1To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 7 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library A few days ago your Friend Mr. Alexander forwarded to me from Virginia your favor of the 2d: November accompanied with a packet for Dr. Cooper of Boston, which I shall forward to him by some private hand, to save expence of postage; having already found that expence from Virginia pretty heavy, for not withstanding your name was on the packet, as a frank, the post...
2To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 9 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The preceding is Copy of what I had the pleasure to write you a few days ago per Brig retaliation. When I sent you your Bills, I sent Bills to Mr. Jonathan Williams for 210 Dollars, being Interest on some Money I put into the loan office for my Brother, and requested him to lay it out in Shirting Linen, Sheeting Linen, Stocking Gauze, Ribbons, & sundry...
3To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 18 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have yours of 2d. June via Boston— I have also since received a few Lines from you of 10th. Jany., covering Letters for some French Gentlemen in our Army, which I have forwarded to them— I am glad to find you got mine of the 22d. October last, as I am now certain you have received the loan Office bills for Interest of your Money— You do not mention the...
4To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 20 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I again acknowledge receipt of your Favors, per Captain Paul Jones, of the 16th. March, 3d & 27th June, 4h Octr. & 9h. Decr., & copies of Letters to & from Ben, all of which have given us the greatest satisfaction & pleasure, his profile too, which you sent us, has added not a little to our gratification; we have had it framed, and it hangs now in our...
5To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 27 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have to thank you for a number of introductory Letters received from you lately, all of which have been productive of either pleasure, or profit, or both—in consequence of your recommendations B & Shee have received very considerable consignments from Dunkirk and we have further prospects of extending our Connection. This will be handed you by Mr. Carter,...
6To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 14 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Some time ago I received from you a memorandum to inquire after a Richard Cooke, a native of Rotterdam, who had been settled some years in America. In consequence of an advertisement I put in the papers, I am applied to by the Son of the said Richard Cooke, (who has resided laterly and is now living in No. Carolina ) for a Letter to you, he intending...
7To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 24 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am happy in having so good an opportunity as the present to let you know that we are all well; Sally would have wrote, but the Marquis La Fayette’s & General Du Portail’s sudden departure, together with her necessary engagements in the Nursery, will not admit of it an opportunity will present itself in a few days from this port, which she means to...
8To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 8 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society At the Request of my Friend Colonel John Mitchell, I take the liberty of introducing to your Civilities, the Bearer Mr: John Rainey, who goes to France upon a Commercial Plan, should he require your Advice, or Assistance in procuring passports to Holland or elsewhere, I beg leave to recommend him to you for them— The Family continue well and join me in Love...
9To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 10 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We yet remain without a Line from you; tho’ we have had the pleasure of hearing you were safe arrived; this is my third Letter to you, since you left us; I think I have never mentioned to you before, that Mr. Galloway, when the Enemy were at Trenton, passed over the Delaware and took protection, three of the Allens did the same, viz: John, Andrew, and...
10To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 22 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself the pleasure a few days ago of writing you a long Letter, which I committed to the care of Capt. All— also wrote to Temple & Ben—sent you the Indian Spelling Book, & the Dutch & English papers; these last I committed to the care of a Mr. Ray, a young Man that I have recommended to your notice, as he purposes visiting Paris soon after his...
11To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache: Two Letters, 30 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed Letters were intended to be sent some time ago by Mr. Jefferson, who went as far as Maryland as a Commissioner for Peace, but he being recalled; I now commit them to the care of Mr. Restife, a Gentleman that came over with the Minister of France, he appears to be a good kind of Man, & has been very intimate in our Family— We are...
12To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 2 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Since I did myself the pleasure of writing to you by the Marquis La Fayette, which was only a few days ago— I have been honored by yours of the 13th. September and made happy by hearing that you were well. I have already anticipated your wish, by a personal inquiry in Bucks County after the papers that were left in the Trunk at Trevoes, but nothing that...
