1David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 4 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy and press copy of copy: National Archives; copies: William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, Public Record Office It is with the sincerest Pleasure that I congratulate you on the happy Event which took Place Yesterday, viz., the Signature of the Definitive Treaty between our two Countries. I consider it as the auspicious Presage of returning...
2The 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...
3From 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...
4From 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...
5To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier Du Ponceau, 6 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Depuis que je suis arrivé D’amerique avec L’armée de Rochambeau, Je n’ai point reçu de nouvelles de mon frere qui est employé à philadelphie dans les affaires étrangeres. Tout m’engage à croire que mes lettres ne lui sont pas parvenues Sans doute parceque j’ai employé de mauvais moyens. Jose prendre la liberté Monsieur de lui en addresser une sous votre...
6To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 6 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’implore Mon Cher Docteur Votre protection pour un Malheureux Matelot attaché au Service D’un Batiment americain Et que des Circonstances Malheureuses Et la Difficulté De s’Expliquer font Detenir injustement Dans une prison Cruelle je Gemis pour mon paÿs qu’il Soit possible qu’il y ait Des Malheureux de Ce Genre mais Enfin sauvons Celuy Cy Si nous Le...
7To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 7 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : William L. Clements Library I beg of you not to forget your letter to Mr Fox:— The purpose of my journey to England will be to do the best in my power for things & persons & particularly for my friends.— If you have any other private letters, send them to me. I will deliver them. I hope likewise be personally charged with the answers. I am better this morning and shall certainly set off...
8From 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...
9The 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...
10From 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...
11To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte d’Angiviller, 7 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. D’angiviller est bien flatté de pouvoir procurer à Monsieur francklin la facilité de voir plus commodement les beautés du sallon. Il doit prendre interêt au succès des arts, ils sont faits principalement pour consacrer à la posterité les hommes et les actions illustres et celebres, monsieur francklin a bien quel ques droits sur eux. Mr. D’angiviller a...
12To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Castries, 7 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress J’ai l’Honeur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer les pieces qui m’ont été adressées par M.M. De Bellecombe et De Bongars Commandant et Intendant à St. Domingue, relativement à la prise du Bateau le St. Thomas, arrêté sous Pavillon Danois par le Corsaire Américain la Lady Gréen, dans le mois de février de l’année derniere, et conduit au Port de jérémie où il a été vendu. Les...
13To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin West, 7 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I could not deprive myself the pleasure of convaying these few lines to you by my friend Mr. Dagge, he means to see you, and has been so Obliging to promis he would give this letter to you; I told him the jurney he was about to take, I almost envyed, as I should be happy to see you once more; Your friends hear have been flattering themselves with the...
14To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 8 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed Packet directed for yourself I received a few days ago, from Cape Francois; the other Packet for the Compte de Barbençon, Mr. Bartram requested me to forward to your care— We have had several Arrivals lately from France, without the pleasure of a Line from you, Mr. Williams writes me however that you are well; we would rather have this...
15To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Jackson, 8 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society The unfortunate Chas. Jackson whom his kind Friend Dr. Franklin Remembered one of the happiest of Mortals when possessed of the dearest most amiable lovely & best beloved of Women, now full at heart with sorrowful Reflection on his Loss, yet full of regard & esteem likewise for his real Friend, gladly embraces the opportunity this moment afforded him of...
16To Benjamin Franklin from Neufville & Cie., 8 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society His Excellency John Jay Esqr. having given us his address at passy, we beg leave to put a letter under Your Excellencys Cover, requesting in case said Gentleman Should be moved from thence, you Will please to cause it to be forwarded, and as we Have not had the honour of addressing you since the Change of the firm of our House we pray you to observe that it...
17To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 9 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself this pleasure yesterday; and late last Evening, the Washington packet brought us your acceptable favor of the 27th. July, with several pleasing inclosures from Benny, whom you had with you at Passy, a circumstance, he seems much to be delighted with— Mr. Vaughan, (your old Friend) and his family arrived here yesterday, they have taken up...
