1From 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...
2From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, [on or after 30 December 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress Mr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr. Morris, and not knowing what was done by the Committee with regard to the other Prisoners, requests Mr. Morris would direct what is to be done with these. Addressed: To / Robt Morris Esqr BF penciled this note at the bottom of the preceding one, then crossed out his own name on the address and penciled in Morris’. By now BF...
3To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris: Two Letters, 18 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) two LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Library of Congress; (II) two LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Library of Congress I have left the enclosed Letter open for your Excellency’s Perusal and am to request that you will be Pleased to apply to the Court and learn what Opportunities may Offer for making the Shippments of Money within directed. The Alliance was...
4To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 22 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress The Bearer of this Letter Monsieur le Baron d’Arndt will shew you a Certificate for Two Thousand Nine hundred & Ninety Seven Dollrs. & 37/90ths signed by Joseph Nourse Esquire Register of the Treasury of the United States and issued by Virtue of a Warrant this Day from me. This Money is on Interest at six per Cent from the...
5From Benjamin Franklin to [Robert Morris], [c. 19 February 1779] (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete copy: Library of Congress of mine, M. de la Freté has some Business of Importance to be transacted for him in America. I have taken the Liberty of naming You to him as a Person in whose Abilities & Integrity he may confide for the transacting of it & I recommend it warmly to your best Attention. M. Gerard will communicate to you the Particulars. I am ever, with the sincerest Esteem...
6From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 10 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress The Bearer M. Billion des Gayeres goes to America in some Employ relative to the Provision for the Subsistance of the French Troops. His Friends have requested of me a Letter of Introduction to some Friend of mine in Philadelphia. As I know of no one so well acquainted with, & so capable of advising in such Affairs as yourself, I take the Liberty of recommending...
7To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 14 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copies: Library of Congress, University of Pennsylvania Library If Major Franks had departed yesterday as was expected, he would have left the enclosed Cypher behind, it was supposed to have been enclosed with the plans of the intended Bank, but was left out by accident— I wish you would when leisure & opportunity will permit, converse with some of the...
8To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 23 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Library of Congress Applications being frequently made by the several Loan Officers for Orders to Renew Setts of Exchange in consequence of proof made to them by the Proprietors of Interest bills, that the first Second, third and fourth bills have been lost and destroyed, or by Accident prevented from reaching the Persons to whom they were...
9To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 25 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty to introduce an Old acquaintance of mine to your Patronage & Protection whilst he may Stay in Paris which I apprehend will be but a Short time, it is Mr. Isaac Hazelhurst of this place who Visits Europe on Commercial Views and who I fancy will transact his business chiefly in France & Holland. Your Countenance cannot fail to be usefull to...
10To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 29 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When an Officer who has distinguished himself by a Series of Brave Actions in the defence of american Liberty wishes to be introduced to you, whose time & Labours have been exhausted in the same cause, it would be unjust to him to you and to myself not to afford him the opportunity of payg you his respects. This introduction is in favour of Colo. Maths....
11To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 6 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; LS : American Philosophical Society, University of Pennsylvania Library, Historical Society of Pennsylvania (two) Your very obliging letter of the 3d of June last year has been with me some time altho it was long in reaching my hands. My intention in troubling you at this time is only to Announce the Appointment I have received from Congress of...
12To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 18 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and two LS : American Philosophical Society I have never rec’d a line from you in reply to the letters I wrote you & Mr. Deane in Decemr. 1777 and confess it surprized me a little, but the matter is entirely cleared up by the receipt of your favour of the 19th Feby last as in a P.S: thereto you mention having answered my said letters which had been entirely satisfactory, desirous of...
13From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 3 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Mrs. Henry Sage, Albany, New York (1958); copy: Library of Congress I received your kind Letter of March 31. acquainting me with your having engaged in M. De la Frétés Affairs on my Recommendation. I thank you very much; and beg you to be assured, that any Recommendation of yours will be regarded by me with the greatest Attention. The Letter you inclosed to M. Dumas is forwarded to him....
