1451To Benjamin Franklin from James Moylan, 25 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In consequence of the Note that you forwarded me with two Letters, one adress’d to the Honble. Cap: Landais late Commander of the Ship Alliance, and the other, to Lieutent. James Degge and the other Officers of the said Ship I gave immediate advice of their reception and that I was ready to deliver them agreeable to my instructions. No other notice being...
1452To Benjamin Franklin from Pieter Buyck, 7 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library Je prends la Respectueuse liberté de Vous envoier cÿ inclus une lettre que Je Vous prie de faire Remettre à Monsieur Laurens qui Je Suppose Sera encore à Paris au Cas qu’il Soit deja parti ne doutant nullement que Vous ne Sachiez ou il est Je Vous supplie d’avoir La Complaisance de L’enveloper & La lui faire parvenir. Si en Pareille ou toute autre...
1453To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 3 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library I am & have lately been, so employed, as that your obliging Letters of the 20th. Augt. & 4 Septr. last, must remain a little longer unanswered. Among the enclosed Papers you will find several Copies of Letters & Extracts sent me by Mr. R Morris— I enclose open for your Perusal, my Letter to Congress of this Date,— after reading be pleased to seal &...
1454To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 30 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received Yesterday some Letters from my Brother via N York tho’ of a prior Date to our last Intelligences from Philada. Yet I thought it would not be improper to mention the following paragraph. “I have but little News to add, save acquainting thee that our Assembly was to have met the Night before last (Janry 7th) but the Deep Snow has prevented the...
1455From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 17 November 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this minute receiv’d Letters by the Packet of October, from Billy and some other Friends, but not a Line from you. I suppose therefore you have written by some other Vessel: I long to hear of your and Sally’s Welfare from your own Hands. I purpose writing to you fully to-morrow; but as I may be interrupted, I would not miss this Post, in hope it may...
1456To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 22 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am at last determined on sending my Son to an Academy near Brussels, for a short Time, & having an Opportunity for his going in a few Days pray You to give him a Passport, for which he has the honor to wait on You, & to take his leave. I am with The highest respect Dear sir Your most Obedt & Very humle servt Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin /...
1457From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 13 February 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your kind Letter per Capt. Story, of Nov. 19, and a subsequent one per Capt. Falkner without date. I have received also the Indian and Buckwheat Meal that they brought from you, with the Apples, Cranberries and Nuts, for all which I thank you. They all prove good, and the Apples were particularly welcome to me and my Friends, as there happens to...
1458From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, July 26[–c. 15 August 1784] (Franklin Papers)
LS , copy, and transcript: Library of Congress I have received several Letters from you lately, dated June 16th. June 30, & July 13. I thank you for the Information respecting the Proceedings of your West India Merchants, or rather Planters: The Restraints whatever they may be upon our Commerce with your Islands, will prejudice their Inhabitants, I apprehend, more than us. It is wonderful how...
1459To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Whately, [1765] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Whately presents his Compliments to Mr. Franklyn and will be much obliged to him, if he will do him the favor to call upon him at the Treasury tomorrow morning between twelve and one OClock. Addressed: To / —— Franklyn Esqr. / Craven Street / T Whately Thomas Whately ( c. 1728–1772) was secretary to George Grenville and then to the Treasury, October 1763...
1460To Benjamin Franklin from Hannah Sowden, 2 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Excuse the liberty I take in acquanting you with the decease of one who during his life was honored with your occasional correspondance, The Revd. Mr. Sowden who died on the 22d of june last my worthy and honored parent, after a residence of 30 years in this City. How much his sudden and almost momentary death is publicly or privately regretted, does not...
1461From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 7–9 November 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your kind Letter of July 6. and was glad to hear (since you chose to return) that you were got so well home. I hope the Hurt you receiv’d will be attended with no bad Consequences. My Arm, that had given me no Uneasiness for several Years, has lately began again to pain me, from a slight Strain, and I am now afraid will continue to do so as long...
1462From Benjamin Franklin to John Waring, 3 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send you herewith the Extract of Mr. Sturgeon’s Letter, which I mentioned to you. He is, among us, esteemed a good Man, one that makes a Conscience of the Duties of his Office, in which he is very diligent; and has behaved with so much Discretion, as to gain the general Respect and Good-will of the People. If the Associates of Dr. Bray should think fit to...
1463From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis de Castries, 31 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives de la Marine If there is nothing improper in the Requests made by Mr Williams in the enclos’d Letter, I beg leave to recommend them to your Excellency’s favourable Attention. With great Respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant Notation: R [Repondu] le 8. 7bre. 1782. / [audela ?] 1er 7bre v. la f. du même jour et la lettre ecrite à M Clouet BF...
