801To Benjamin Franklin from “Amicus,” 12 December 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
D : Yale University Library <Pennsylvania Coffee House, London, December 12, 1777: I have recently seen a paper supposedly written to facilitate American borrowing. It would do credit to any author; its case for the inevitable growth of America will convince every intelligent reader. Great Britain has achieved pre-eminence during the past eighty years for two reasons, the growth of her...
802To Benjamin Franklin from Charlotte Amiel, [15 November? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Most assuredly my good Sir you will look upon me extremely importunate in again troubling you with a Letter, I will allow, and acknowledge ’tis very presumptious in me a poor weak Woman to take the liberty of writing to such a sensible Man as Doctor Franklin; but alas the Subject is too interesting for me to forbear taking up my Pen, as my timidity prevents...
803Charlotte and Peter Amiel to Franklin and John Adams, 17 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. and Mrs. Amiel present Compliments to Mr. Franklin and Mr. Adams, will do themselves the pleasure to accept their obliging invitation for next Friday. Addressed: Doctor Franklin / Passy For the husband see the note on Lee to BF above, April 2. The Amiels were frequent dinner guests of the commissioners; so was Jonathan Loring Austin, who also accepted on...
804To Benjamin Franklin from Charlotte Amiel, 10 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs Amiel and the Miss Alexanders unite in best Compliments to Doctor Franklin, assure him they were not a little disappointed at his not going with them to the Play last Thursday Sen-night; or at least not sending them word whether he would, or would not, now the only way to make amends for this, is to do them the honor of Dining with them to Morrow, and...
805To Benjamin Franklin from Charlotte Amiel, 6 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society From the known, and amiable character you bear, and from the civilities Mr. Amiel and myself have had the honor to receive from you: thereon am I embolden’d to address you, and beg you would be so good to inform me whether you think there is any Prospect of Mr. Amiels succeeding in what he is gone upon, and at the same time, pray you will be so kind to push...
806To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Amiel, 29 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Capt: Jones haveing granted me leave of absence for to stay at L’Orient: to settle my private Affairs; since his departure, Monsieur De Chaumont has been so kind as to offer me appartements in his Chateau, this Sir is to beg it as perticular favor that you’l be so kind as to extend my leave for his Place. I am Honored Sir your Respectfull Humble Servant...
807Peter Amiel to the American Commissioners, 9 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Messrs. Poreau & Mackinzy of this place haveing wrote a Letter to Doctor Franklin; in which they have atempted to injure Mr. Coffyns character, as I hope to be at Passy on Sunday next, beg it as a favor you’d suspend your Judgement till then, when I will lay before you every Particular that came to my Knowledge. I am with the greatest Respect Honorable...
808To Benjamin Franklin from George Anderson, 22 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I embrace this opportunity to inform Your Excellency, I was to have been the bearer of the Ratification of the Treaty between France and America together with a large Number of letters and papers from the Congress and the Governor and Counsel of Virginia (of the utmost consequence) to Their Excellencies The Ambassadors at paris; but was unfortunately taken...
809George Anderson to the American Commissioners, 16 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Harvard University Library I had the honour of addressing You the 20th October last, the purport of which was to inform You of my situation at that time, and the treatment of a Certain Gentleman, to the Americans that are brought here— At present I beg leave to give You an exact relation of what has transpired in this place, respecting the said...
810To Benjamin Franklin from John Anderson, 8 November 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <St. Malo, November 8, 1777: When I left Paris with M. de Purney’s agreement it seemed satisfactory, but it is not honored here. They refuse me the money to get ready for sea, and their falling short of their promise frees me to leave their service and enter the American, as I wanted to do when in Paris. Would you tell me whether M. Desegray here will...
811To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Andrews, [4 February 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Honour to write upon you this afternoon respecting the Letter I spoke to you of in Company with my Lawyer the last time I was hear— The projet of which he has sent prayer your Exellency to write one similir to the same. I hope your Exellency will see cause to grant this request will send for the same this Evening as we would wish to deliver by...
