1To Benjamin Franklin from John Coakley Lettsom, 13 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society May I request Dr. Franklin’s acceptance of the publications herewith sent. The octavo volume by Captn. Carver is more interesting, on acct. of the importance of a Country whose back settlements it describes, and which is one day destined, I hope, to form the hemisphere of freedom— I expected to include in two 8vo volumes the whole of Dr. Fothergill’s works,...
2To Benjamin Franklin from John Coakley Lettsom, 15 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society John Lister, a respectable Friend (Quaker) has just informed me that he sets off for Paris tomorrow; and I embrace the opportunity of acknowledging the favour of thy Letter, inclosing one of Dr. Fothergills herein returned, tho’ I regret that I have not time by his sudden departure, of writing more fully in answer to thine. My Friend Lister will spend about...
3To Benjamin Franklin from John Coakley Lettsom, 2 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Henry Smeathman, the bearer of this is an ingenious person, who was patronized by Dr. Fothergill and under the Doctor’s patronage he visited the coast of Africa, and in consequence of the knowledge he acquired, he seems capable of giving ample information respecting the present trade of Africa, and wishes I believe, to suggest, new sources of extending it...
4To Benjamin Franklin from John Coakley Lettsom, 28 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I write this at the request of my friend & Countryman Thornton, a Student of medicine, & a young gentleman of fortune from Tortola; who has, like every other person of sentiment & ambition, a fond desire to know Dr. Franklin, & I have taken the liberty to request his delivery of this letter— I think he will make a distinguished character; he has at present...
5To Benjamin Franklin from John Coakley Lettsom, 1 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society The enclosed is a rough sketch of a few data, which I mean to enlarge, as soon as I am informed; of the certainty of these data. May I request the favour of a line; which shall be confidential. I have a copy of the enclosed, which need not be returned. I have desired my frd, Des Gesnettes to wait upon thee for any commands; in order to take off any trouble of...
6To George Washington from John Coakley Lettsom, 15 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
Although a stranger to thee, and from my insignificancy in the great community of the world, even my name may be unknown; yet, I have presumed to address thee, with my sincere Thanks for the kindness shewn to a relation and Countryman of mine, whose virtues will do thy patronage no discredit. Dr Thornton to whom I allude, has a heart—an openness, a candour, and an ingenuous disposition; that,...
7To Thomas Jefferson from John Coakley Lettsom, 10 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Although unknown to the President of the United States of America, I could not be ignorant of his high character, even before Dr. Thornton introduced it to me; and from his account of the President’s condescension, as well as of his love to, and encouragement of, the Arts, I am induced to request his acceptance of a performance, which I have printed with a view to promote a practice of great...