal Society; AL (draft): University of Pennsylvania Library; press copy of LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress After heavy winds and rain had marred the demonstration of his hotair balloon at the Réveillon manufactory on September 12, Etienne Montgolfier and his collaborators had just one week to prepare a new balloon to be launched before the royal family...
30From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 8 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS and transcript: Library of Congress; copy: William L. Clements Library I received your favour of the 24th past, and rejoice that you have a reasonable Prospect of the Recovery of your dear Sister in time. I join with you most cordially in “Wishes to forward, not only the Continuance of Peace between the two Countries, but the Improvement of Reconciliation”; and I “presume” as...
31From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 8 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Mrs. Frances V. Finletter, Philadelphia (1956) I cannot let this Opportunity of Mr. Jay’s going to London, pass without Dropping a Line to you, to say that I am tolerably well and love you as much as ever; and that I wish to hear from you oftner, tho’ I am so bad a Correspondent as not to deserve it. I find I have, left, four of my Vols. on Electricity, and none of your Collection. If Mr...
32From Benjamin Franklin to [Anthony Todd], 9 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
l (draft): American Philosophical Society I have not as yet been able to settle any thing in Consequence of the Power you have vested me with. The Person I am to treat with is in the Country but is expected soon to be in Town. I am told he is likewise authorized to treat with me relative to the Arrangement necessary between the American & french Post Offices. & that he has already drawn out a...
33From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 16 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: William L. Clements Library I have nothing material to write to you respecting public affairs, but I cannot let Mr Adams who will see you go without a line, to enquire after your welfare, to inform you of mine, & to assure you of my constant respect and attachment. I think with you that our quaker article is a good one & that men will in time have sense enough to adopt it, but I fear...
34From Benjamin Franklin to Edward Nairne, 18 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), III , 459. I received your favor of August 14, by Mr. Sykes, with the book of directions for using your patent electric machine. The machine itself is also come to hand in good order, after some delay on the road; and I think it very ingeniously contrived...
35From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 22 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), 11, 439. I received my dear friend’s kind letter of the 4th instant from Bath, with your proposed temporary convention which you desire me to shew to my colleagues. They are both by this time in London, where you will undoubtedly see and converse with them on...
36From Benjamin Franklin to Anthony Todd, 29 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been in hopes of being able to answer sooner yours of the 17th. but am at last inform’d that tho’ M. D’Ogny is come to Town, he can enter into no Agreement till he has receiv’d his Instructions, which he cannot have till after the Return of the Court from Fontainbleau to Versailles. So I can only say at present, that the Reasonings in...
37From Benjamin Franklin to Elias Boudinot, 1 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives; press copy of LS and transcript: Library of Congress Inclos’d is a Copy of my last, which went by the English Pacquet. I heard after I wrote it, that the French Pacquet putting back by contrary Winds, Mr. Thaxter had an Opportunity of getting on board her and that She sail’d the 26th. of September. The mentioned new Commission is not yet come to hand. Mr....
38From Benjamin Franklin to Pierres, 3 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; AL (draft): American Philosophical Society Je vous renvoïe cy inclus les Essais que vous avez bien voulu me montrer. Je vous en remercie. J’ai vû avec plaisir le Progrès que vous avez fait, dans une maniere qui differe de la mienne, quoique peut être meilleure. Je serai bien aise de vous voir, quand vous en aurez le Loisir, afin de finir notre Compte Je suis avec...
39Franklin et al.: Procès-verbal of Montgolfier Balloon Experiment, 21 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
DS : Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin; copies: California State Library, University of Pennsylvania Library; press copy of copy: Massachusetts Historical Society aujourd’hui 21 novembre 1783 au chateau de la muette. L’on à procedé à une expérience de la machine aerostatique de m. de montgolfier Le Ciel etant Couvert de nuages dans plusieurs parties, clair dans D’autres, le vent nordouest. à midy. 8...