14To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 26 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Bearer of this Letter Doctor Texier late Surgeon of Count Pulaski’s Legion will shew you a Certificate for two thousand one hundred and ten dollars signed by Joseph Nourse Esquire Register of the Treasury of the United States and issued by Virtue of a Warrant of the eighth day of January last from me. This Money is on Interest at six per Cent from the fifth of...
15To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 12 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress The Bills drawn by Congress in their Necessities press very heavily upon me, and one of the greatest among many Evils attending them is the Confusion in which they have involved the Affairs of my Department. I have never yet been able to learn how many of these Bills have been paid nor how many remain due neither am I without my...
16To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Bearer of this Letter is the Chevalier de Chattelleux who sets off to Morrow Morning, for France. There are many Things which I am desirous of communicating to you but which I have not now sufficient Time to commit to Paper and still less to put in Cypher. I have therefore entered very much into the Detail of our Situation with Genl. Chattelleux and requested him...
17To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 28 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères In my Letter of yesterday, I have dwelt on the resolutions of Congress, in the manner requir’d by my duty as their Servant. I will now add a few hints, as Your friend. Your Enemies industriously publish that your age & indolence have unabled you for your station, that a Sense of...
18To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; draft: Yale University Library I do myself the Honor to enclose to your Excellency under flying Seal a Letter to Mr Grand which I pray you to peruse. To what is said in that Letter I need add but little. The Bill to Messrs. Wadsworth and Carter is in Payment of what our Army have eaten during the last two Months and an half, and you will see by the...
19To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 10 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress The Annexed is Copy of a Letter which was written to you on the 22d. March last by the Baron D’arndt who had the misfortune to be Captured and carried into New York, he is come out on Parole and informs me that he lost the original Letter wherefore I furnish him with a Copy and hereby Confirm the Contents. I am Sir Your most...
20To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 4 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Library of Congress I observe that in your Letter of the twelfth of September you say you beleive those Bills of Mr. Ross’s must go back protested. This I am convinced proceeds from a Mistake with respect to that Transaction. It is true that the Resolution for delivering those Bills to Mr. Ross was passed in...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 14 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library, American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I take the Liberty to enclose to you a Note of two Books of which I am to request that you will cause three compleat Setts to be purchased on the public Account and sent to me by three different Conveyances. I am very respectfully Sir your most Obedient & humble Servant Notation: R. Morris Sept....
22From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 22 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; copy: Library of Congress My Friend, M. De la Freté, having a considerable Property in the Hands of M. De Rouillac & Co. at Edenton in N. Carolina has sent a Power of attorney to M. Holker to recover the same for him. If you can in any way assist M. Holker in effecting this Business, you will very much oblige Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant....
23To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 24 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I beg Leave to introduce to your friendly Notice the Bearer of this Letter Mr. John Rucker who is one of the acting Partners in a Commercial House which I have lately established in New York. Your Countenance Protection and Assistance to this Gentleman will very much oblige Dr Sir your most obedient & humble Servant For John Rucker, whom BF had previously...
24From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 29 August 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Understanding since I came hither that 4 Waggon Loads of Gunpowder for New York, which had been landed at the Neversinks, pass’d thro’ here last Friday, I have dispatch’d an Order to our Waggoner, whom I pass’d yesterday at Trenton, to return back with the Ton we spar’d, since it will not be wanted at New York, and may be wanted with us. I hope our...
25To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 17 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress Colo Harmar the Bearer of this Letter is just arrived from Annapolis charged with the Definitive Treaty Ratified by Congress with which he is to proceed for Paris in order to deliver the same to the Ministers who negotiated the Treaty, that the Ratifications may be exchanged— Congress have directed me to supply Colo Harmar with...