812To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Andrews and Alexander Shaw, 9 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I am under the disagreeable necessity of acquainting you of my present Situation which is that of being confin’d in the Castle at Dunann amongst the English Prisoners. & am inform’d that notwithstanding I am an american born, that I shall be Transported to England with the English Prisoners, a thing very unjust— I must inform you that a few weeks ago I...
813To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Andrews, 21 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have taken the Liberty to send your Exellency two of my Résumé memoirs. There was a Council yesterday But haveing much business mine was not finishe’d. The Gentlemen have ordre’d a Council on Monday next for this business only at which time I flatter my self it will be Judge’d to my satisfacton, I still pray for the continuation of your Exellencys...
814To Benjamin Franklin from François-Marie d’Angelÿ and Other Commission Seekers, 25 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As Rochambeau’s army was gathering at Brest in the spring of 1780, Franklin received several letters from officers seeking to join “Washington’s army.” D’Angelÿ (d’Angély), whose letter is printed below, wants permission to raise light infantry and cavalry troops in America to complete General Washington’s army. De Flaghac, writing from Strasbourg on March...
815To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte d’Angiviller, 7 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. D’angiviller est bien flatté de pouvoir procurer à Monsieur francklin la facilité de voir plus commodement les beautés du sallon. Il doit prendre interêt au succès des arts, ils sont faits principalement pour consacrer à la posterité les hommes et les actions illustres et celebres, monsieur francklin a bien quel ques droits sur eux. Mr. D’angiviller a...
816To Benjamin Franklin from John Angus, 14 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society This Serves to Inform you, that on the 24th of Septr, I Sailed from the Capes of Philadelphia in the Ship Cauled the Frankling, bound for Nants, Nothing Meteral Hapened, untell we Got in the Latt. 36″ 30 Longd. 11″ 30 West, then Was Chased And Captured; by a privature Cauled the New Adventure; Mounting 30 Guns Captn. Gray Ford Commandar, Beloning to Waymouth...
817To Benjamin Franklin from John Angus, 21 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I tack the liberty to Inform you After being taken in the Ship Franklin, am now Returned to this place, & have taken the Command of A Brig Called the Antonia, of About 100 Tuns Burthan Mounting 8 guns 6 pounders & 20 Men, purchased And fitted out by the House of T. Se(?) Berard & Co. of this place, by order And for Account of Messrs.— La Caze &...
818To Benjamin Franklin from John Angus, 11 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you the 21 Decmr last, in consequence of being appointed to the command of the Brig Antonia, requesting a Commission under the Continental Flag—. She is intirely American property purchased on acct. of Messrs. La. Caze & Mallet Merchts. of Philadelphia, by Messrs. J. Sn. Berard of this place whose Certificate to this purport you have inclosed— the...
819To Benjamin Franklin from Etienne-Alexandre-Jacques Anisson-Duperon, dit Anisson fils, 31 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society M. Anisson a l’honneur d’assurer de ses devoirs Monsieur Franklin. Il est bien fâché de ne pas s’être trouvé chez lui, lorsque M. son fils lui a fait l’honneur d’y passer de sa part; mais il etoit a faire un voyage dont il est revenu hier au soir. Il aura le plus grand empressement d’offrir à Monsieur franklin l’exemplaire qu’il desire, de son ouvrage auquel...
820To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Anisson-Duperon, 28 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society C’eût été avec bien du plaisir que j’aurois cherché à procurer de l’occupation au jeune Américain pour lequel vous vous intéressez; votre recommandation auroit été pour moi le plus puissant motif pour faire quelque chose qui vous eût été agréable. Mais l’ignorance absolue où est ce jeune homme, de la langue françoise, est un obstacle insurmontable, à toute...
821To Benjamin Franklin from Etienne-Alexandre-Jacques Anisson-Duperon, dit Anisson fils, 8 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’apprends, que vous avez recû d’angleterre des caracteres fondus suivant la nouvelle méthode expliquée dans une brochure dont l’auteur est en correspondance avec vous: vous Savez avec quel intérêt je recherche tout ce qui a quelque rapport a la Typographie, ceci m’interesse plus que tout autre, je vous aurois, Monsieur, la plus grande obligation si vous...