13To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 29 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society At the request of my Friend Mr. John Wilcocks, I take the Liberty of introducing to your Notice & Civilities Mr. Fox, Son of the late Mr. Joseph Fox, with whom you was well acquainted; I have not the pleasure of knowing this young Gentleman, but from the Character I have of him, I trust you will find him deserving of your Countenance & protection— I am ever...
14To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 20 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure of writing you a day or two ago by the Shelala Capt. Holmes, on board of whom I have put 2 Barrels of Pippins & one large Barrel of Nuts, I also sent you the 2d. Sets of your Interest Bills; I now inclose you the third. We are just informed that Capt. Smith in the Kensington is arrived at Boston, having been chased in there, by a Frigate,...
15To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 5 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have put on board the Washington packet, Captain Barney, by whom this goes, two Barrels of Newton pippins, one Barrel of Chestnuts, a Box of Seeds, and a small Box of Grafts, put up as you directed; the cost of the Box of Seeds is five Guineas, you will herewith receive a Catalogue of them— I should have sent you a Barrel of Hiccory Nuts, could they have...
16To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 31 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I am almost ashamed to acknowledge to you, and yet it is the truth, that upwards of three Months have elapsed since I have done Myself this pleasure, but when you consider the unsetled situation we have been in, and know that it has been such as to deprive me of hearing of opportunities of writing to you, I trust you will forgive me. Four Months passed...
17To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 6 October 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since my last I am favored with yours of the 4th [?] 14 and 16 July by the Captain’s Osborne All and Sparks, the first dated at Preston, where I find you have been making happy by your Presence a good Old Woman and her four Daughters. Captain All told us he never saw you look better than when he left London so [that] we were pleasing ourselves with the...
18To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 16 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you a few Lines this day by Major West a particular Friend of mine— Count Mumford does me the honor to take charge of this— I beg leave to introduce him to your acquaintance & civilities— I have formed a commercial connection with Mr. John Shee of this place, under the firm of Bache & Shee, I shall esteem it as a particular favor, your recommending...
19To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 23 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Your Favor of 31 March I received some time ago, since which we are without the pleasure of hearing from you— I am unhappy at not having it in my power at present to comply with your request, by remitting you your Interest Money— my accounts as postmr. General are upon the Eve of being settled, on which there is a Balance due me of upwards of five thousand...
20To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 16 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Musée de Blérancourt About a Week ago Captain Read brought us, what made us all very happy, a Letter from you, of the 4th. October; we had been so long without hearing from you, that we esteemed it quite as a New years Gift. It was delivered us the day after your birth day, When, by your account to Doctor Bond, some time ago, you must have got back to the Age of Sixty three— We have...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache: Two Letters, 9 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : New York Public Library; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit me to introduce to you Mr. Rucker, who tho’ a native of England, has formerly resided in France; and having spent a few Months in this Country, I have had the pleasure of his acquaintance; and have formed a favorable opinion of him— I wish to recommend him to your notice & Civilities, as a Gentleman very...
22To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 30 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I still remain without any Letters from you; Our Kinsman Mr. Williams wrote me some time ago, that your Letters were put on board the Kensington Capt. Smith, who sailed with the Alliance, but having sprung her Masts, was obliged to put back— She is not yet arrived— I have a few Lines from Temple dated in March, desiring me to send you some Nuts & Apples. I...
23To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 2 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your last Letters to us were dated October, but we have had the pleasure since of hearing you were well in January— I have wrote you repeatedly of late; By this Ship a Son of Mr. Jos: Fox, & another of Judah Foulke go Passengers, their Friends have applied to me for Letters of introduction to you. I have given them Letters, tho’ I hesitated a while about...
24To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 6 November 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself the Pleasure of writing you the other day by Sparks. I do not know that you will thank me for adding to the Number of your Correspondents, but the Sense I have of my Duty, prompts me to pay this Respect to you. I forgot to acquaint you in my last, that Mr. Bayard of Newyork, sent to me two Exemplifications of his Majesties Commission,...
