13651To Benjamin Franklin from Graf von Brühl, 29 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I presume to trouble you with an Application for a Letter of Recommendation in favour of Mr Biederman Dr of Law in the University of Leipzig who in the Course of last year set out for America in the Capacity of Agent & Manager of the Concerns & Interest of many of our principal Manufacturers & Merchants. If you should be inclined to comply with my Request,...
13652To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Alexis-François Cadet de Vaux, 29 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Cadet de Vaux présente l’assurance de Son très humble respect à Monsieur franklin. Sa commission pour la farine de Mays est faite, du moment ou Elle Sera arrivée, il en Sera prevenu. La cheminée poele réussit à merveille. M.M. le grand et molinos auront l’honneur d’aller en rendre compte à Monsieur franklin, un jour avec moi. M. Cadet prie Monsieur...
13653To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 29 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; copy: University of South Carolina Library Mr. Bourdieu of London intending shortly a visit to France is desirous of paying his Respects at Passy. Permit me Sir, the liberty of introducing him in person to your acquaintance. To say Mr. Bourdieu merits the regard & acknowledgements of the Citizens of our United States would be only repeating what I have heretofore...
13654From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 30 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Columbia University Library Yesterday late in the Evening arrived here an Express from Congress with the Definitive Treaty ratified, which I enclose with the Resolutions, Proclamation, and the President’s Letter. The Congress anxious that the Ratification should arrive within the Term stipulated, dispatch’d it seems three Expresses, by different Vessels, with authenticated Copies. This...
13655Certification for Jacques Le Maire de Gimel, 30 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : University of Pennsylvania Library I do hereby certify whom it may concern, that Col. Lemaire came from Virginia to France in the Year 1778, with Letters of Recommendation to me from Patrick Henry Esquire then Governor of that State, by whom he was employed to procure Arms and military Stores here for the Use of their Army; which Commission, as far as I have ever heard, he executed with...
13656To Benjamin Franklin from Leveux, 30 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay reçu la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 8 de ce mois. En consequence de vos ordres Je Joins a la presente le compte de mes Debours pour les prisonniers americains échapés d’angleterre depuis 1779 Jusqu’a ce Jour. Il Se monte a 1712.10. l.t. mes Debours pour les Effets de Mr Jay 9.15. 1722. 5 J’attendray vos ordres pour le...
13657Aux Auteurs du Journal de Paris, [before 31 March 1784] (Franklin Papers)
(I) French translation: press copy of D : American Philosophical Society; printed in Journal de Paris, April 26, 1784; (II) Reprinted from The Repository, I (1788), 5–10; partial copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania; fragment: American Philosophical Society In February, 1784, a Parisian apothecary named Quinquet and his friend Lange, a distiller, began to demonstrate in Paris a new kind of...
13658Franklin and John Jay to David Hartley, 31 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: William L. Clements Library We have now the Pleasure of acquainting you, that the Ratification of the Definitive Treaty is arrived here by an Express from Congress. You have already been informed that the Severity of the Winter in America, which hindred Travelling, had occasion’d a Delay in the assembling of the States. As soon as a sufficient Number...
13659From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 31 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society I have the honour of acquainting Your Excellency, that an Express from Congress is at last arrived, with their Ratification of the Definitive Treaty. Inclosed I send Copies of the President’s Letter, the Recommendatory Resolution, and the Proclamation, together with three Letters for yourself. We have written to Mr Hartley, that we are now ready to make...
13660From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, 31 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society Voici, ma trés cher Amie, une de mes Plaisanteries serieuses, ou sourdes, que je vous envoie, esperant qu’elle pourra peutétre vous amuser un peu. Au quel cas, vous me recompenserez en me donnant, je n’ose dire un Baiser, car les votres sont trop precieux, & vous en étes trop chiche; mais vous me jouerez un Noel et l’excellent Marche des Insurgents—...
13661From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 31 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; ALS (draft): Library of Congress The Ratification of the Definitive Treaty is arrived, and we have written to Mr Hartley that we are ready to exchange with him whenever it is convenient to him. Enclos’d you have Copies of the Recommendatory Resolution, Proclamation, & President’s Letter. We imagine Mr Hartley has an Inclination to come hither on the...
13662From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Thomson, 31 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I write this Line by the English Packet, just to inform you that Col. Harmar arriv’d here last Monday Evening with the Ratification, &c. and that Mr Jay & myself, (Messrs Adams & Laurens being absent) have written to Mr Hartley at London, that we are ready to exchange with him. I have not heard that the Delay is likely to occasion any Difficulty. I had before...