1464To Benjamin Franklin from John Hawkesworth, 5 January 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer, Mr. Ackland, is a Candidate for the Afternoon Preacher-ship at the Foundling Hospital: and I earnestly recommend him to your Assistance; in this I am not only countenanced by your Friendship, but prompted by Duty. Mr. Ackland is a worthy and ingenious Man, and a most excellent Preacher, and to serve him in his profession is to promote rational...
1465To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de La Merville, 2 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Votre probité et votre Reputation me Repondent de votre honneteté sur un procedé qui ne peut vous appartenir. Le nommé le noir qui est encore a mon service me demande son congé disant que vous l’avés arreté a 200 l.t. de gages et d’autres proffits. Comme il a ma livrée sur le corps il ne peut estre en monsieur frankelin de prendre a son service un valet...
1466From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 30 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I received your Favour of the 21. Inst. and return accepted the two Bills it enclos’d. In perusing your Account sent me the Beginning of March last, I observed considerable Sums advanced to Americans. The Advances for the Relief of poor distress’d Seamen I will pay, but the others to Officers and Gentlemen, I cannot allow, having no Orders to justify...
1467To Benjamin Franklin from Doerner, [17 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Dartmouth College Library Mr. John James Doerner who sets off for Bordeaux to Morrow in Company of Mr. Märck to establish a House of Commerce at Charles-town North-America. If Doctor Francklin is so obliging and favour Messrs. Doerner and Marck with Letters of introduction for the honorable Congress and Gentlemen at Charles-Town, for some places in the Province of Virginia &ca.; Doerner...
1468To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 8 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Virginia Historical Society I am advised that Robt. Morris Esqr. The Superintendant General of Finance for Congress, has directed you to pay me, what is due to me from Congress out of the first money that came into your hands. I am now to request that you will please to inform me whether you have, or have not recd. such directions from...
1469To Benjamin Franklin from Count von Sickingen, [11 September 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr: Leroy Et d’autres personnes de La Connaissance de Monsieur franklin, se rassembleronts Lundi 14 7bre chez Le Comte de Sickingen, et on s’y occuppera de quelques recherches sur la Platine; si Cette Societé et Le motif qui La rassemble pouvaient Engager Monsieur franklin a faire L’honneur au Comte de Sickingen de Diner ce jour Chez Luy, il En serait...
1470From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 8 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress The Congress disregarding the Proposals made by Sir Guy Carleton, and determined to continue the War with Vigour, ‘till a Peace can be obtained, satisfactory as well to the King as to themselves; (as will appear by their Resolves hereto annex’d) but being disabled by the great Deficiency in their Taxes arising from...
1471From Benjamin Franklin to La Rochefoucauld, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Bibliothèque municipale, Mantes Mr. Franklin presents his Compliments respectfully to M. le Duc de Rochefoucauld. He will read and return as soon as possible the Papers mentioned. News is received this Morning from England, that a Vessel arrived from New York, which Place she left the 16th of December, brings Advice, that General Howe march’d out of Philadelphia the 5th, drove in G....
1472To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 11 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; AL (draft): Nationaal Archief L’incluse vous apprendra la suite des affaires ici. Je crois pouvoir vous dire de plus, d’avance, que cette semaine la proposition de la Gr. Br. pour finir la paix ici ou à Londres, sera rejettée aux Etats d’holle. par tous les Membres, excepté le Corps des Nobles, c’est-à-dire le Str. [Stadhouder]— Il retardera tant qu’il pourra la même...
1473To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, [1 March? 1780] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. de Chaumont a L’honneur d’envoyer a S. Ex. la depesche cy Jointe de M. Dumas, et La Lettre de M. Landais pour Scavoir Ce que S. Ex. veut qu’il Reponde. M. De Chaumont Croit que M. Jones n’a lair de Chercher a estre employé en france que pour pouvoir dire en amerique qu’il ne Couroit pas après Le Commandement de L’alliance. Notation: M. de Chaumont. On...
1474From Benjamin Franklin to Vicq d’Azyr, [after 15 October 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society I received the Copies of the Charter, and the Tickets which you so obligingly sent me, in behalf of the Royal Society. I am extreamly sensible of the great Honour they have done me, in placing me at the Head of their foreign Members; and I shall not fail to attend their Meeting of the 20th Instant, which they so kindly invite me to. In answer to his...
1475To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 28 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society May it please your Excellency; that we have the honour to give her Joy with our Selfs on the firm methode our Republicq hath adopted to resist the most impudent demands of the English Court, which already produced Sr. Joseph Yorke quitted the Hague, and there Seems no manner of doubt butt we shall be very Soon at an open rupture, the sensible people of...