25To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 1 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The bearer Doctor Rigger visits Europe with a view of improving himself in his profession, which is that of Physick, and to secure some money, which is due to him in Germany. I have not the pleasure of knowing him; but a worthy Friend of mine, who does, having solicited a few Lines in his behalf, I take leave to introduce him to your acquaintance and...
26To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 14 May 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We have not had the Pleasure of a Line from you since I last wrote you. I wish I had time to give you a particular Account of the Action between our armed Boats and his Majesty’s Ships the Roebuck of 44 Guns, and Liverpoole of 28 Guns, off Wilmington. I fully intended it this Morning, but have been so much employed, I find it impossible. I must therefore...
27To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 30 November 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send you the inclosed that you may see the Disposition the good People of this City are in, respecting the Tea, that is hourly expected. The Paper however is designed more as a Scare Crow, than any thing else. I am with Respect Dear sir Your Affectionate son Addressed: To / Doctor Benjamin Franklin / Craven Street / London He doubtless enclosed the...
28To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 13 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Yesterday Captain Barney brought me your much esteemed Favor of 26th: Decr.— I hope we shall not be long ’till we hear that Peace is concluded on, it is an Event much wished for here, except by a few self-interested Individuals— Should you upon a Peace determine upon returning to your native Country; my inclination would lead me to pay a visit to...
29To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 28 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am this moment informed that a Vessel loaded & bound to the West indies is, by a sudden determination of her Owners, ordered for L’Orient. She is now down the River & ready for Sea, I therefore snatch this moment to tell you, we are all well & to send you the Dutch & English News papers— I have sent them regularly to you for some time past, also two...
30To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 27 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The Marquis La Fayette having been detained by bad Weather a day or two longer than he expected, I embrace the opportunity of saying again that we are all well; I have committed my Letter of the 24th. Inst. with the Newspapers to the care of General Duportail who accompanies the Marquis to France— As they visit their native Country crowned with Laurels,...
31To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 9 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Hearing that the Hermione Frigate will shortly leave the Cheasapeake for France I embrace a short moment to let you know that we are all well— Little Debby has been innoculated for the small Pox, & has got happily through them— I shall have an opportunity of writing to you in a few days, by a Vessel from this port, for L’Orient, On board of which I have put...
32To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 30 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this, Mr. Benjamin Morris, is the youngest Son of your old Friend Mr. Samuel Morris, lately deceased; he visits Europe upon a plan of Business; I believe him to be a deserving young Man; as such, and from the regard I have for his Family Connections here, I beg leave to introduce him to your Friendship & Civilities,—I am ever Dear Sir Your...
33To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 8 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed Packet directed for yourself I received a few days ago, from Cape Francois; the other Packet for the Compte de Barbençon, Mr. Bartram requested me to forward to your care— We have had several Arrivals lately from France, without the pleasure of a Line from you, Mr. Williams writes me however that you are well; we would rather have this...
34To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 9 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Hearing of an opportunity via Maryland, I embrace it to tell you, that we are well— I mentioned in two or three of my last Letters to you, the new Arrangement that would probably take place in the post Office department— It is at last settled, and your Son in Law is displaced; Mr. Hazard who has the appointment, I have reason to think has been very active...
35To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 3 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Hearing this Moment of an opportunity for France, from an Eastern port —I inclose you Mr. R Morris’ Draft on Mons. Grand a 60 days for Lrs. 3200 Livres, being Moneys recd. from Christian Scheinder of German Town say £200. this Curry. on acct. of the Family in Germany, who sent me a power of Attorney to receive a Legacy for them from him, whose name I...
36To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 11 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library, Historical Society of Pennsylvania I did myself this pleasure a few days ago per the Frigate Hermione from the Cheasapeake; It was just to let you know that we were well— Having answered your Letter of the 13th Sepr. (which is the last we have from you) by two different conveyances, I have at present nothing very material to communicate, save that we enjoy good...
