1From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 13 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Bristol Rhode Island Historical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I received yours of June 20. It gave me great Pleasure, as it inform’d me of the Welfare of yourself and the dear Family. I am glad Ben’s Profile got safe to hand. I assure you it is very like him. He is well. I have read Mr. Wharton’s Pamphlet. The Facts, as far as I know them, are as he states them. Justice, is, I...
2From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 22 August 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I have not had time to look over the Remarks sent me on Parker’s Account, but shall do it shortly. I am glad you received the Box safe that went by Loxley. I do not wonder that Dry Goods are at present as you say a miserable Concern. After the Non Importation Agreement ended, People crowded in their Goods expecting a lively Demand, and it...
3From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 25 July 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I wrote to you per Capt. Osborne, and have little to add, but that I had yesterday a Line from Preston expressing their Joy on the News I had communicated to them of their new Relation, that they were all well, and should write to you in a few Days via Liverpoole. This will be delivered to you by Messrs. John Hewson and Nathaniel Norgrove, who are...
4From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 24 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New-York Historical Society Messieurs Galatin & De Serres, two young Gentlemen of Geneva, of good Families and very good Characters, having an Inclination to see America; if they should arrive in your City, I recommend them to your Civilities, Counsel and Countenance. I am ever, Your affectionate Father Addressed: To / Richard Bache Esqe / Postmaster General of the / United States /...
5From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 13 August 1768 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Mrs. E[lizabeth] D[uane] Gillespie, A Book of Remembrance (Philadelphia and London, 1901), facsimile ALS facing pp. 22–3. I received yours of May 20, as also the preceding Letters mentioned in it. You must have been sensible that I thought the step you had taken, to engage yourself in the Charge of a Family, while your Affairs bore so unpromising an Aspect with Regard to the...
6From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache: Extract, 26 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania You will hear of the progress made towards a Peace from various quarters. It is not yet concluded, and perhaps it may be some time first. But as soon as it is, I hope to be permitted to return home, there being nothing that I more desire, than to spend my last days with my family & lay my bones to rest in America. Written on what is presumed to be the...
7From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 21 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Robert J. Walker III, Jupiter, Florida (1969) The Bearer Mr John Darby, of excellent Character & Connections in England, and in very capital Business, goes over with a View of Visiting America; & may perhaps finally settle there.— I beg you will do every thing in you Power to render his stay as agreable as possible, by shewing him every Civility and Attention and by affording him your...
8From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache: Three Letters, 8 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I), (II), and (III) Copy: Library of Congress This will be delivered to you by M. le Prince de Broglie, who goes to America to join the Army of General Rochambeau. He is a zealous Friend of our Cause and Country, and much esteem’d by all that know him. I recommend him earnestly to your Civilities, and request you would render him all the Services in your Power. I am ever. Your Affectionate...
9From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 11 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Library I received your Letters of the 28th. of August, and 10th of September, with the Newspapers by M. Sailly, but they were very incompleat and broken Sets, many being omitted perhaps the most material, which is disagreable to me who wish to be well inform’d of what is doing among you. I was glad to receive the good Account B & S have given of their good Treatment of those...
10From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 1 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Bearer, M. Jean Babtiste Charles Pinon Duclos Vulmer, is a young Gentleman of Good family and good Character, who goes to America for the Sake of Seeing that part of the World as a traveller, Your Civilities to him as a stranger of merit will much oblige. Your affectionate father
11From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 2 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : State M. E. Saltykov-Shchedrin Public Library, Leningrad Enclos’d is a Letter from Ben to his Mother. He chose to write it in French as more familiar to him than English. It is, I assure you, all his own, except the concluding Sentence. He grows fast and tall. There are 4 or 5 English Boys in the School, or I think he would be in danger of losing his English. Your Sisters were well...
12From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 14 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Mr. Guez, being well recommended to me as a skilful Surgeon, and otherwise of good Character for his Morals and Prudence, I recommend him to your Civilities and Advice, which as a Stranger he may have occasion for: And as he has not sufficient to pay his Passage here, and will not be able to provide such a Sum immediately there, I desire you to...
13From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 15 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Bearer, M Vatteville, goes over with Views of establiching himself in our Country. He bears the Character here of a Valuable Man, Likely to make a good and Useful Citizen among us. I recommend him warmly to your Civilities and Counsels. Ben continues well and behaves in his College as one could wish. I am ever Your affectionate father P.S. The Chevalier Crenis has...