40From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Banks, November 22–25, 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress; incomplete AL (draft): University of Pennsylvania Library; press copy of LS : Massachusetts Historical Society I received your friendly Letter of the 7th. Inst. I am glad my Letters respecting the Aerostatic Experiment were not unacceptable. But as more perfect Accounts of the Construction and Management of that Machine have been and will be published before your...
41Notes on the Journey from Boston to Philadelphia in 1723, [c. 29 November 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society This list of days, numbers, and abbreviated words was scrawled on the verso of Ferdinand Grand’s letter of November 29. They show Franklin reconstructing his flight from Boston at the age of seventeen, which he had described in Part I of his autobiography, written in 1771. He did not have that text with him in France, but in December, 1782, he had received a...
42From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Banks, 30 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Library; press copy of ALS : Harvard University Library I did myself the honour of writing to you the Beginning of last Week, and I sent you by the Courier, M. Faujas’s Book upon the Balloons, which I hope you have receiv’d. I did hope to have given you to day an Account of Mr Charles’s grand Balloon, which was to have gone up yesterday; but the filling it with inflammable Air...
43From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, [December 1783?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society Je vous envoye incluses, les petites Pieces que vous, ma très chere Amie, m’a fait l’honneur de me demander. Celle sur le Jeu des Echecs, doit etre dedieé à vous, la plus belle conseil qu’elle contient, etant copié de votre maniere genereuse & magnanime de jouer, que j’ai si souvent experiencé. Mon petit Fils a été voir votre Maison. Je suis bien...
44From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Banks, 1[–2] December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; press copy of ALS : Harvard University Library In mine of yesterday, I promis’d to give you an Account of Messrs Charles & Robert’s Experiment, which was to have been made on this Day, and at which I intended to be present. Being a little indispos’d, & the Air cool, and the Ground damp, I declin’d going into the Garden of the Tuilleries where the Balloon was...
45From Benjamin Franklin to Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 3 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I: Received the letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 30: past, and am very Sensible of your zeal for Supporting the Credit of the united States, and the difficulties you must be exposed to in accepting all the drafts of Mr. Morris of which you have advice. I Communicated your letter to our Banker Mr. Grand, and desired immediate Conference...
46From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 6 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : South Carolina Historical Society; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I received your kind Letter of the 28th. past, and I send you herewith the anonymous Brussels Letter, as you desire. When I had last the Pleasure of seeing you at Passy, I forgot to mention to you that Mr. Ridley soon after your Departure for the South of France, call’d upon me with a Request that I would let him...
47From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 6 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Being now disabled by the Stone, which in the easiest Carriage gives me Pain, wounds my Bladder & occasions me to make bloody Urine, I find I can no longer pay my Devoirs personally at Versailles, which I hope will be excused. I have yet received from Congress no Answer to my Request of being recalled. In the mean time I must beg your...
48To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 10 December 1783 (Adams Papers)
I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 5 th. Instant by Comm o. Jones, with the Dispatches he brought. The Packet directed to me alone, contain’d only a Letter to the Magistrates of Hambourg, and a Diploma of Doctor of Divinity from the College at Princetown for the Reverend M r Wren: No Commission, nor any Mention of it; so that it seems to have been forgotten or...
49From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 10 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 5th. Instant by Commo. Jones, with the Dispatches he brought. The Packet directed to me alone, contain’d only a Letter to the Magistrates of Hambourg, and a Diploma of Doctor of Divinity from the College at Princetown for the Reverend Mr Wren: No Commission, nor any Mention of it; so that it...
50From Benjamin Franklin to William Hodgson, 10 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society Having represented to Congress the Services rendered to our Prisoners by the Revd Mr Wren, I have the Pleasure of transmitting their Thanks, together with a Diploma from the College at Princetown, which I beg you would forward to him with my Respects. I shall not fail to recommend my Friend for the Consulship, being with unalterable Esteem & Affection...