37To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 17 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Gerard having been detained thus long, affords me an opportunity of informing you that Sally has presented us with another fine Boy; she was safely Delivered on Thursday the 7th. Instant, and I have the pleasure to tell you, that she and the baby are as well as we could wish or expect— Miss Sally Duffield is now with us, she sends Compliments to you &...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 12 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have wrote you by two different Conveyances,— Another now pressents which I embrace to let you know we are well, & to send you the Dutch News papers— Wishing them safe to your hands— I remain with unfeigned Love & Duty. Yours affectionately Addressed: Doctor Franklin Notation: R. Bache Augt. 12. 1782. His last two extant letters are above, July 23 and...
39To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 31 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am favored with yours of the 17th. Novr. by the hands of Messrs. Foulger and Rant, who with their Familys arrived here in good health the 27th. Current. Mrs. Westley and her youngest Daughter suffered much by Sea-Sickness, the rest I understand bore their Voyage very well, however, they all came asshore hearty, and I have got each family into decent,...
40To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 1 January 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have to acknowledge receipt of your Favors of the 24th. Sept. and 5th. October, the former by the hands of Mrs. Alcock, who found her Husband settled on a small Farm on the other Side Schuylkill, not far from the Middle Ferry. [It] is not many days since she delivered to me your Letter, and I have not since had an Opportunity of going to see them, but...
41To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 26 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had last Week the pleasure of writing you per Ships Shelala & Franklin from this port for L’Orient by the former I sent you the Nuts & Apples, which Temple had wrote for, putting them under the care of a Mr. Erskine who went Passenger in the Ship; I hope they may arrive safe & in good order as we took particular pains to have them properly dried and...
42To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 10 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I fully expected to have had the pleasure of a Line from you by some of the late arrivals from France, but am totally disapointed— I wrote you not long since by the Captains Read & Truxton, & sent you the papers, — this, with the Papers up to the date, I shall commit to Captain All’s care, who has in charge a Vessel of my Friend Morris, & intends for...
43To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 5 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We are now in daily expectation of hearing from you; If I am right in my calculations, you have been gone from us fourteen weeks and upwards, and since your departure, our common Cause has under gone a variety of interesting changes and events, which no doubt, you will become acquainted with thro’ the proper channel; our situation at one time was very...
44To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 29 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yours of the 29h. Octr. last came to hand only a few days ago, and is the only one I have had from you for some Month’s past— I embrace this opportunity of Mr. Gerards Nephew who goes Via Virginia to hand to you 3d. Bills of the Setts sent you by Mr. Gerard who I hope has got safe home at last— My Love to Temple, tell him, I thank him for his care in...
45To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 20 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We have had no Arrivals from France lately, therefore could not possibly hear from you— Your last Letter is dated in January, and was handed us by Mr. Vaughan, who had the misfortune of being taken on our Coast, and carried into Newyork; whence he came here on Parole— Our Coast has for some time past, been lined with British Cruizers, which have done...
46To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 18 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Finding that Mr. Jay, who is appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Madrid, goes with Mr. Gerard by way of France, and probably will stop at Paris a short time, I commit this, with the inclosed, and a packet of Magazines to his care; He carries his Lady with him, the Daughter of Governor Livingston, she is a fine sensible Woman, and will do...
47To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 24 December 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This and the following letter from William, which went on the same ship, brought Franklin the news of his wife’s death. Until her final stroke neither his son nor son-in-law had warned him that she was failing, at least in letters that survive; both had written frequently and at length but had scarcely mentioned her. Perhaps they saw no change in her...
48To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 22 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My last to you was dated in July, which I sent via Boston, and Copy via Maryland. I have not had the pleasure of a Line from you since, except the introductory Letter you honored me with, by the hands of Mr. Gerard, which he sent into the Country to me, where I remain’d with my family ’till about a Month ago, when we moved bag and baggage into Town, with...
49To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache: Two Letters, 4 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I hope this will be handed you by my very particular & worthy Friend Mr. