11To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, with Enclosure, 25 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Enclosed you have my Proposals respecting the improved Method of Quilling a Harpsichord; these may be shewn to any Instrument Maker, and in Case he will engage to allow a reasonable Recompense for the Invention, if the Engagements therein made shall be fully answered. The Paper containing the Description (or a Copy of it) together with one of the Models in the little Box herewith delivered may...
12To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 23 April 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Lord North being at the Head of Affairs and having show’d an Inclination in my Favour upon an Application made in my Behalf by Mrs. Johnson makes me flatter myself that, something or other may possibly be obtain’d for my Benefit. To this purpose I have wrote to the Bishop of Worcester, and as he is in the Country during the Summer Season have told him...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 31 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you about a week ago requesting you to procure for me from the proper office in Annapolis certified Copies of certain Papers, which are wanted in a Law Suit. Am in daily Expectation of the Answer which hath not yet got to hand. A gentleman in Town is making an Air Balloon of 6 feet Diameter; it is now almost completed. What the Success will be Time must shew. Mr. Morris’s...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 31 December 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I herewith forward another Portion of our News Papers. You will observe that I have dropt the Freeman’s Journal, and substituted the Evening Herald in its place. The former grew intolerably stupid and uninteresting. The latter gives the Debates in our Assembly, which I doubt not will afford you amusement and knowledge of our affairs. The Arrival of Dr. Franklin has given a Spur to our...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 6 April 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
It is a very long Time indeed since I have had the Satisfaction of a Line from you. Mr. Rittenhouse had a Letter last Fall in which you mention some Books to have been forwarded for him in a Package address’d either to me or Dr. Franklin, but those Books have not come to hand. I have another Gathering of Magazines, Museums, and News Papers for you, waiting a suitable opportunity.—We are in a...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 12 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I wish for the future you would readily command any Services that I can perform without taking the Trouble to catechise yourself on the Subject. As soon as I received yours of the 3d. Inst. I set about the Business you required; I presented the Bill on Mr. Willcocks who accepted it. I then took both the Drafts and your Letter to Mr. Morris who has settled the whole by giving me the enclosed...
17To George Washington from Francis Hopkinson, 19 April 1785 (Washington Papers)
Encouraged by the friendly Notice with which you have upon every Occasion been pleased to honour me, I take the Liberty of recommending to your kind Attention my Friend Mr Pine, an Artist of acknowledged Eminence, & who has given the World many pleasing & forcible Specimens of Genius. Zeal for the American Cause has brought him over from England, to secure, whilst it is yet possible, faithful...
18[To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 14 March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia , 14 Mch. 1784. Noted in SJL as received 25 Mch. 1784. Not found. This is probably the letter mentioned in the first paragraph of Hopkinson’s letter to TJ of 31 Mch. , q.v. It contained a request for certain papers needed in a lawsuit. On 27 Mch. TJ made the following entry in his Account Book: “pd Register of land office for Fras. Hopkinson Philada 22/6”; and on 30 Mch.: “pd...
19Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioner or Commissioners, 19 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of Sept 8th the following Setts of Exchange have issued from my Office Vizt. To the State of Connecticut Doll 25 Setts 12 Doll. No. 1655–1679= 300 50 18 1658–1707= 900 50 24 1658–1707= 1200
20To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 30 May [1784] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Wright has made a most excellent Copy of the Generals Head; he is much pleased with it himself, and I think it rather more like than the Original. In Order to admit of it’s being pack’d up at all he has been oblig’d to expose it all this Day in the Sun. The Consequence is that the Colours will sink in, as the Painters call it, that is, it will look dead and without Brilliancy or Gloss....
21To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 10 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I did myself the Pleasure of writing to you pr. Mr. Carmichael; since which, I have not heard from you in Return, but flatter myself there may be a Letter on the Way. Come when it may, it will be truly acceptable.— Since your Departure my chief Pleasure is in conversing with Mr. Rittenhouse on Philosophical Subjects. This Gratification, however, I but...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 23 October 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I received Mr. Pissott’s Proposals for printing English authors and agreeably to your desire immediately offer’d them to Dr. Franklin, a few Days ago. I call’d just now for his answer. He told me a Gentleman going to France would call upon him Tomorrow for Letters and that he should write to you on the Subject but he did not tell me whether he would engage for his Grandson or not. There is a...
23Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioner or Commissioners, [on or after 8 December 1780] (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society In pursuance of the Resolve of Congress hereunto annexed I have signed fifth sixth seventh and eighth Sets of Loan Office Bills of Exchange of the Numbers and Denominations following Viz. No. 265. 1 Set for 60 Doll. in favor of Sarah Cheeseman dated Octr. 31. 1779 309. 1 120 do. do. 919. 1 120 do. Sepr. 21. 1779 767. 1 12 do. do. 796. 1 24 do. John Woodhull...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 10 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I am anxious to write a few Lines to you; but my late Mallady has had so strange an Effect that, for some Months I could not write at all, and yet express myself imperfectly and with great Difficulty. What I now say must be only in few Words. I wish to repay the Monies you have advanced for me, but know not the Amount. The principal Articles are the Encyclode. the Physic. Bibli. Œconom. a sett...
25[To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 16 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 16 Apr. 1784. Noted in SJL as received 20 Apr. 1784, “inclosing spectacles.” Not found.]
26To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 13 December 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By this Time I hope his Lordship has recieved our Letters, and as the Bishops always spend their Winter in London it is probable he may have desired a Conversation with you on the Discovery of his Family, and has made more particular Enquiries about his Relations in Philadelphia; And very happy do we esteem ourselves in having a Friend in England to answer...
27To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 5 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your very obliging Favour of the 4th. June came to hand within these few Days. My Friendship & Pride were both highly gratified by this Indulgence. I hope I shall always endeavour to merit your Esteem & the Esteem of all good Men. The Trust you have been pleased to repose in me does me Honour, & I doubt not but you may depend on the Exertion of my best...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 1 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you three or four weeks ago, and I now take the opportunity by Mr. Govr. Morris of sending you a small Package of News Papers, Pamphlets &c. amongst which is a work of my own just published. I beg Miss Jefferson’s Acceptance of a Copy, and wish it may be to her Taste. It is a Book of Songs , which I composed, occasionally, for my Daughters, who play and sing them very well. The last...
29To George Washington from Francis Hopkinson, 3 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I could, if the Subject was worth so much Attention, justify my Musick against your Complaints —for I insist that it is as good melting Musick as could be expected at that severe Season of the Year, and would have found its way to you by water if you had but allowed a reasonable Time. A Lover who is all over Flames will require two & sometimes three years to melt the frozen heart of his...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 14 December 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have only Time to scribble a Line or two. You have no Doubt received from some of your Friends the new System of Government for our Country. This has been the Subject of great Debate in our Convention for three weeks past and perhaps the true Principles of Government were never upon any Occasion more fully and ably develop’d. Mr. Wilson exerted himself to the astonishment of all Hearers. The...
31To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 28 March 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is odd enough for a Person to write a Letter which he heartily wishes may never get to Hand; But this is really my Case at present as I am encouraged by your last to expect the Pleasure of seeing you here early in the Summer. I am sensible however that many unforeseen Delays may occur to prevent your embarking so soon as you imagin’d, and therefore will...
32[From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Hopkinson, 20 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 20 Apr. 1784. Entry in SJL reads: “F. Hopkinson. Merlin stop—Congress meet in Trenton or Phila. in Nov.—Morris & Holker—compl[iments to?] Mr. Rittenh[ouse].” Not found.]
33To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 14 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Favour of the 23d. Dec. came to Hand yesterday. I have but just Time to notice the several Articles you mention in the order they stand. The first respects Madame Champes. I have suffered much uneasiness about the first Packet to her, which I delivered to a Gentleman of Bucks County, her near Neighbour, upon his Promise to procure me her Receipt for the Packet. This however hath never...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, with Enclosure, 20 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Favour of the 11th Novr. came to Hand not long since, for which I thank you. I had, much about the same Time, written to you giving an Account of my further Improvement in the Method of Quilling a Harpsichord and enclosed a Model in my Letter. My Harpsichord quilled in this Way has been freely used by myself and Daughters since its Arrival last fall and not one Quill has failed, the Touch...