1476To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte de Sarsfield, [14 June 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. le Vicomte de Sarsfield prie Monsieur Francklin de lui faire l’honneur de diner chez lui Jeudi prochain 19. Juin. Il espere que Monsieur son fils lui fera le même honneur. Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin / a Passi. The younger brother of BF ’s old acquaintance, the Count; see above, XXIII , 231 n. The earliest time after BF ’s arrival when June...
1477From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 15 February 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since mine of the 12th, I have had an Interview with Mr Grand; and on my acquainting him with your Situation, and proposing to him to furnish you with such a Sum as you might have occasion for, he most readily agreed to it, saying you had only to draw upon him, and your Bills would be honoured. I seize with Pleasure the first Opportunity to inform you of...
1478To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 12 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai l’honneur, de vous prevenir que le Paquebot Anglois l’heureux armé en Parlementaire vient d’arriver au Port de l’Orient, et comme le nombre des Prisonniers qui sera remis en Echange au Capitaine de ce Batiment ne sera pas égal à celui qu’il a apporté en France, J’ai pensé que vous pourriez profiter de cette occasion pour renvoyer en Angleterre les Prisonniers...
1479To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Childs, 12 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pardon the Assurance I possess, in supposing, that while I take the Liberty of troubling you with a few Lines, your generosity will admit it.— I have wrote you not long since, but, Doubtful whether they have come safe to hand, I feel constrained here to make a repetition;—to express in terms the most grateful, the Singular & consequential services you have...
1480From Benjamin Franklin to the Earl of Morton, [19–25 November 1767] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society In Obedience to your Lordship’s Commands I have look’d over that Part of Dr. Priestly’s Work that contains an Account of the Experiments made by him. I find There are a great Number of them, mostly quite new, and some I think very curious and important, well deserving for that Reason and for the great Pains and Expence he has been at in making them, the...
1481To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 20 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
L and transcript: National Archives M. le Cte. de Vergennes a l’honneur d’envoyer à Monsieur franklin un Memoire qui lui a été adressé par l’ambassadeur du Roi en Suisse. Il le prie de vouloir bien lui faire parvenir dans le temps la reponse dont il le croira susceptible. The memoir, addressed to “Son Excellence Sir Franklin,” is an appeal from Jean-Jacques Vallier (or Wallier) dated March 28...
1482From Benjamin Franklin to Gourlade & Moylan, 8 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 2d. Instant, relating to a Passport for the 198 Cases of Musket Barrels. Inclos’d I send you what has already pass’d on the Subject of the same Parcel of Arms, which I apprehend will make any farther Application to Ministry unnecessary. I suppose too that Mr Williams may have in his Possession some Copy of the general Orders...
1483To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 16 November 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since I Clos’d my letter I Received your Verry agreeable favour adviceing of the good fortune of Our Cousin Nancey in her Maraige too Capt. Clark. We Wish them all Happiness We are much Pleased With the Connection. Our Young folks are aquanted With his Late Uncles Famley that Lives at Salem. I Will take Particular Care to have a thrrough Repaire to the...
1484From Benjamin Franklin to John Nourse, 13 January 1758 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Stan V. Henkels, Catalogue No. 965 (June 7–8, 1907), p. 15. Please to send by the Bearer, Pere Charlevoix’s History of the French Settlement in America. Yours &c. John Nourse (d. 1780), dealer in French and scientific books, and “for many years bookseller to his Majesty.” H. R. Plomer, G. H. Bushnell, E. R. McDix, A Dictionary of Printers and Booksellers Who Were at Work in...
1485To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [15 or 22 June 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Will You Please, My dear sir, to let me Have a Copy of the Paper I gave to Major Ross, that I May Enclose it to General Washington and get His approbation of the Measure? The Moment You get the Bill be pleased to Communicate it— I will do the same on my part, and am Very Anxious to see How that Piece is Manufactured. Notation: La Fayette The two Saturdays...
1486To Benjamin Franklin from John Thompson: a Petition, [c. 27 June 1778]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society <[Brest, c. June 27, 1778 ], in the third person: He was a gunner on the Lexington when she was captured on December [September] 19, 1777, following an engagement in which he lost his leg. After five months in hospital in England he escaped to Dunkirk, and Franklin provided him with clothes. On May 3 he left for Nantes to get home, but was driven ashore in...
1487From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwallader Colden, 6 August 1747 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New-York Historical Society; draft: American Philosophical Society The Observations I sent you on Baxter’s Book were wrote on a Sheet or two of Paper in Folio. He builds his whole argument on the Vis Inertiae of Matter: I boldly deny’d the Being of such a Property, and endeavour’d to demonstrate the contrary. If I succeeded, all his Edifice falls of course, unless some other way...