14From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 3 March 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I received yours of Jan. 4. per Packet but none from Mrs. Franklin, whom you mention as writing at the same time. I lament the Death of my old good Friend Mr. Hall, but am glad to understand he has left a Son fit to carry on the Business, which wish he may do with as good a Character and as good Success as his Father. The Gentleman who reported that...
15From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 3 February 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I received yours of Nov. 3. with the Extracts from Mr. Hooper’s Letter, and Remarks of Mr. Morgan which will come under Consideration in due time. As yet the Grant has not pass’d the Seals, tho’ we are kept in continual Expectation. I am oblig’d to Mr. Baynton and you for the Communication. The Demolishing Fort Pitt was a strange Measure. It might...
16From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 15 July 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I have now before me yours of April 6, and 29, May 21. and June 1. I rejoice with you in the first place on the good News contain’d in your last, that Sally is safely delivered of another Son. I hope he will prove a Blessing to you both. I wish your new Shop Business to prove profitable, and do not doubt it if the Shop is closely attended. Will not...
17From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 10 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress The Bearer Count Beniousky, a Hungarian Gentleman of Distinction, goes to America with some Intention of settling there, if he shall find the Country agreable. He is much esteemed by Persons of Consideration here, and I earnestly recommend him to your Civilities. I have ordered Claret to you by various Opportunities, and hope some of it will be arriv’d...
18From 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...
19From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 1 September 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I received yours of July 6, by the last Packet that is arriv’d; for we have not yet [that?] of August. I had thoughts of going by this Packet, but various Considerations, some publick and some private, have occurr’d inducing me to postpone my leaving England for another Season. A Bill you drew for £27 18 s. 0 d. on Francis Roper, Mercht in London,...
20From 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,...
21From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 10 September 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library The Bearer Mr. Ralph Westley, goes to Pennsylvania to look out a proper Tract of good Land, on which to settle some able Norfolk Farmers, who are about to remove thither with their Families. One of whom, Mr. Foulger, is a Relation of mine. As the Farmers of that Country are reckoned the most skilful in England, and the comfortable Settling of these first...
22From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 19[–24] October 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Bristol, R.I., Historical Society We hear you have had an Alarm at Philada. I hope no ill consequences have attended it. I wonder I had no Line from you. I make no doubt of our People’s defending their City and Country bravely, on the most trying Occasions. I hear nothing yet of Mr. Goddard, but suppose he is on the Road. I suppose we shall leave this Place next Week. I shall not return...
23From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 22 July 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I hear by Mr. Dillwyn that you were all well: But had no Line from you either by him or the Packet. Capt. Falconer tells me the Casks of Types were put into his Cellar, he not knowing who they were for. You will get them there, and store them with the rest. I believe I wrote to this purpose before. I am very hearty, Thanks to God. My Love...
24From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 14 February 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress By Capt. All I send a Box directed to you containing a Number of Parcels for different People, which I request you to take care of that they may be carefully delivered. Among the rest there are 5 Doz Maps in a Roll with your Name on the Outside, of which you may take 6 for yourself, send Six to your Brother at Burlington, and give the rest to my...
25From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 7 October 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I receiv’d yours of Sept. 1. and am rejoic’d to hear you are all well. Your good Mother and Sisters were so about a Fortnight ago, when I heard from them. The Bill you sent me for £60 Whinney on Smith, Wright & Grey, being good, I return your Note enclos’d and correct’d. There remains Five Guineas unpaid, which you had of me just on your going away,...
26From Benjamin Franklin to Richard and Sarah Bache, 14 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete AL (draft): Library of Congress; incomplete AL : American Philosophical Society; incomplete ALS : Princeton University Library; incomplete copy and partial ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received your pleasing Letters of Jan. 14. & 16. and one since of the 30th of March with the Newspapers. They gave me great Pleasure, as they inform’d of your Health and that of your...
27From Benjamin Franklin to Richard and Sarah Bache, 5 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Library of Congress Enclos’d I send you some late Letters of Ben’s to me, by which you will learn his Welfare. I have agreed to take here an American’s Bill for 100£ Sterling lent him. I shall send it to you when I receive it, and I desire you to lay it out for me in a Share of the Bank. I am well, and shall soon write to you more fully. I have ordered Casks of the best Claret to...
28From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 27 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Mrs. Richard R. Wood, Wawa, Pennsylvania (1957) I have just received yours of may 2. with the Newspapers which you sent by M. Mease. He sent them up from the L’Orient, not coming to Paris himself. I have desired that you might send me the German Newspapers, but I suppose the Letters did not get to hand. Pray take them in, and send them by Duplicates. They will much oblige some of my...