35To George Washington from Francis Hopkinson, 22 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer Captn Alexander late Commander of the Frigate Delaware, is well informed of the Situation of the Shipping at Philadelphia, & is of opinion that with a little Assistance the Enemy might be annoyed greatly in their Trade & Shipping whilst the River continues full of Ice—he is desirous of communicating his Sentiments on the Subject to your Excellency—The few naval Officers here, are...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 25 October 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
It is not long since I wrote to you and forwarded another Package (I think the third) of our news Papers, and at the same time sent you a Model of my last Improvement in the Harpsichord. The effect produced by furnishing an Instrument in that way is truly astonishing. I have discovered the Reason. It causes the Instrument to sound the Octave below the Tones produced by the Quill. The full Tone...
37To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson: Two Letters, 30 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society Happening to be in your Parlour & finding Pen Ink Paper ready; that is to say, a bad Pen, a little Ink to be squees’d out of an almost dry Piece of Cotton & this same Quarter of a Sheet of Paper which is all the house affords, I set down to brighten the Chain between us.— I wrote to you by Mr. Barclay who is I hope long since safe in Paris.— I...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 3 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Unwilling to engage too much of your Attention I write but seldom, & yet have been unlucky in the few Instances wherein I have endeavour’d to amuse you & gratify myself. My Letters have for the most part miscarried. I wrote pretty fully by Mr. President Lawrence, who you know was taken with his Papers— My Bagatelles were no Doubt paraded in great Form on...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 28 June 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I would fain deserve the good Character you were pleased to give me in one of your late Letters—that of a punctual Correspondent. Our Volume of Philosophical Transactions made it’s first Appearance in public yesterday and to Day I shall put one on the way at last to your Hand. I have lately been in New Jersey and saw a Bird which a Country man had shot, and is I think a Curiosity. This Bird is...
40[To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 13 April 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Philadelphia, 13 Apr. 1784. Noted in SJL as received 16 Apr. 1784. Not found.]
41To George Washington from Francis Hopkinson, 1 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
There is all the Difference in the World between a Thing done, & a Thing to be done. A Thing to be done is exposed, like our new Constitution, to all Manner of Criticisms, Objections, Oppositions, Reasonings true & false, with Arguments & Apprehensions founded on future Consequences, possible and impossible. On the Contrary, a Thing done, unless it is a very bad thing indeed, is not only...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 23 July 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
In Obedience to your Request I some Time since forwarded a Packet of our News papers to Mr. Jameison at New York to be transmitted to you. You will herewith receive a second Exportation. You will see by them that the present object of popular attention is the investing Congress with more executive Power, and giving a Check to the Importation of British Manufactures. We are daily looking for...
43To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 22 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Had I consulted my own Inclinations more than your Ease, you should have frequently heard from me since you left us; but knowing your Correspondence to be extensive and your Engagements important, I have avoided offering myself to your Notice lest I should intrude on more weighty Concerns. I would not, however, carry this Delicacy so far as to run the...
44To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, [27 March 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society To be noticed by the Great is an Honour but to enjoy the Friendship of the Good is more than Honour—it is Happiness. I was much gratified by your kind Letter per Capt. Barney, & thank you for the Premiere Livraison of the Encyclopédie . But you have not informed me in what Manner I shall make Payment for them. The Sum total is larger than I could have...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 12 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you have, e’er this, recovered from your Indisposition. For my Part I have been afflicted with a very severe Cold for these three Weeks past nor have I yet got rid of this troublesome Companion. This Complaint is very general here. I have amused myself during my Confinement in various Ways. I have read Burney on Music which is really a very learned Work, but as I cannot subscribe to all...
46To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 24 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot suffer so good an Opportunity to pass without renewing my Assurances of the Love & Respect I have for you— mine & my Father’s steady Friend. It is indeed long since I have written to you, & much longer since I have received a Letter from you— Your more serious & important Avocations are doubtless the Occasion of both— I am unwilling to intrude upon...
47To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 17 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society I have wrote you many Letters, but fear very few ever reached your Hand. In particular I wrote fully by the unfortunate President Laurens enclosing some of my Labours in the Cause (such as they were). They fell into the Hands of the British & were probably handed up to Court with great Solemnity, along with Papers of more Consequence—they are heartily...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 29 June 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have conferr’d with Mr. Franklin respecting the Encyclopedia, and we find, that in order to settle that account between us it will be necessary to know what the whole Cost will be from No. 1 to the last Liveraison. As I suppose you have a complete Set of your own, you can inform us of the Amount, which will make the matter easy between Mr. Franklin and me. He expects to be in New York in...