822To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Anisson-Duperon, 22 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library M. Anisson Duperon Directeur de l’Imprimerie Royale a l’honneur de saluer très humblement Monsieur franklin, et de le prier de se ressouvenir de la promesse qu’il a bien voulu faire de venir diner chez M. Duperon, et voir l’Imprimerie Royale avec M. son petit fils, Lundi prochain, 25 du présent. Notation: Anisson 22 may 1778. The descendant of a long...
823To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier d’Anmours, 17 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Madam La Marquise de Saineville, has Sent me, inclos’d in one of her letters, another, which at her Recommandation, and that of Mr. l’abbé Raynal, you were So good to write in my favour to Mr. Moris, your friend in Philadelphia. Your Réputation, Sir, makes me acquainted with its Value, and that Value Engages my most Sinceres Sentiments of Gratitude. Accept...
824Bill from Alexander Annand, [December 1743] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Mr Benjamin Franklin to Alexr Annand Dr To James and William Franklins Schooling from Decr 12th 1738 [to] Decr 1739 £6 00 0 To Wms Do from Decr 12th 1739 to Decr 1743 12 00 0 To firing £1 2 s. 01 02 0 To Ovids Epistles 3 s. 00
825To Benjamin Franklin from Abraham-Hyacinthe Anquetil-Duperron, 14 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Ministre du premier Etat libre de l’Amérique est un phénoméne fait pour paroître chez des françois. L’Ouvrage que j’ai l’honneur de présenter à vôtre Excellence, lui prouvera que nous étions dignes de l’honneur que nous ont fait les Etats Unis de l’Amerique , en s’adressant d’abord à la france. Nous avons des foiblesses; c’est le tribut de l’humanité:...
826To Benjamin Franklin from William Ansell, 5 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have taken the Liberty of sending a Turkey by the Norwich Coach who Inns at the Bull Bishopgate street which I hope youll Do me the favor to Exsept. May I beg to know what time you think of Leaving England as I wish to trouble you with one hour of my Company before you sail for America. I find my Neibour Foulger Left England in fine spirits with Gods...
827To Benjamin Franklin from John Antes, 10 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You may perhaps still remember a young Man wich in the Year 1763 amussed himself with making Musicall Instruments such as Harpsichords Violins etc. whome Curiosity and Disire of Learning once led to your House at Philadelphia without anything to introduce him but a little American Cordiality. This Man am I. The noble and generous Treatment I received of you...
828To Benjamin Franklin from Léonard Appée, 16 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Les Bonté que vous faite regallire [rejaillir] Sur un umbre [nombre] infinie De malhureux Et la justice Du congrés donc vous En nette [êtes] le digne réprésentant me fait prendre la liberté de vous adressé la présante pour imploré Votre protections, de plus Monsieur la justice de ma Cause me fait tout Esperé De Votre imtegrittée je reclâme dont monsieur 3...
829To Benjamin Franklin from John Apthorp, [1757–1759] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Apthorp’s compliments to Mr. Franklyn and desires the favour of his Company to dine with him on Fry-day next ¼ past three. Addressed: Benjn Franklyn Esqr / Buckingham Street, Probably John Apthorp (d. 1772), son of the Charles Apthorp of Boston who was agent for Hanbury & Thomlinson in the northern colonies and involved in supplying specie for British...
830To Benjamin Franklin from the Conde de Aranda, 6 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society L’ambassadeur d’Espagne ne pouvait point oublier l’invitation de Mr. Franklin pour samedi, il desirait meme le moment d’y concurrir avec la plus grande satisfaction. Mr. le chevr. del Campo profitera egalement de ses bontès. A l’egard du jeune Mr. Campos s’il etait de retour pour ce jourla, puisqu’il est atendu d’un jour a l’autre il sera bien flatè du...