18To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 9 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Friends the Vaughan Family are now under our roof, the pleasure we take in entertaining every body that you love and that loves you, make us happy in their Company, they are come to settle among us, and what little I have seen of them promise a very agreable addition to our Society— My letter to day on their account will rather be short as I have a...
19To Benjamin Franklin from Bariatinskii, 9 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Le Prince Bariatinskoy a l’honneur de remercier Monsieur franklein de la communication, qu’il a bien voulû Lui faire du Traite de Paix. Notation: Bariatinskoy 9. 7bre 1783— The next day, Bariatinskii sent Empress Catherine II two gifts from BF : a Libertas Americana medal with its explanation ( XXXIX , 549–55) and a copy of Constitutions des treize Etats-Unis...
20To Benjamin Franklin from Elias Boudinot, 9 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Princeton University Library; copy: National Archives Being by Accident at this City and an Opportunity offering, I do myself the Honor of enclosing a duplicate of the Ratification of the Treaty with Sweden, the original of which I transmitted some time since, but not having the Copy of the Letter attending it by me, I am prevented from sending duplicate of it, unless this...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 9 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer la Copie du Traité, la Composition est faite & l’Epreuve est à moitié lüe. Je vous fais passer par le porteur Bezout { 1. arithmetique … 2. l.t. 15. 1. Géométrie … 3. 15. 1 algébre … 4. 15. 1. Mécanique 2 vol. 9. 10. 20.
22To 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...
23The 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...
24From 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...
25To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Rousseaux, 10 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je metois fait l’honneur de vous Ecrire de dunkerque au Sujet de mes appointemant et part au prize que nous avons fait Sur vottre fregatte du Congre lexemton Cape. henry Jonson pour que vous ayé la Bonté de massister de quelque Chose Etant Sans aucune resource. Jesperre Monsieur que vous vouderez Bien massister je crois monsieur que je ne vous demande rin...
26To 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...
27To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier, 11 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society By the second week in September, Etienne Montgolfier was ready to offer members of the Académie des sciences a preview of the balloon he had constructed. He had been aided in this effort by Jean-Baptiste Réveillon, the wallpaper manufacturer, who put his expertise, ingenuity, and workforce at Montgolfier’s disposal. As the Ministry of Finance had now assumed...
28From 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.
29From 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...
30To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 11 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Nationaal Archief Me référant à celle que j’ai eu l’honr. de vous écrire le 25e. du passé, celle-ci est pour prendre la liberté de faire passer par vos mains l’incluse pour le Congrès, comme j’ai fait jusqu’ici par les mains de S.E. [Son Excellence] Mr. Adams pour celles que j’ai fait passer par la France, & comme je croirois devoir continuer de faire, si je ne craignois que...
31To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 11 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library I have been favored with your Letter of Yesterday, & will answer it explicitly— I have no Reason whatever to believe that you was averse to our obtaining the full Extent of Boundary & Fishery secured to us by the Treaty.— Your Conduct respecting them throughout the Negociation indicated a strong & steady attachment to both those objects, & in my opinion...
32From John Jay to Benjamin Franklin, 11 September 1783 (Jay Papers)
I have been favored with your Letter of Yesterday, and will answer it explicitly. I have never been witness to any Action or Conversation of yours which indicated a Reluctance ^ [ illegible ] ^ ^ have no Reason whatever to believe that you was averse ^ to our obtaining the full Extent of Boundary & Fishery secured to us by the Treaty.— ^ but your Conduct respecting them throughout the...
33To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Durey de Meinières, 12 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Une famille patriarchale, dont le mérite et la tendre union Vous causérent, Monsieur, il y a quelques jours un attendrissement, qui passa dans tous les Cœurs, Cette famille, disje, Se rassemble et dine aux Pavillons, dimanche prochain. Vous ajouteriés beaucoup, Monsieur, au bonheur de my husband , et au mien Si Vous Vouliés nous faire le même honneur que...