26From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 8 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress; copy and transcript: National Archives The Bills accepted by Mr. Jay, and afterwards protested for Nonpayment, are come & coming back to France & Holland, and I have ordered them to be taken up and discharged by our Banker, I hope none will be return’d to America. There is a Convoy just going, and another, it is said, will follow in about 3 Weeks. By these two I hope...
27To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 27 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS and duplicate: American Philosophical Society As Mr. Deane has been recalled by Congress, it is uncertain wether he may be in Paris when this arrives, therefore I inclose it to you, in order that you may read the Contents of a letter I wrote to Congress Yesterday and of another to him of this Date, after which you will please to forward or deliver them to him. By these you will discover...
28To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 17 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Library of Congress In consequence of the communications made to me by his Excellency the Chevalier de La Luzerne since his return from Virga., I shall proceed to draw Bills upon Monsieur Grand to the Extent of Livs. five hund: thousd. monthly; so that Computing the Months of Jany., Feby., March, and Apl., I...
29To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 29 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Four LS : American Philosophical Society (two), Historical Society of Pennsylvania (two); copies: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Library of Congress (two) I do myself the Honor to enclose you Copies of two Acts of Congress one of the fifth of June, and the other of the eighteenth of June 1779 relating to the affairs of Mr: de beaumarchais. You will observe Sir that you was authorized to...
30To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 2 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Bearer of this Letter Capt. Archibald McCallister has been an Officer of Merit in the Army of the United States; And I am sorry to add that unlucky Circumstances has made him a Sufferer in the service of his Country. The loss of his Health obliges him to make a Voyage to France and upon the Settlement of his Accounts a balance of four hundred spanish silver...
31To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 22 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I send enclosed herewith the Copy of a Certificate the original whereof was transmitted to me by Monsr. de la Tombe Consul General of France from Boston after the unloading of the Transports which arrived at that Post with the Stores shipped on them by Order of Colo. Laurens. The original I shall keep and not knowing with whom the Accounts of Freight is to be settled...
32To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 2 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Hobart College Library This Letter will either be delivered or forwarded to you by a most Worthy Gentn. Nathl. Gorham Esqr. of Boston for whose Public & private Character I have the highest respect, This Gentn has served as Member & Speaker of the Massachusetts assembly. & lately he had a pretty long Campaigne in Congress where I had that opportunity of knowing the integrity of his...
33To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 5 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I have the Pleasure to enclose you the Copy of an Act of Congress of the ninth of September last. I shall make no Comments on this Act which as it relieves you from farther Trouble and Anxiety on the Subject it relates to will I am sure be agreable. I am Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient & humble Servant Endorsed: Office of...
34To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris: Two Letters, 25 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) LS : Yale University Library, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress; (II) LS : Yale University Library, Independence National Historical Park, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I do myself the Honor to enclose for your Perusal Acts of Congress of the twenty seventh of...
35To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 17 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You have above an extract of a letter from the Honble Mr. Jefferson, to me by which you will perceive that he wants one of your late invented Machines for Copying Writings, he desires me to write to England but if I am not much mistaken France is the place. You however will know where his order can be best executed, and give orders accordingly, shou’d it be...
36From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris: Extract, 26 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: National Archives By letters from the Commissioners formerly, if you have them in your office it may appear to you that the Farmers general, soon after our arrival here, advancd us a million upon a contract for furnishing them with 5000 hhd. [hogshead] of tobacco which were to have been deliverd by Christmas 1778. Only three cargoes, on that account have been receivd by them. I have...
37From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 7 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of LS : New Hampshire Historical Society With this I send you a Copy of the last Contract I made with this Court respecting the late Loan of Six Millions, the Terms of the Loan and the Times of Repayment. It was impossible for me to obtain more, and indeed, considering the State of Finances and Expences here, I wonder I have obtained so much. You will see by the inclosed Gazette,...
38From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 10 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress This Line will be delivered to you by Count Beniousky, a Hungarian Gentleman, who goes to America with Views of Settling there, and drawing his Fortune after him, if he shall like the Country. He is recommended to me by Mr. Gerard, and other Persons of Consideration here, and I beg leave to introduce him to you, and to request for him your Counsels, and...