831To Benjamin Franklin from the Conde de Aranda, 20 September 1784 (Franklin Papers)
L : Library of Congress L’Ambassadeur d’Espagne a l’honneur de remettre à Monsieur Franklin Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale la Léttre ci-jointe, qu’il vient de recevoir de Madrid, et il saisit cette occasion pour lui reiterer les assurances de son fidele attachement. Undoubtedly Carmichael’s letter of Sept. 13 (misdated as August), above.
832To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Archambault, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 25 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. Mottin de la Balme, aprés s’estre retiré de l’Etat Major de la Gendarmerie avec rang de Capitaine de Cavalerie, avec l’agrément du Ministere passa en amérique pendant la Guerre qu’elle á Soutenue contre l’Angleterre, avec titre de Colonel, et la permission d’emmener avec lui vingt cinq volontaires. Le General Wasingthon le fit inspecteur Général de toute...
833Henry Waldegrave Archer to the American Commissioners, 14 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, June 14, 1778: I want to join the American Army and become a citizen. Although I am an Englishman I did not enter the King’s army, because it would have meant fighting my conscience; that army will probably become the instrument of despotism. In the United States, on the contrary, the disciplined soldier and the free citizen are compatible. I want...
834To Benjamin Franklin from Arendt, 22 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Baron de Arendt présente Ses trés humbles rêspects et répéte Ses adieux a Monsieur Le Docteur Francklin, il est trés mortifié d’être obligé de l’incommoder encore car il n’aime pas d’être a charge à quelqu’n, mais se trouvant dans la plus grande peine par le refus que M. Le Docteur lui fit hier, il L’invite d’avoir la complaisance de dire seulement au...
835To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron d’Arendt, [10 October 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Baron Arendt, qui est arrivé icy de L’amerique par Londres & la Nouvelle York, ayant eù le malheur d’avoir été pris par Les Anglois souhaite avoir l’honneur d’assurer ses respects a Son Excellence Mr. Le Docteur Franklin pour Lui remettre une Lettre de La part du Mr Robert Morris, et se presentera demain le Vendredi chés Lui vers Le Midi. Le Baron a...
836To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron d’Arendt: Two Letters, 13 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) AL : American Philosophical Society; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Baron de Arendt a l’honneur de présenter Les trés humbles respects a Monsieur le Docteur Francklin et de Lui remettre une lettre de la part du Comte de Vergennes, crajnant que M. le Comte L’aura deja prevenû. Le Baron a attendû ce moment de reïterer sa demande en quéstion a M. le Docteur, pour ne l’importuner...
837To Benjamin Franklin from Arendt, [before 18 May 1780]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library <[before May 18, 1780], in French: While in the service of the Americans with the rank of Colonel, baron Arendt gave full satisfaction. He received one year’s leave to recover from an accident and spent a good part of it nurturing the Prussian government’s goodwill toward the American cause. Because [William] Lee detained him in Berlin on various...
838To Benjamin Franklin from Arendt, 28 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Son Exçellençe n’attribuera pas a une indiscretion que je La supplie de me faire avoir une passage au Bord de La fregatte L’alliance. Il m’a été impossible d’en trouver par tout ou je me suis présenté, par ce que tous les vaissaux etoint remplis de monde, et comme mon voÿage est trés préssante et asses interressante pour Votre patrie et qu’il a encore asses...
839To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron d’Arendt, 16 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de Vous avertir de mon arrivée icy, et que l’etat de ma sante est beauccoup meilleur qu’il etait avant ce tems, je desespêre pourtant d’être parfaitement retabli. Il y a six semaines que je Vous avois donné des mes nouvelles par une lettre incluse dans celle de Mr. William Lee, mais malheureusement cette lettre a eû le sort des deux autres,...
840To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis d’Argenson, 24 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Les Anglois ont donc enfin ouvert des souscriptions, Monsieur, pour les prisonniers Américains. Ainsi leur sort va changer et devenir meilleur qu’il n’étoit auparavant. M. Pellevé, Gentil-homme François, mais comme naturalisé Anglois par le long séjour qu’il a fait parmi eux, me mande qu’il n’y a point encore de commissaires nommés pour prendre soin de...
