501To Benjamin Franklin from Morellet, [19 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library The “fragment” that Morellet enclosed with the present letter was probably an early version of what became a fifty-nine-page manuscript titled “Apologie des papiers de credit etablis par les etats unis.” The first half recounted the introduction, circulation, and depreciation of paper money in the colonies. The second half defended Congress’ resort to...
502From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 19 June 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Supposing that Congress would communicate to you directly the powers committed to yourself, Mr. Adams and myself, I have delayed from day to day the honour of writing to you, in hopes that every day would open to me a certainty of the time and place at which I might sail. A French packet will leave N. York early in the next month. By her I mean to take my passage, and may therefore expect in...
503To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 18 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania On the third of this month Congress adjourned to meet at Trenton on the 30 of Octr. next, having first appointed a comee. [committee] of the states to sit in the recess, agreeable to the Articles of Confederation. Previous to the adjournment I had the honor to receive your letter dated, if I recollect right, on the 8 March, which I immediately laid...
504To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, [before 19 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be handed to you by Major Du Pontier, Aid of your Friend Baron Stuben’s, who I shall thank you for your attention to, we have found him a very amiable young Gentleman, he will tell you how the Children all look, and what a delightful retreat I have brought them to, till a few days ago I flattered myself you would have been with us on Schuilkill...
505From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 17 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is long since I have had the Pleasure of hearing from you, but am glad to hear by Cousin Williams that you were well the Beginning of this Year, and about to settle in the House at Boston, which you may consider as your own, and I hope you will be happy in it.— I continue, Thanks to God, in very good Health, being at present only troubled with the Stone,...
506To Benjamin Franklin from Bailly, 17 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr Bailly presente ses respects a Monsieur Franklin. Il est chargé de le remercier au nom de Mrs les commissaires, qui se rendront chez lui samedi avant midi, et auront l’honneur de profiter de son invitation. Les commissaires sont au nombre de huit, Mrs Majault, sallin Guillotin, d’arcet medecins; Mrs lavoisier, le Roy, de Bory et Bailly academiciens. La...
507To Benjamin Franklin from Vicq d’Azyr, [after 15] June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Je m’empresse de réparer l’oubli que l’on a commis involontairement, & Je joins ici quelques Exemplaires du Rapport que Je vous avais annoncé par ma précédente Lettre. J’aurai l’honneur de Vous faire parvenir sous peu de temps le troisième Volume du Recueuil de la Société Royale de Médecine: c’est le Seul qui aît paru depuis ceux qui Vous ont été remis....
508From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Mifflin, 16 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives My Letter by Mr Jay acquainted your Excellency that the Ratifications of the Definitive Treaty were exchanged. A Copy of the British Part was also sent by him. Mr Hartley remained here expecting Instructions to treat with us on the Subject of Commerce. The Bustle attending a new Election & Meeting of Parliament he imagined might...
509To Benjamin Franklin from Bailly, 16 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M Bailly presente ses hommages a Monsieur franklin et le prie de lui renvoier le registre original de la commission qu’il a eu l’honneur de lui envoier la semaine derniere, parcequ’on a indispensablement besoin demain dès le matin, qu’on doit commencer a le copier. Si Mr franklin ne l’avoit pas encore lu, il peut le garder encore jusqu’a ce soir, pourvû...
510To Benjamin Franklin from Dufriche de Valazé, 15 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Porteur de cette lettre Est M. Dufriche desgenettes mon neveu qui part pour londres, où il va voir Comme on traite la Médecine qu’il Ètudie depuis __ quatre ans à Paris. C’Est un jeune homme sage Et de Bonne Éspérance, à qui je m’interesse Comme à mon fils. Permettez moi, Monsieur, de vous demander pour lui quelques Recommandations pour votre ancienne...
511To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Le Carpentier, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 15 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress Jai lhonneur de vous envoyer mon Specifique contre la gravelle. Jose vous le repeter, d’apres les guerisons quil a operé, vous ne courés aucun risque d’en faire usage. Vous voudrés bien, Monsieur, pendant le tems que vous le prendrés, ne point manger de Salade Surtout le Soir Si vous Soupes, vous interdire le Laitage, non pas deux cuillerées de Lait dans votre Thé,...
512To Benjamin Franklin from Vicq d’Azyr, 15 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer le Rapport de Mrs. Andry & Thouret Sur les Aimans de M. L’abbé Le Noble, conformément a la Demande que vous avez bienvoulu m’en faire le 24 du mois dernier.— La Société R. de Médecine, à laquelle j’ai présentéce Billet que Vous m’avez adressé à ce Sujet, a été on-ne-peut-pas-plus flattée du Désir que Vous témoignez avoir de...