39To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 4 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I do myself the Honor to enclose another Copy of the Ratification of Congress to the Contract with the french Court of the sixteenth of July 1782 which is dated the twenty second Day of January last also the Ratification of the Contract of the twenty fifth of February last which is dated on the last Day of October— These Pieces...
40To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 22 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society This Letter will I hope be in due time happily delivered to you by Mr. Geo. Harrison of this City— a Young Gent. of Good Family and Fortune whom I beg leave to Introduce to your Notice and Friendship— I doubt not his own Personal Merit will entitle him to these and I shall be thankfull to you for any Services it may be Convenient for you to Render...
41To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 27 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Yale University Library, American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I do myself the Honor to enclose the Copy of a Paper transmitted to me by the Governor of Virginia. The Cloathing there mentioned is a Part of those Supplies for the State of Virginia which the Court of France have charged to the United States. You will recollect the...
42To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 19 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: University of Pennsylvania Library, Library of Congress The foregoing are Duplicates of my Letters of the several Dates there mentioned, by Major Franks who has sailed for Cadiz. I now enclose to you Duplicate Copies of the Letters and Resolutions referred to in mine of the thirteenth.— I do not write to Colo. Laurens, because I know not whether he is still in France, and because I am...
43To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 1 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society (two), Syracuse University Library; copy: Library of Congress In my Letter of the twenty seventh of September last I express my Wish “that the Court of Spain should give Orders for the Shipment of a Million of Dollars at the Havanna free of Duties, and to be convoyed by One or more Ships of the Line to an American Port, &c.” Upon farther Reflection I am...
44From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 9 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have long feared that by our continually worring the Ministry here with successive afterclap Demands for more and more money, we should at length tire out their Patience. Bills are still coming in Quantities drawn on Mr. Jay, Mr. Laurens & Mr. Adams. Spain & Holland have afforded little toward Paying them; & Recourse has therefore been had to me. You will see by the...
45To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 24 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I beg Leave to trouble your Excellency with the Delivery of the enclosed Letter which is left open for your Perusal that in Case the Baron should trouble you farther on the Subject you may be fully possessed of my Sentiments to him. I am respectfully, your Excellency’s most obedient and humble Servant He enclosed a letter of the same day to Baron d’Arendt ( Morris...
46To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 5 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Bearer of this Letter the Baron de Frey will shew you a Certificate for five hundred Dollars signed by Joseph Nourse Esqr. Register of the Treasury of the United States and issued by Virtue of a Warrant of this Day from me. This Money is on Interest at six per Cent from the fifth of December and is the Balance still due after a partial Payment. Should it be...
47From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Boston Public Library; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress The Chevalier de la Luzerne, who goes over to succeed M. Gerard, will I hope have the Pleasure of delivering this into your hand, and of being by that means introduced to your Acquaintance. He has a most amiable Character here, and I am persuaded will make himself very acceptable to our People, as he has the most sincere Good...
48From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 30 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, Virginia Historical Society On perusing again your late Letters, I find that you imagine the whole 5. Millions of Florins borrowed in Holland, are free to be Disposed of by your Orders. Here it is understood that there are to be great Deductions, and that little of it remains. I shall obtain in a few Days, a State of the Account which I will send you by various...
49To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 30 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I have received your private Letter of the twenty third of December. When I informed you of what was said by your Enemies I did not mean to insinuate any Doubt of your Exertions in my own mind. With Respect to your Resignation I personally lament it, and more so on the Part of the United States. But I shall readily agree that you will more consult your own...
50To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 5 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I enclose to you the form of an acknowledgement of our Debt to the Court of France which I desire you would Seal and execute, After having ascertained the Amount of the Debt, and that you will send Copies thereof thro the Office of foreign Affairs to Congress; as well as inform me of the Amount of the Debt and the Time of...