1411To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 23 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr: Nesbitts most respectful Compliments wait on Doctr Franklin & will do himself the honor to dine with him on Thursday next.— Mr Nesbitt incloses the Letter of Mr. de Vergennes relative to the 22d Article of the Preliminary Treaty— Notation: Nesbit, Decr. 23. 1784. Dec. 25; see John Paul Jones to BF , Dec. 20. The enclosure is missing. Nesbitt had already...
1412From Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee, 31 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Amherst College Library I have not at present any Public Money in my hands; and all that I can expect will be necessary to pay Congress Drafts, and other indispensible Orders and Engagements. I have the honour to be, with very great Respect Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant Addressed: To / The honourable Arthur Lee Esqe. / Paris. / [ in another hand: ] a lhotel notre Dame /...
1413From Benjamin Franklin to George Whitefield, [before 2 September 1769] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Joseph Belcher, George Whitefield: a Biography, with Special Reference to His Labors in America (New York, [1857]), pp. 414–15. I am under continued apprehensions that we may have bad news from America. The sending soldiers to Boston always appeared to me a dangerous step; they could do no good, they might occasion mischief. When I consider the warm resentment of a people who...
1414To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 12 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since our last respects to your Excellency, we have only now to mention, that of the bills on Mr. Laurens we gott yesterday seven more to the Amount of Three thousand eight hundred and fifty Gilders, for which we have promisd an Answer by the return of the maill, and your Excellency will find us ready to Accept of them and any others, as we only wish now...
1415To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse de Golowkin, [after November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai une grace à vous demander, mon Papa, j’ai demain Jeudi une petite Course à faire à la Campagne, ma Voiture ordinaire est caseè, je me trouve dans L’embarras— N’aurès vous pas la bontè extrême pour moi de me prêter votre Diligence (rien que la Voiture sans chevaux:) J’ose vous faire cette demande parceque comme vous avès aussi une Berline il vous seras...
1416To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 23 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am now hear on a Visit to my Daughter who lives in this Town, and have Accidentally mett a young Gentleman who is to Sail for France in a few Days. I know it will be agreable to you to hear I am well & my Daughter in much beter Helth than Usiual, but her Husband after makeing won Successfull Voige is again in the hands of the Enemy at Halifax. She Desiers...
1417To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The enclosed letters will explain themselves. Mr. Wren is a very worthy man (I believe a dissenting Minister) at Portmouth who has devoted his attention in the most charitable manner towards the relief of the prisoners at Forton. When Mr. Thornton went to Forton I advanced him £50 according to your desire. If you approve the Continuance of his plan I can easily...
1418From Benjamin Franklin to Gabriel Johonnot, 24 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Being much in Want of the Money I lent you, and supposing the Bills you expected were arrived, I wrote to you lately requesting Payment. But it is not my Intention or Desire to press or importune you, if you have it not in your Power. I should be glad however to hear from you which I have not since I propos’d your giving me Bills on America. I have the honour to be,...
1419The Comte de Vergennes to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 18 December 1778 (Adams Papers)
The effects of Dr. James Smith of New York have, gentlemen, finally been found. They are at the customs office at Calais and consist of a package containing 12 table cloths and 12 knives and forks of iron with silver ferrules. If Mr. Smith plans to bring these goods into the Kingdom, he cannot avoid paying the regular charges, but if he intends to return them to America, then he will be free...
1420To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Jullien, 13 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous sommes donc enfin parvenu, Grand Patriarche , à ce moment heureux où l’imposture va voir briser son sceptre. Les porte-voix de la philosophie ont couvert ceux de Bernard et des autres aboyeurs vils et dangereux du mensonge et de l’erreur. Il est étonnant que deux morceaux de bois croisés, portant une physionomie blême et hypocrite aïent eû des effets...
1421To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel Duchemin, 19 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Comme vous avez toujours eu des bontés pour moi, que ces mêmes bontés m’ont fait exister pendant bien du temps je vous prie de me les continuer en me faisant donner l’hôtel d’Invalide. Je présente un mémoire à Mr. de Ségur, qui d’après votre recommandation et l’apostille que vous voudrez bien y ajouter, l’hotel me sera accordé. La bonté avec laquelle vous...
1422From Benjamin Franklin to Cadwallader Colden, 4 November 1743 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New-York Historical Society; also transcript: Library of Congress I received the Favour of yours, with the Proposal for a new Method of Printing, which I am much pleased with: and since you express some Confidence in my Opinion, I shall consider it very attentively and particularly, and in a Post or two send you some Observations on every Article. My long Absence from home in the Summer,...
1423To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 11 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 286. Mr. Digges who will deliver this to you informs me that having been applied to for the purpose of communicating with Mr. Adams on the subject of his commission for treating of peace, he is now setting out for Amsterdam, and that he intends afterwards...
1424From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Collinson, 18 April 1754 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: New-York Historical Society Since September last, having been abroad on two long Journeys, and otherwise much engag’d, I have made but few Observations on the positive and negative State of Electricity in the Clouds. But Mr. Kinnersley kept his Rod and Bells in good Order, and has made many. Once this Winter the Bells rang a long time during a fall of Snow, tho’ no Thunder was heard nor...
1425From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Desfours, 23 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of LS : American Philosophical Society Je n’ai point reçu, Monsieur, le Projet dont vous faitez mention dans la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 15 du mois dernier; et Je serois bien aise de le voir. Quant à la Commn que vous desirez, Je n’ai aucune autorité pour l’accorder ou la refuser; tout ce que Je puis faire c’est d’envoyer votre Requete au Congrès, et de...
1426To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 19 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Monsieur, avec La Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 16 de ce mois, les pieces relatives au Brigantin Américain le Whim, entré à l’Isle de Rhé pour se reparer après avoir fait côte pres de Trance en Poitou. Je me suis empressé de faire passer ces pieces au Conseil des Prises et je ne doute pas que ce Tribunal ne rende son Jugement le plus...
1427From Benjamin Franklin to Le Baron, [20 November 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society I thank you for your readiness to serve Capt. Prince. His Bills for moderate Supplies will be honour’d. The Bearer is my Grandson. I beg leave to recommend him to your Civilities. I shall answer the rest of your Letter soon. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedt humble Servant In WTF ’s hand. Dated on the basis of the following document.
1428To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Franklin, 17 May 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Received your kind favour of the 5 febr. and am verry Glad to hear that you and Coz. Sally Were Well and it adds to our joy the encouragement you give us of Seeing you once more in Boston. My wife and Children have thro gods goodness (Enjoyd) with myself a good Share of health which is a great Blessing. I have one favour to ask of you Sir that is one more...
1429To Benjamin Franklin from Caroline Edes, 9 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Fearing you may not know how to direct your Answer to mine of yesterday, I take the liberty to send you my address. I am with great Respect, Sir, Your most Obedient Servant Addressed: Benjamin Franklin, Esq: Notation: Caroline Edes Decr. 9. 1781 This is the first letter in a brief correspondence from a woman whose name appears nowhere else in BF ’s papers....
1430To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Marin Beaugeard, [before 28 March 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Beaugeard, Tresorier des Etats de Bretagne, prie Monsieur franklin et Monsieur son petit fils de lui faire l’honneur de venir diner chez lui samedy 28 Mars ainsi qu’ils ont bien voulu le luy promettre. Reponse s’il vous plait. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin Deputé des / Etats unis de l’Amerique Septentrionalle / maison de M. LeRey de Chaumont /...
1431To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 6 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
I some time since gave Orders as you desired to Mr. Grand, to furnish you with a Credit in Holland for the Remainder of your Salary to November next. But I am now told that your Account having been mixt with Mr. Dana’s, he finds it difficult to know the Sum due to you. Be pleased therefore to State your Account for two Years, giving Credit for the Sums you have receiv’d, that an Order may be...
1432To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse de La Rouërie, [after 13 October 1780] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Une mere dont l’inquietude ne peut s’exprimer, suplie Monsieur franckin, de vouloir bien lui apprendre le sort du Colonel Armand, son fils, qui sert dans l’armée amériquaine et dont elle n’a eu aucune nouvelle depuis l’affaire de Camden, ou, elle à appris par les papiers publics qu’il étoit, sous les ordres du Général Gates. Notation: La mere du Colonel...
1433To Benjamin Franklin from William Gordon, 21 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I trouble you afresh with a packet designed for our friend Dr. Price. Be pleased to peruse the letter and papers ere you forward them to him. I wished to put both parties out of conceit with Mr. Hutchinson, which I think will be effected by what is in Edes’s papers, and will be confirmed in two or three subsequent ones. Such a man ought to have no...
1434To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 25 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor to inclose a Copy of a Letter I yesterday recieved from Corunna. I communicate it to your Excellency in Confidence. The Writer is a particular Friend of yours. He has so good an Heart, and is so amiable a Man, that I would not expose him to the Resentment of any of the Gentlemen, and therefore pray your Excellency to keep his Letter secret....
1435From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 5 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress I am exceedingly obliged by your interesting yourself so warmly in behalf of those unhappy people. I understand you advanc’d money: Your bills on that account will be punctually paid. As yet I have heard of none. Understanding that a certain Person promised to make proposals for healing a certain Breach, I postpon’d and delayed a material Operation till I should...
1436From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 25 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Boston Public Library; AL (draft): American Philosophical Society Inclosed are two Letters for you which came under my Cover from Boston. I am glad to hear a good Account of you from Mr. de Marignac. A Gentleman of Lyons has repeatedly wrote to my [me], proposing to remove you to a School in his Neighbourhood, and tells me that you desire it. I hope he is mistaken in that. You are plac’d...
1437To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 28 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I am sure I shall tell you something which you will have no pleasure in repeating again, when I inform you that Lord Chatham is very ill indeed. Alarming symptoms have appeared, and no likelyhood of his getting rid of them, as he grows weaker every day. This intelligence is fresh from Hayes, where he now is. As I am afraid this great man is dying, I think it...
1438From 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...
1439To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 17 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je n’ai qu’un instant pour profiter de l’occasion d’un Exprès que Mr. Gillon envoie à Paris, & vous envoyer la belle & rare copie de l’Acte original de l’Union d’Utrecht, dont j’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler à Paris que je le destinois pour les Archives du Congrès, auquel je serois bien aise qu’il pût parvenir promptement mais sans trop risquer: car il est...
1440To Benjamin Franklin from [Philip?] Keay, 29 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Keay presents his Respects to Mr. Franklin, & returns many thanks for the History of the Welch Poetry: he should not have kept it so long, had he not flatter’d himself every day with the pleasure of accompanying Made. de Cheminot to wait upon Mr. Franklin; But she is still so weak as not to be able to bear the motion of the Carriage. Notation: Keay...
1441To Benjamin Franklin from Watson & Cossoul, 20 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We duly rec’d your favr. of the 16th. inst. directed to our E. Watson, and have to acknowledge your Kind attention, & inform your Excellency that our friends Messrs. J. Cottin & fils & Jauge advise us, that they have found the bill in question. We have the honour to be respectfully Your Excellency’s Very Obedient Servants. Addressed: The Honbl. Benja....
1442To Benjamin Franklin from Coder: A Memorandum, [after 14 October 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Notte pour monsieur le docteur franklin. En me retirant dans ma chaumiere je previens monsieur le docteur que les anciens fourniseurs emploies par M. deaene, acoutumés a gagnier cent pour cent sur les fournitures qu’ils font et n’ayant pu se resoudre a se contenter du profit modique qu’il y a a faire sur la miene et honteux de continuér la leur dont j’ai...
1443To Benjamin Franklin from Cabanis, 10 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mon pere qui me parle bien souvent de vous, Monsieur, ne Connait qu’une très petite partie de vos ouvrages, et voudrait avoir des Détails sur La Construction des Conducteurs pour garantir Les maisons de La foudre, et sur celle des para-tonnerre dont Les personnes se servent en Amérique. Je prends la Liberté de m’adresser à vous pour cela. Il m’est égal que...
1444To Benjamin Franklin from Philip Schuyler, 13 April 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: National Archives The lake is open in so many places that I am of opinion you may set out for this place as Early as you can. I have received some dispatches from Canada which I Inclose you and by which you will see the necessity of sending a large reinforcement. Please to bring up with you the papers I Inclose as I have no Copies of them. The Bearer goes Express to Congress and...
1445To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 12 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Honor of sending you the MORNING POST of this day, & entreat by a Single Line, that you will, by the return of the post let me Know whether you received, as I shall thereby Judge of the regularity of our new Establishment, & shall take my measures accordingly— I am inclined to think the Tools of Government may take out the MORNING Post &...
1446To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Deux-Ponts, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I put so much confidence in your Excellencys friendship to me, that I depend on your forgiveness, for the freedom I take, to beg of you the conveyance of the inclos’d to Chevr. La Luzerne which includes some Lines to my american friends. I shall be very particularly oblig’d to you for it and am with wery respectfull sentiments Your Excellencys Most obedient...
1447To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 26 April 1754 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society As you are not only a lover of Learning but without a Compliment an Ornoment to it in the Age wherein you live you will forgive the freedom I take in Recommending to your Favour and Friendship Mr. John and Samuel Winthrop two worthy young Gentlemen making a Journey this Way partly for their Health as also to see this Country. The elder is...
1448To Benjamin Franklin from Juliana Ritchie, 27 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honor to thank you in all sincerity—for your great politeness in answering my letter— My poor suffering heart will ever retain a just sence of what I owe to your good nature & kind condesention in that proof of your pardoning my intrusions. Nothing but my state of anxiety—cou’d have induced me to break thro’ all rules of decoram, by impertinently...
1449To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 4 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Vanderpar a Gentleman from Zeeland prays to have the honor of waiting on You Tomorrow Morning on the subject of a Vessel taken by Capt. Jones and by him sent to America. If Agreeable I shall wait on You with him in the Morning at Breakfast, & doubt not but that You will be well pleased with an Acquaintance with him. Meantime I have the honor to be with...
1450To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 16 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have seen Sir Geo. Grand who was Yesterday at Versailles, and this morning with Mons. De Sartine; I find it impossible for me to go out this Afternoon, as I must be engaged every moment in Business. I must pray you to excuse me to Marechal Maillebois. He put into my hands a Memoire of one Millin de la Brosse, which I forgot to shew you, but I sent a...
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...