513To Benjamin Franklin from John Witherspoon, 15 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Mr William Brown has been a Teacher here & is strongly recommended to me as an excellent Classic Scholar he goes to Paris to finish his Knowledge & Pronounciation of the french Language & is desirous of being introduced to you & if you Should know of any Opportunity of directing him where he might teach either the english or learned Languages so...
514From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Thomson, 14 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress I received yours of April 19 with the Information you obtained from our old Neighbour Reuben Haines respecting Marggrander, for which I thank you. I am much pester’d with Applications to make such Enquiries, and often obliged to promise that I will transmit them: but I would not wish you to take more Trouble than to ask Questions of the Members of Congress or others...
515To 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...
516To Benjamin Franklin from Johann von Gott Nekrep, 12 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Allow me to send you my most gratefull Thanks, for all the favours and politeness you show’d me at Passy. But how shall I find language to express the emotions of my Heart? When ever I call to Mind the agreeable hours, I have had the Honour to pass with you, my Heart leaps with inexpressible pleasure. Oh! may heaven restore you Sir, to perfect Health, that...
517To Benjamin Franklin from the Regents of the University of the State of New York, 12 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Lieutenant Colonel Clarkson will have the honor of delivering your Excellency this Letter. His business in Europe is to solicit donations for the University of the State of New York. We have instructed him to consult with your Excellency on the most proper mode of effecting the Objects of his Mission And we flatter ourselves that notwithstanding the...
518To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 10 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society At the request of Mr Champion I forward the Accompanying Book to your Excellency. Our Mutual & Worthy friend Mr Laurens leaves Bath this day for Falmouth to go with his Son for New York. May Heaven protect them and spare your Excellency’s long and useful life is the prayer of Dr Sir Yr: Excellency’s obliged & Faithful Notation: Edward Bridgen. June 10....
519To Benjamin Franklin from William Livingston, 10 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty of recommending to you Colonel Clarkson who is appointed by the Directors of the University of New York to solicit donations in some parts of Europe, for that Institution. In this capacity I do not recommend him to your notice; because my feelings as an American are really hurt by our turning mendicants in Europe, where I think our...
520Map of the United States of America, Following the Peace Treaty of 1783, Dedicated and Presented to Benjamin Franklin … (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Affiches, annonces, et avis divers, ou Journal general de France, June 10, 1784. Carte des Etats-Unis de l’Amerique Suivant le Traité de Paix de 1783, issued by Jean Lattré in 1784, was neither the first French map of the United States published after the signing of the peace, nor an entirely accurate depiction of the boundaries of the new nation, as its title implies. It was,...
521From Benjamin Franklin to the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 9 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Vicomte Foy, Paris (1957) J’ai reçu, ma chere Amie, votre Lettre infiniment obligeante, et depuis ce temps Je n’ai fait que songer au charmant Projet d’aller à Sanois, passer quelques Jours avec vous. Je souhaiterois de tout mon coeur être en état de l’exécuter; mais plus J’y pense, et plus il me paoit impraticable: car Je me sens moins en état de marcher que la derniere fois que J’eus le...
522To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Rosalie Filleul, [9 June 1784?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mde Filleul a l’honneur d’envoyë a Monsieur francklin, Ces trois derniers Volumes des mémoires du baron de tott. Elle prie de vouloir bien luy envoyë le journal d’aujourdhui 9. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le docteur Francklin / en son hotel / a Passy The earliest possible date. Mme Filleul enclosed volumes that were first published in 1784; the only...
523To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Rosehill, 9 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I reced. Your Obligeing Information Concerning Your Son, I am again to bege the favour of You to be so Good as to Informe me by the Return of the Post if there are Any Gentlemen of Note, belonging to the State of Virginia, at this time in Paris, & if there is, then Names, and Addresse.— Haveing a Very Conciderable Interest in New Jersey, I will do my self...
524To Benjamin Franklin from Forster frères, 8 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed letter We receiv’d under cover from our R: F by Ship from Dublin with directions to forward it to your Excellency, & to request an answer through our hands which We shall take care to send by the same conveyance— We shou’d esteem ourselves happy to have it in our power to render your Excellency any service in this place: as We buy annually of...
525To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Grattan, 8 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’opinion que le Monde entretien si justement des vos talens comme Consellier d’Etat, & de votre Sapience comme un Ecolier, et si generalement connu qu’il ne’st point necessaire que je le repete. Les gens de ce pais vous regarde avec un admiration et un estime que rein ne peut egaler, mais personne plus que Sir Edward Newenham, le vrai Patriote et Soutein...