49To George Washington from Francis Hopkinson, 24 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you about a Week ago respecting the arbitrary Conduct of Genl Howe in confining Capt. Robinson & Capt. Galt who went in to the City under the Sanction of a regular Flag —altho’ I have no Doubt but your Excellency will do whatever is proper in the affair, yet, as I have not had the Satisfaction of hearing any thing further, I am not a little anxious about it. We have certain...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 8 July 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the Opportunity of a Vessel going to Havre de Grace to send you a large Packet of News Papers, Magazines, Museums &c. to which I have added some Publications of our Literati and Politicians. To save any Postage from Havre to Paris I have address’d the Packet to Mr. Andrew Lamouzine, and requested him either to forward it to you, or keep it till sent for. I have got some Illinois Nuts...
51To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 22 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This Letter will be presented by Mr. Foulk the Son of Judah Foulk of this City whom you may remember. I beg leave to recommend him to your Notice, he is a worthy young Man in his private Character—whether Whig or Tory I cannot say—his Connections are for the most part of the latter Denomination.— I wrote to you by Mr. Gerard who is I hope safe arrived at...
52To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 2 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Convenient Opportunities of writing to you seem less frequent than formerly, and those of hearing from you, still more scarce. My last was dated the 1. Decr. by Mr. Govr. Morris by whom also I sent a Packet of News Papers for yourself and a small Book of Songs for Miss Jefferson. I hope they have long since reach’d your hands. I have at last received the Case of Vinegar (Via Baltimore) for...
53To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 28 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Favour of the 6th. July was handed to me by our mutual friend Dr. Franklin, as also were four Volumes of the Bibliothèque Œconomique, and your Notes on Virginia for which I heartily thank you. I shall be careful to observe your Instruction in the blank Leaf of your Notes. I hope you will continue to send me the Bibliothèque Œconomique, as I have found much valuable Entertainment in them....
54To George Washington from Francis Hopkinson, 16 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I take the Liberty of forwarding the enclosed Papers by Express; earnestly requesting your Excellency would be so good as to take the most immediate & effectual Steps for the Enlargement of Captain Robinson & Captain Got. You will see by the Letters, numbered according to their Dates, the Train of Authority under which a Flag was sent in to the City with Supplies for our People Prisoners...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 18 November 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I heard with real Satisfaction of your safe arrival in Europe after a voyage remarkably short, and I hope as remarkably pleasant. I long to hear from you, and flatter myself there may be a Letter for me on the Way. I have received my Harpsichord from London and a very excellent one it is, with Shudi and Broadwood’s Patent Swell, and quilled according to my Method, for which Invention they have...
56Francis Hopkinson to the American Commissioner or Commissioners, 24 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Three ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last of the 27th. of June the following Sets of Exchange have issued from my office vizt. To the State of Maryland dlr Dolr 7 Sets 100 each No. 1–7 700 5 200 1–5 1000
57To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 23 February 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just now received your favour pr. Mr. Marbois, have not Time to answer in kind, am sorry for your Illness. If your Fever was of the infectious kind you have performed Quarantine. I hope to see you in the Spring. I should not have wrote in such a Hurry, but to inform you that our Philosl. Society is in a promising Way. The Case of Mr. Maddison was this—the Candidates for Election were...
58To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 28 March 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
According to your Directions I sent the other Day a Package of News Papers to Mr. Jay to be forwarded to you. I wrote also by the same Conveyance. As I am frequently trying Projects of one kind or another, I sometimes blunder upon what I, for a while at least, suppose to be a Discovery. I wish to communicate to you one of these Projects. The manufacture of Perles fausses and patenotres is a...
59To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 17 July 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The last Letter I received from you is dated Augt. 1st. 1787 and my last to you April 6th. 1788. I have a pretty large Collection of News Papers for you, waiting a convenient opportunity. Mr. Tillier, who takes this, goes from hence to New York to embark for France. I could not ask him to take Charge of the Papers as they are too bulky: but I have made up a Package of Publications, which I...
60To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 31 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have once more the Pleasure of writing to you from this delightful Place; where I thank God, I enjoy perfect Health and all the Pleasures the Country can afford. Time rolls away in the most agreeable Manner imaginable; Reading, walking, riding, Music, Drawing &ca. season the Hours with much calm and rational Pleasure; and to crown all, the good Bishop and...