13663To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Joly, 31 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Voudra telle me permetre de luy demender si tous les capitaines de vaisseau du Roy peuvent esperer d’etre admis dans le nombre des cicinnati ? Une vaine curiosité n’excite pas en moy cette question: un interet personnel m’engage de La faire a son excellence. Mr. joly de Cabenoux (mon gendre) est l’un des capitaines de vaisseau du roy, il comendoit a la...
13664To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [March 1784?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pardon Mon Illustre Docteur Si je ne vous ai pas envoyé plutôt La note Sur L’auteur de cette espece de Fourneau où on met le feu par dessus et où la flamme descend et remonte ensuite par un Tuyau de façon qu’on ne voit pas Sans étonnement la fumée Se precipiter en bas et passer ensuite dans le tuyau qui Sert à L’emporter. J’ai été Si occupé depuis Jeudy que...
13665To Benjamin Franklin from Matthew Ridley, 1 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society Mr Ridley fait à Monsr. Franklin Ses très humbles remerciements de l’envoy des 29. Vol. qui completent les 39. de L’encyclopedie dont le porteur lui comptera la valeur en 228 l.t. 12.— Au cas que Monsieur Franklin ait été muni du titre de la Souscription il obligera Mr. Ridley de vouloir bien le lui faire remettre à loccasion. This letter, in French,...
13666John Adams to Franklin and John Jay, 2 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I duely received the Letter, you did me the Honour to write me, on the Subject of a Treaty with Prussia and have communicated it to the Baron de Thuelemeier. The King agrees to take the Treaty with Sweeden for a Model and if your Excellencies have any Alterations to propose I should be obliged to you for the Communication of them. The Baron waits the...
13667To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 2 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your kind letter of the 19. of March this morning, and thank you most heartily for it, tho; I confess it lowers our spirits, as it seems to take away the hope of seeing you here. The papers tell us you are soon to return to America, and I begin to fear you intend to do so without giving a look at poor Old England. I am much in your debt every...
13668To Benjamin Franklin from Amelia Barry, 3 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society After I had given Mr. Partridge a letter for you, it occurred to me that we are famous at this Place for making Hare-down Gloves. I take the liberty of entreating your acceptance of 2 pair. If you approve of them have the goodness to signify it to me by a line, and I shall think myself equally honored and obliged by being permitted to supply you with them...
13669To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Antoine de Rubigny de Berteval, 3 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis on ne peust plus reconnoisant de la bonté que vous avez Eut de repondre a La Lettre que Javois Eut L’honneur de vous Ecrire Je suis pleinement satisfait de votre reponse. Le 1e. moment ou mes affaire me permetront de quiter Je nauray rien de plus pressé que daller Vous presenter mon Respect. Jay L’honneur d’Estre avec Une grande consideration...
13670To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 4 March [i.e., April] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Je vous dois mil remercimens mon bon papa de votre joli billét et de votre lettre aux auteurs du journal de paris, mais je vous en devrés deux mil, si vous y joignés l’avis a Ceux qui veulent passer en amérique, j’éspérois aller vous le demander aujourd’hui et m’etablir pour six ou sept mois a passy mais mon pauvre mari a la goutte aux deux jambes, et la...
13671To Benjamin Franklin from Charlotte de Cheminot, 4 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Madame de cheminot presente ces civiliteé a monsieur francklin et prend la liberteé de luy mender que demain Lundy 5 d’avril elle profitera de la permission quil a bien voulu luy donner daller dejeuner chez luy elle ŷ menera messieurs le roy gudin quointin qui sont penetree de cette marque de bonte de monsieur francklin. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur...
13672From Benjamin Franklin to John Witherspoon, 5 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Presbyterian Historical Society; copies: Columbia University Library, New Jersey Historical Society, New York Society Library I have received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 27th past. It would be a pleasure to me to see you here, but I cannot give you any Expectations of Success in the Project of obtaining Benefactions for your College. Last Year Messrs. Wheelock...
13673To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Trumbull, 5 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty to introduce Messrs. Gerrey, and Buckingham, the Bearers to your kind notice to advise means for thier recovering some money due on some French Bills of Exchange, which they lost by accident and were accepted for payment premiture to thier presentation: probably you may put ’em in a way for to assert thier Rights if the evidence they have...
13674To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph (Jean) Dupas de Iden de Valnais, 5 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. de Valnais presents his Respects to Dtr. Franklin. He has the honor to inform his Excellency that Mrs. de Valnais is happily delivered this morning of a Son: Both are very well— Addressed: Monsieur / Monsieur le Docteur Franklin / Ministre plenipotentiaire des / Etats Unis de L’Amerique du N. / auprés de la Cour de France / A Passy— The former French...
13675To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 6 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been long intending to write to you, and I feel ashamed that I have not done it Sooner. Your letter wch: was brot: me by Mr Bingham gave me great pleasure. It inclosed a case for an air Balloon and a print wch:, in conformity to your desire, I deliver’d to the President of the Royal Society. Soon after Mr Bingham’s arrival, Mr Daggs brot: me your...
13676To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 7 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress; copy: University of South Carolina Library I had the honor of addressing you under the 31st Ulto, by the hands of my Son, who I hope will pay his Respects at Passy the present Day. This Morning I am favored with yours of the same Date, enclosing the several Copies of Papers from Congress, which you have enumerated, & also an open Letter to Charles Thompson Esqr, not...
13677From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, 8 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of AL : American Philosophical Society Je vous ai envoyé, ma trés chere fille, par Mr. le Roy, l’Avis à ceux qui veulent passer en Amerique, que vous m’avez demandé, & j’ai joint les Remarques sur la Politesse des Sauvages. Avec ce Billet, je vous envoye plusieurs autres petites choses, dont on a imprimé quelques Exemplaires dans la Maison, seulement pour nos Amis. Je vous demande...
13678To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 8 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As the Marquis de la fayette is Kind Enough to Suply me with Every Nessary to Return to my Native Country, and as I intend to Leave paris in a day or two I beg you will Kind Enough to send me a Pasport for LOrent. As to the small Sum of Money you was Kind Enough to lend me you may be assured that as Soon As I arrive in America I will Reimburce you with...
13679To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd: Two Letters, 9 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copy: American Philosophical Society; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received a long Letter by this Days post from the Baron d’Ogny Postmaster General of France relative to the Treaty between the two Kingdoms which will require mature Consideration and I am not at present enabled to answer it, but great Difficulties already occur with regard to the Letters from North...
13680John Adams to Franklin and John Jay, 10 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society Inclosed is Copy of a Letter from the Baron de Thulemeier and Copy of a Project of a Treaty transmitted to me by order of the King of Prussia: I should be glad if your Excellencies would examine it, and write me your objections, and proposals of alterations, which I shall immediately communicate to his Majesty through his Minister. I presume too...
13681To Benjamin Franklin from Uriah Forrest, 10 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The enclosed came to my hands this day and as it appears to have met with rough treatment on it’s Passage I have done myself the Honor to put it under Cover. Shou’d there be any thing at this place which your Excellency can Charge me with that will be usefull to yourself or Our Country It will afford me real pleasure Being with all possible Respect Yr....
13682To Benjamin Franklin from Julien-David Le Roy, [10–11 April 1784] (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society This is the first known letter to Franklin from Julien-David Le Roy, one of the three brothers of Franklin’s close friend and neighbor Jean-Baptiste. Franklin had met the brothers during his first visit to Paris in 1767. Julien-David, though best known as an architect, was also an expert on ancient ship design and navigation. He had begun studying lateen...
13683To Benjamin Franklin from Valnais, 11 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have but this day Received the Billet your Excellency has honored me with. It is directed to the hotel d’angleterre & I Lodge at the hotel de Londres. Its not Coming Sooner is the Cause I have not answered before. I am penetrated with the warmest Sentiments of the most Respectful gratitude for your Kind attention for Mrs. de Valnais. She charges me to...
13684To Benjamin Franklin from La Condamine, 12 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Que je vous sçais gré, monsieur, d’avoir bien voulu prendre la peine de me répondre, malgré les grandes et importantes occupations dont je vous suppose environné! Vos travaux littéraires et politiques m’avoient inspiré pour vous, monsieur, de profonds sentimens de respect et d’estime; vous venez d’y ajoûter ceux de l’amour et de la reconnoissance; je vous...
13685To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 15 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Je continue d’adresser à V.E. [Votre Excellence] la Lre. cijointe pour le Congrè’s, vous priant, M, après l’avoir lue de vouloir bien la fermer & lui donner cours par premier Navire qui fera voile pour le Continent. J’ai tiré le 5 de ce mois sur V.E. le semestre de mon salaire échu le 30 Juin prochain, savoir come à l’ordinaire £2700 tournois à une usance à...
13686To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Webb, 15 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I took the Liberty of writing to you by the favour of your Grandson sometime since —and It is only from very urgent Reasons that I am induc’d again to trouble you, which I hope you will be so good to pardon. I have not ever mentioned to you myself, any other part of my unfortunate History, but that of being intirely deprived of the Society of my amiable...
13687To Benjamin Franklin from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 15 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress We take the liberty to inform your Excellency that in consequence of the Success of the new Loan, his Excellency John Adams Esqr authorised us to open for acct of Congress, we have become in the Situation to pay due honor to every disposal, we have hitherto advice, his Excellency Robt. Morris Esqr. Super Intendant of Finance has been pleased to make on us. We have the...