526To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Oswald, 8 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed Letter was sent to me yesterday by Lord Howe to be forwarded to you. And their Lordships of that Board having ordered a Copy of Capt Cooks Books of his last Voyage to be transmitted to you, they will be Sent in a Box by the Paris Diligence directed to the care of Monsr Pissot. Libraire, Quai des Augustines, to be delivered without expence. Mr...
527To Benjamin Franklin from Antoinette-Thérèse Melin Dutartre, 6 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous envoye, mon papa, une Sollicitation que le principal du college des irlandois me fait, Si vous pouvez y avoir egard, vous m’obligerez infiniment. Jespere que vous ne m’avez pas totalement oublié? Les maladies cruelles nous ont Separés. Je nai été qu’une Seule fois voir nôtre charmante amie, et il ne me fut pas possible d’aller vous embrasser: ne me...
528From Benjamin Franklin to the Conde de Campomanes, 5 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society I have received much Instruction and Pleasure in reading your excellent Writings; I wish it were in my Power to make you a suitable Return of the same kind. I embrace the Opportunity my much esteemed Friend Mr Carmichael affords me, of sending you a late Collection of some of my occasional Pieces, of which, if I should live to get home I hope to...
529To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens: Two Letters, 4 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : American Philosophical Society; (II) Copy: University of South Carolina Library Permit me to introduce at Passy, Mr. Parker a young Gentleman of an exceeding good character Son of John Parker Esquire a respectable & valuable Citizen of the State of South Carolina. Mr. Parker who is studying the Law, means to improve the next vacation by a Visit to Paris & is, as all the World are,...
530To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [3 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having determined to Go By the Next packet that Sails from L’orient on the 22d inst, I shall Be Happy to Be Honoured With Your Commands— I don’t leave Paris Before the 17th and Will in a few days Wait Upon Your Excellency— Be So kind as to let me know if You Have Heard Any thing from America— The only News I Had are, 1st that the Cincinnati Affair...
531From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 2 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : The Scriptorium (1990); copies: William L. Clements Library, National Archives (London); transcript: National Archives I have considered the Observations you did me the honour of communicating to me, concerning certain Inaccuracies of Expression and suppos’d Defects of Formality in the Instrument of Ratification, some of which are said to be of such a Nature as to affect “the Validity of...
532To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Thompson, 2 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society I have the honor to inform your Excellency that Mr. Jay embark’d on board the Ship Edward, Capt. Cooper with his Lady and family the 31 Ulto in the Evening with a fair wind which has continued ever since. I am also to advice you that a Picture of the Marquis la Fayet intended for Genl. Washington in Mr Jay’s care was oblig’d to be left on shore as...
533To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 2 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, Bibliothèque Municipale, Nantes Washington here announces that his former aide David Humphreys has been elected by Congress to serve as the secretary of the new commission to negotiate commercial treaties. His election crushed Franklin’s hopes for a diplomatic career for his grandson William Temple Franklin. On August 15 Temple...
534From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 2 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Congress having been pleased to appoint Colo. Humphrys Secretary to the Commissioners, for forming Commercial Treaties in Europe, I take the liberty of introducing him to you. This Gentleman was several years in my family as an Aid de Camp. His zeal in the cause of his Country, his good sense, prudence, and attachment to me, rendered him dear to me; and I persuade myself you will find no...
535To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 1 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives (London), William L. Clements Library; transcript: National Archives I have the honour to inform you that I have transmitted to London, the ratification on the part of Congress of the definitive treaty of peace, between Great Britain and the united states of america. I am ordered to represent to you, that a want of form appears in the first paragraph of that...
536To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Howe, [1 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): National Library of Australia Ld Howe desires with the Kings permission to Present the History of the late Capt. Cooks last Voyage Printed under the direction of the admiralty To Dr. Franklin; in acknowledgment of the Doctors Liberal Endeavors for Preventing all Obstructions Which that Celebrated circumnavigator might have been liable to from American Cruizers on his return to...
537Meteorological Imaginations and Conjectures, [May 1784] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): Library of Congress; press copy of copy: American Philosophical Society The “dry fog” that blanketed much of Europe during the summer of 1783 had occasioned much scientific speculation, but its cause was as yet unknown. In this paper, written nearly a year after the fog first appeared, Franklin was less concerned with its cause (though he did propose a theory that would turn out to...
538To Benjamin Franklin from John Walter, May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am oblig’d for your kind Letter, & the present accompanying it, which I think of great Moment to my future Patent.— When I first apply’d to have Type cemented for the incorrect Pamphlet I sent You, Mr. Caslon charg’d Me 2 s./0 per Pound for them, instead of 1 s./0 the common Price of Letters, but gave Me Expectation that the Demand would be lessen’d, if...