841To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte d’Argental, 24 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Comte D’argental a Reçû avec autant de reconnoissance que de satisfaction, ce que Monsieur franklin a bien voulu lui Envoyer, il va faire partir celui qui est pour L’Infant a sa Destination, il a deja lû le sien dans lequel il à reconnu, la Sagesse, l’intelligence, et les Excellentes vües d’administration de celui qui la dirigé. Addressed: A Monsieur /...
842To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-Adrien Prévost d’Arlincourt, 10 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay Recu Dernierement une Lettre De change Tirée Par M Schweighausez de Nantes Pour La Somme de 3100 l.t. Paiable sur Messieurs Les Ministres Plenipotentiaires des Etats unis de L’amérique. Ne Croiant pas que je fusse Dans Le Cas De Vous Troubler Pour en requerir Le Paiement L’on m’avoit Dit de m’adresser a M Grand Banquier Rue Montmartre. J’ay Donc eu...
843To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Armbruster: Chattel Mortgage and Inventory, 29 October 1765 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society Know all Men by these Present Whereas I Anthony Armbruster of the City of Philadelphia Printer by a certain Obligation bearing Date the thirty first day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and sixty four became bound to Benjamin Franklin of the same City Esquire in the Sum of One hundred and seventy six pounds and Ten Shillings...
844To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Armbruster, 13 June 1763 (Franklin Papers)
MS letter: American Philosophical Society It is the greatest necessity that urges me to give You this trouble; as I have not been favoured with an answer of the first, sent by Mrs. Franklin, made me think it is unwarranted, but flatter myself You’l excuse both. As you are on a Journey and not expected to be back for some Weeks, and as the circumstance will not allow to wait till then, and am...
845To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Arnold “Dit Renault,” 14 January 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Metz, January 14, 1778, in French: My dear brother went to America during the late Anglo-French wars, and remained at Quebec as secretary to the British governor of Canada. I heard from him several times until your war broke out; since then he sent me two letters by a bearer who, about to be searched at sea, threw them overboard, and could only tell me...
846To Benjamin Franklin from Freegift Arnold, 30 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I must take the liberty to claim your Honours attention while I relate my unhappy Situation: not doubting but the singular circumstances with which it is Attended, will, in some Measure apologize for my troubling your Honour at this time. I have been an Officer in the service of the Congress since the commencement of the present War was a Midshipman in the...
847To Benjamin Franklin from George Arnold, 27 December 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Mainz, December 27, 1777, in German: Germany in general and this region in particular wait impatiently for news of the brave Arnold’s exploits. He may be a native of this city. If he is the son of a butcher here, if he was once a Franciscan monk, if he went to America with Montgomery in 1773 and wrote me then, if he got a papal dispensation to leave his...
848To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Arnoux, [before May 1780] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society L’abbé Arnoux prie Monsieur franklin de lui donner une lettre de Recommandione auprès de quelques uns de ses amis de Neuport de providence ou de Rhodisland pour M. Petry Secretaire de l’armée françoise aux ordres de M. de Rochambeau, et sous Lieutenant d’infanterie. M. petry est très honnette, et on ne scauroit dire trop de bien de son esprit et de son...
849To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbés Chalut and Arnoux, 20 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Les abbés de Chalut et Arnoux assurent de leur attachement respectueux Monsieur franklin, ils le felicitent et se rejouissent avec lui de la prise de Cornualis et de toute son armée. Ils luy demandent la permission d’aller diner avec lui à Passy dimanche prochain pour Celebrer, Le verre à la main, Cet heureux Evenement. Les deux abbés font leurs tendres et...
850To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbés Arnoux and de Chalut, [late 1777?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society This is the first extant communication, if we are correct in our guess at its date, from an inseparable pair of abbés. They were “elderly but spritely enthusiasts for the American cause,” in Lyman Butterfield’s words, and the following spring they tried to serve it by teaching John Adams French. Arnoux was fifty or sixty (guesses differed) and Chalut, the...