13688Franklin and John Jay to Thomas Mifflin, 16 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: National Archives; press copy of ALS : Library of Congress We duly received the Letters your Excellency did us the honour of writing to us the 14th of January by Colonel Harmar & Lieut. Col. David Franks, with the Ratification of the Definitive Treaty, the Proclamation, & the Recommendatory Resolves of Congress. On the Arrival of Col. Harmar, we immediately wrote to Mr Hartley,...
13689From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 16 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; press copy of ALS : Columbia University Library We duly receiv’d (Mr Jay & me) the Letters you did us the honour of writing to us the 27th of March & the 2d Instant. We shall transmit, as you desire, the Recommendation of Mr Browne to Congress; and enclos’d we send a Copy of the Treaty with Sweden. We expect Mr Hartley here very soon, to exchange the...
13690From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Thomson, 16 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I received your kind Letters by Colonel Harmar, & Lieut. Col. Franks; with the Dispatches in good Order; Triplicates of which are since come to hand. You will see by our Letter to the President, that we daily expect Mr Hartley from London with the British Ratification to exchange with us. There was no Difficulty occasion’d by the Lapse of the Term. I send you herewith...
13691To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 16 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honnor to address your Excellency on the 6th. inst, whereunto I beg leave to refer. This cheafly Serves to enclose a Copy of a letter I Just now received from my friend M. Bodin at Lille, to whom I wrote to enquire about the price of Bells. If that which was offer’d me here at 30 s. per pound all charges included, as mentioned in my Said letter,...
13692To Benjamin Franklin from William Withering, [before 17 April 1784] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in William Withering, The Miscellaneous Tracts of the Late William Withering; to Which is Prefixed a Memoir of His Life, Character, and Writings (2 vols., London, 1822), II , 485–6. Believing the passing of the stone to be impossible, the extraction of it unadvisable, and that no known medicine can dissolve it, I shall turn my attention to such methods as will be most likely to prevent...
13693From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 17 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: William L. Clements Library The Commissioners have received the Letter you did them the honour of writing to them the 9th Instant, and are glad to learn that they may expect the Pleasure of seeing you soon again at Paris. It is a particular Satisfaction to me, as it will give me an opportunity of communicating an Idea to you in Conversation which may tend to promote your excellent views...
13694From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 17 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library I have received your Favours of March 28. and April 7.— I am glad that Mr Hartley’s being luckily at Bath, sav’d you the Fatigue of a Journey to London. His Letter to you, of which you sent us a Copy, was very satisfactory. By one he has written to us, of the 9th Instant, we find that he expects to be here in a few Days.— I have not yet had the Pleasure of seeing...
13695From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 17 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: American Philosophical Society Since I wrote to you respecting Dr. Withering, I have received a very satisfactory Letter from him. So this Affair need not give you father [farther] Trouble.— I am sorry to hear you are hurt by a Fall from your Horse. I hope the Effects will not be lasting; and that by this time you are recover’d. It will give me great Pleasure to hear that our...
13696From Benjamin Franklin to John Walter, 17 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy and transcript: Library of Congress I have received a Book for which I understand I am obliged to you, the Introduction to Logography.— I have read it with Attention, and as far as I understand it am much pleas’d with it. I do not perfectly comprehend the Arrangement of his Cases; but the Reduction of the Number of Pieces, by the Roots of Words and their different Terminations is...
13697To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Nathaniel Bancroft, 17 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your two very kind letters of which the first was not dated & the last dated Passy March 26th. 1784 & I am very happy to find that you are well & I hope your Grandson Benjamin Franklin Bache is also. I received Mr Bache’s letter & answered it & which I hope, by this time, he has received.— My dear Mama, whom I have seen not long ago, has...
13698To Benjamin Franklin from Louis de Boislandry and Other Offerers of Goods and Schemes, 18 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Between March and mid-August, 1784, Franklin received far fewer unsolicited letters concerning commerce with America than he did during and immediately following the peace negotiations. The one from Louis de Boislandry, printed as a sample, is from an already established firm. As before, a number of authors sent or threatened to send copies of their work,...
13699To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens: Two Letters, 18 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : Library of Congress; copy: University of South Carolina Library I beg leave to refer to my Letter of the 7th. Inst. by the hands of Mr. Bourdieu. Mr. Hartley call’d upon me the 13th. at Bath & return’d a verbal answer. “The King had ordered him immediately to Paris for exchanging the Ratifications.” & he accordingly goes & will do me the honor of delivering this. Nothing...
13700To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [19 April 1784?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mon Illustre docteur Je comptois bien avoir Lhonneur de vous aller voir ce Soir et de me dèdommager du tems que jai passe Sans aller vous attaquer ou me deffendre aux echcs Mais malheureusement un petit accès de fièvre m’empeche de Sortir. Une autre raison qui me faisoit desirer d’avoir Lhonneur de vous voir ce Soir c’etoit pour vous rappeller que Les...