539From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 31 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Gilder Lehrman Collection; copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Some Inconveniencies are said to have arisen from a want of Certainty in the Powers of our Consuls. The Articles respecting that Matter have been some time prepared and agreed to between Mr de Raynevall and me. If there is no Change of Sentiment respecting them, I beg leave to request your Excellency would...
540To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 31 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Me permettés Vous Mon Cher Et Venerable Docteur De Vous Demander De Vos nouvelles; Et Dans L’Eloignement ou je Suis De Vous De M’informer au Moins Comment Vous Vous portés Et Si Vous pensés quelques fois a la personne La plus Remplie Des Sentimens De L’attachement Le plus tendre Et De La plus profonde Veneration, je ne puis oublier la touchante Bonté avec...
541To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 30 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot let my first ship go without dropg you a few lines—Jonn woud inform you of my arrival of the severity of the Winter, & of my Journey to Philadelphia which was necessary for setling a plan for conducting my money transactions which I did to my Satisfaction— I had the pleasure of Seeing your amiable Daughter Grand Children & Mr Bache, & received...
542To Benjamin Franklin from Paolo Frisi, 30 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Depuis mon depart de Londres je ne vous ai ecrit, Monsieur, que pour vous remercier du beau present que vous m’avez fait de vos ouvrages, et j’ai appris par le gazzettes publiques les grandes nouvelles qui vous regardoient directement, celles de la revolution de L’Amerique. J’espere cependant que vous ne m’aurez pas oublié, et je vais profiter de toute la...
543Franklin and Chaumont: Agreement on Accounts and Receipt, [28 May 1784] (Franklin Papers)
(I) ADS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; press copy of ADS : American Philosophical Society; D (draft): American Philosophical Society; copy: the marquis de Bausset, Ivry-sur-Seine (1961); (II) press copies of two DS : American Philosophical Society The “Experiment” that Franklin proposed to his landlord on May 2 succeeded. Chaumont finally accepted the judgment that their arbitrator,...
544To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Hunter, 27 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Hunter presents his Respects to Dr. Franklin. He this morning forwarded a Packet addressed to Mr Jay from Dr Witherpoon who is now at London; but is this moment informed that Mr Jay is departed for America. He is apprehensive, from a Note brought him by his Servant from Passy, that the Packet from London will be dispatched after Mr Jay, unopened; & he is...
545To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron d’Ogny, 25 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Vous aurés vu, Monsieur, par la remise qui vous a déja été faite de plusieurs lettres venant de Newyorck a votre destination que le Gouvernement S’est occupé des Moyens d’établir une Correspondance fixe et réglée entre les treize Etats unis et la France par la voye des Paquebots qu’il a établis à Lorient partant une fois par Mois de ce port pour Newyorck et...
546To Benjamin Franklin from d’Ogny: Proposed Franco-American Postal Treaty, [c. 25 May 1784] (Franklin Papers)
Autograph translation by Benjamin Franklin: American Philosophical Society; D : American Philosophical Society Under cover of the May 25 letter immediately above, the baron d’Ogny sent Franklin a thirteen-page “Projet de Traité pour la Correspondance des Lettres entre l’Office des Postes de France et celui des Etats Unis de l’Amérique Septentrionale.” The text published below is Franklin’s...
547From Benjamin Franklin to Vicq d’Azyr, 24 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
L : Yale University Library M. Franklin a l’honneur de faire mille Complimens à Monsieur Vicq-d’azir, et le prie de vouloir bien lui envoyer le Rapport de Messrs. Andry et Thouret sur les Aimans présentés par Mr. L’abbé le Noble, il lui en sera infiniment obligé. Il desireroit aussi savoir si la Société Royale continue toujours à faire imprimer chaque Année la Collection de ses mémoires, qu’il...
548To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 24 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot suffer so good an Opportunity to pass without renewing my Assurances of the Love & Respect I have for you— mine & my Father’s steady Friend. It is indeed long since I have written to you, & much longer since I have received a Letter from you— Your more serious & important Avocations are doubtless the Occasion of both— I am unwilling to intrude upon...
549From Benjamin Franklin to Mesmer, 23 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Bibliothèque Nationale J’ai reçu, Mr, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 14 de ce mois, et le Mémoire que l’accompagnoit concernant M. D’Eslon. J’ai communiqué la Lettre ainsi que le Mémoire aux autres Commissaires, comme vous le desiriez et ils m’ont chargé de vous faire savoir, qu’en entendant M. D’Eslon, ils se bornent simplement à l’exécution de leur Commission,...
550To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Collinson, 22 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this Mr Thos Hill, a Gentleman with whom I have the pleasure of being intimately acquainted; visting the Continent from motives of Curiosity, and a laudable desire of extending useful Knowledge; I have requested that he will oblige me; by the transmission of my most respectful Regards to you; & personally to enquire after your Welfare and...