34From 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...
35To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Elmsly, 12 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Elmsly presents his respects to Dr. Franklin and Sends him the inclosed, if the Dr. has any Parcel for England, that Mr E. Can take with him, He will be So good as send it to Mr Pissots & great care Shall be taken of it. Mr E. has sent to Mr P. four parts of the Phil: Transact: from Sr. Joseph Banks for Dr Franklin, they will be Sent him as Soon as the...
36To Benjamin Franklin from George Hobart, 12 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr Hobarts Compliments wait upon Mr Franklin, not knowing where to find Mr Adams He takes the Liberty in Governor Pownalls Name to forward to him the Memorial address’d to the Sovereigns of America. Governor Pownall is also very desirous of knowing whether his Letter & Power of Attorney was ever forwarded to Mr Bowdein and Doctor Cooper, for if they should...
37To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 12 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Je pris hier la liberté de vous écrire pour reclamer l’honneur de Votre protection, quoique je Sente bien que je ne l’a mérite plus. Je vous ai instruit Sur le Sujet de ma Détention, c’est une circonstance malheureuse qui m’a entrainé dans l’etat triste et déplorable ou je me trouve réduit, circonstance d’autant Malheureuse qu’on m’a depouillé de mon...
38From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 13 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have rec d. the Letter, which you did me the honor to write me on the 10 th. of this Month, in which you say, you “have recieved a Letter from a very respectable Person in America, containing the following Words viz t: —‘It is confidently reported, propagated & believed by some among Us, that the Court of France was at Bottom against our obtaining the Fishery & Territory in that great Extent...
39From 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...
40From 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...
41From 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...
42To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, [13 September 1783] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: South Carolina Historical Society, Massachusetts Historical Society; press copy of copy: Henry E. Huntington Library I have received the Letter which you did me the Honour to write me, on the Tenth of this Month, in which you say, you have received a Letter from a very respectable Person in America, containing the following Words vizt. “It is confidently reported, propagated and...
43To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Banks, 13 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society For having it in my power to Answer with precision the numerous questions which are askd me by all sorts of people Concerning the Aerostatique Experiment which such as they may be are suggested by every newspaper now printed here & considerd as a part of my duty to Answer is an Obligation for which I am indebted to you & an Obligation of no small Extent I...
44To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 13 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As your Excellency & the rest of the Commissioners were so obliging as to second my former proposals I think it my duty to inform you Sir and them of the additional step we have taken towards accomplishing our wishes. The preceeding I laid before Mr Laurens which meeting with his approbation I immediately dispatched the same under Mr Ls: cover, as a vessell...
45To Benjamin Franklin from James Hutton, 13 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am desired by a 50 years dear friend to recommend to you a Mr Blount & his Lady who intend residing some years in France, they are People of Fortune and Mr Blount is a man of Science & very ambitious for the Honour of your Acquaintance; He is of a very ancient and Respectable Family in Oxfordshire. Now I know your kind Regard for me, and there fore I beg...
46From 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
47From 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...
48To 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...
49To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 16 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With every Sentiment of Respect & Esteem, I have the Honour to Congratulate you on the final completion of American Independance— To you, thou Virtuous Patriot, they owe much—to your illustrious Character, words are wanting to pay due respect— I shall sum up all in a few, thou ar’t great, thou hast proved faithfull & honest in the Day of Tryal— Though not...
50To Benjamin Franklin from James Bennet, 17 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : American Philosophical Society The Petition and Representation of James Bennet native of Philadelphia. Humbly Sheweth: That whereas in the month of January last past the Petitioner Shiped himself as Clk & Steward on Board a Scooner of Baltimore in Maryland bound wt. a Cargo of Tobaccoe to Gothenburgh in Swedland; But being intercepted in our course, had not the good fortune to Land our...