1488To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [13 December 1783?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Inclosed is a Paper I intend to Present to the Several Ministers, with the Hope it May Give them some favourable ideas Upon the American trade— But Before I do it, I wish of Course to Have Your Approbation— Be so kind, My dear Sir, as to Read it Over, and if You think it May Answer a Good purpose, I will in My private Capacity Give it to Marechal de...
1489To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 21 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honour of writing to your Excellency on the 6 inst, whereunto please to be referred. Agreable to my promise, I here inclose the two Bonds respecting the privateers Black Prince Capn. Patrick Dowlin and the Black Princess Capn. Edwd Maccatter, Sign’d by Mr. Riviere l’ainé, of Gravelinnes, and Messr. John Francis and Charles Torris of this place,...
1490From Benjamin Franklin to the New Jersey Assembly Committees of Correspondence, 7 September 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I have just received two of your Favours of July 26. requiring my Attention to the several Acts of your Assembly passed the last Session, and Endeavours to obtain the Royal Approbation of them. This Instruction I shall most certainly observe, and it will be a great pleasure to me if I meet with the Success you wish. I hope to receive by...
1491To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 2 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr Adams’s respectfull Compliments to Dr Franklin. Informs him that Monsieur the Comte De Vergennes has appointed him next Tuesday to be at Versailles in order to be presented to the King and Royal Family. Mr Adams will have the Honour to breakefast at Passy with Dr Franklin, at an hour early enough to go to Versailles, which he supposes will be 8 o Clock....
1492To John Jay from Benjamin Franklin, 23 April 1782 (Jay Papers)
I wrote a few Lines to you from Passy to go by the Post of this Day, pressing you to come hither as soon as possible. I have just mention’d it to M de Vergennes, who is of Opinion it will be proper to leave M r . Carmichael there, that it may not seem as if we abandon’d that Court. As I understand, a Courier is just setting out from hence for Madrid, I add this Line, to inform you of this...
1493To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 28 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous renvoyer cy joint votre manuscrit sur la morale des echecs dont j’ai gardé copie, que j’enverrai au 1er. jour a imprimer dans le journal de Paris, si vous ne vous hâtez de me le defendre. Et apres en avoir laissé gouter au public le plaisir pur, je pourrai bien le lendemain ou surlendemain le faire suivre de mes petites reflexions,...
1494To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Court de Gébelin, 19 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer une incluse de notre excellent ami M. Hutton: elle est un peu de vieille datte parce que j’esperois pouvoir vous la remettre moi meme, et j’en ai toujours été empeché par mille objets pressés: je l’avois portée mardi dernier chez M. le Marq. de Mirabeau où on m’avoit assuré que vous deviez diner; et j’eus le chagrin de la...
1495To Benjamin Franklin from William Daniell, [21?] July 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I shall be oblidg’d to you for letting me know what the Paper I have had from you Comes to also to make up the Quantity 100 Reams. Pray let me know as Soon as possible about your Supplying me constantly as I am obligated to wait your answer persuant to your Desire. I am, Sir Your Most humble Servant Inclos’d I send you Some News Papers. Addressed: To /...
1496To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We are informed here that a Canadian with a commission from the Congress has fitted out a privateer at Dunkirk, and after cruising sometime in the Channel has taken a very large prize and carried her into Ostend; this News seems to occasion great eagerness in some people here to fitt out privateers in the same way, if proper commissions can be obtain’d and...
1497To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 30 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library As you have always given me Reason to believe that it is agreeable to you to hear of whatever is an addition to my Happiness, I trust you will be pleased to know that Mrs Williams has given me a very fine Girl who was born yesterday at noon. The Mother & Infant are as well as it is possible to be and I have the most flattering prospect of seeing my...
1498To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Louise Brillon de Jouy, 16 [June] 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This letter, which we publish as the first of the many exchanged between Mme. Brillon and Franklin, is the place to discuss the correspondence as a whole. It is important as the record of one of the two deep emotional involvements of Franklin’s old age, and the one that opened contact for him with the artistic world of Paris. It is massive: one hundred and...
1499To Benjamin Franklin from James Payne, 25 June 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Though I conclude from the long Silence of Mrs. Stevenson that she hath wholly Declin’d the Intention of Purchasing the House at Wappenham I think it not Improper to enclose Mr. Cockeriles Letter that I may have her Instructions what answer to give him. I Continue in the Opinion Imparted in my last That a House of £40 or £50 Purchase would be more...
1500To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Roucelle, 16 February 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La perte cruelle que nous venons d’Eprouver en la personne, de M. Macquer, mon Beau Pere; L’affliction ou nous plonge cet Evénement aussi affreux que terrible me laisse a peine La Force et les facultés nécéssaires pour vous l’apprendre. Les premiers jours de tristesse Ecoulés, j’aurai, Monsieur, L’honneur de vous aller voir et vous porter Les derniéres...