29From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete copy: Library of Congress; extract: reprinted from William Temple Franklin, The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. F.R.S. &c. … (2nd ed.; 2 vols., London, 1817), I , 40–2. I have received yours of june [Jan.] 16. You observe that you Seldom hear from me, I have the Same reason to complain; but I do not complain of you. This [’Tis] the Loss of Ships, and the Sinking...
30From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 30 September 1774 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Works of Benjamin Franklin … (10 vols., Boston, 1836–40), VIII , 137–8. This brief note throws no light on its background. Franklin was introducing a “young man” (he was thirty-seven), recommended to him as ingenious and worthy, who at the time was completely unknown and a year and a half later was famous throughout the colonies. Thomas Paine explained...
31From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 6 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress The Bearer Mr. Robert Hare visits Philadelphia with a View of establishing himself there or at New York in the Porter-brewing Business. He bears an excellent Character among his Friends here as a very honest, ingenious, amiable Man. I therefore recommend him warmly to your Civilities; and doubt not but you will give him the best Advice and...
32From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 5 August 1767 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received yours of the 21st of May and am truly sorry to hear of your misfortune. It must however be a consolation to you that it cannot be imputed to any imprudence of your own, and that being yet in the early part of life, industry and good management may in a few years replace what you have lost. But in the mean time your own discretion will suggest...
33From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 22 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I have just received yours of March 10. and it is the first come to hand from you since my Arrival, tho’ the third you mention to have written. I rejoice to hear that the Family are all well. I did not hear before that they were out of Town. We are all well here. Temple presents his Duty. Ben’s Letter is enclos’d. He dines with me every Sunday and some Holidays....
34From Benjamin Franklin to Richard and Sarah Bache, 27 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received lately several Letters from you, which gave me a great deal of Pleasure, as they inform’d me of your Welfare and that of the Children. Being inform’d that Benny had been ill of a Fever, and that he was dejected & pin’d at being so long absent from his Relations, I sent for him to come to me during...
35From Benjamin Franklin to Richard and Sarah Bache, 31 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library; AL (draft): Library of Congress His Excellency, M. Gerard, who does me the Honour to take Charge of this Letter, goes Minister from this Court to the Congress. He is a Friend to your Country and to your Father, which gives him a double Claim to your Civilities, and to every Kindness in your Power to show him. It is so long since I have heard from you, and there...
36From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 17 February 1774 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Mrs. Edward M. Korry, Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. (1976); ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society I received Yours of Nov. 20, 30, Dec. 28 and Jan. 1. Before this gets to hand you will have heard that I am displaced, and consequently have it n[o longer] in my Power to assist you in your Views relating [to the Post Office and as things ar]e, I would not wish to see you [concern’d in it. For...
37From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 1 December 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I have received yours of Oct. 6 and 13. and Sally’s of Oct. 25. It rejoices me to hear that you are all well, and that Benja. is recovered of the Measles. I will write him a little print Letter, as soon as I hear that he can read Print. Thanks to God, I am perfectly well at present, but being so far advanced in Life, I cannot expect a long...
38From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah and Richard Bache, 26 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have only time to write a few Lines. I am well, and your Son was well about 10 Days ago. He is not in the Town of Geneva, where the Government is at present in Disorder; but is at the Master’s Country-House, a few Miles distant where he goes on with his Studies. Let me know in your next what his Age is, which I have forgotten.— I send enclos’d some of his...
39From Benjamin Franklin to Richard and Sarah Bache, 19 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress, Historical Society of Princeton This will be deliver’d you by Mr John Vaughan, son of a worthy friend of mine & a very amiable good young man. He has been some years in France & Spain Studying the two languages & acquiring commercial knowledge. His Establishmt. in America has ever been the Intention of his parents as well as his...
40From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah and Richard Bache, [4 October 1780] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from the Union Art Galleries Sales Catalogue (February 27, 1934), p. 28. I received yours of March 29 by the Nephew of Mr. Gerard; of April 29 by Mrs. Foulk and Fox; of May 2 & July 22. I continue in health, notwithstanding the omission of my yearly Journies, which I have never been able to take since my being in France; being confined necessarily by the Business; but I have a large...
41Power of Attorney to Deborah Franklin and Richard Bache, 17 February 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society <February 17, 1772. Franklin empowers Deborah Franklin and Richard Bache to request and receive payment of all debts due him in America, except those owed him by William Franklin, and to take all legal actions and whatever other lawful steps may be necessary for collecting from the debtors or their executors or administrators. Sealed, stamped, and delivered...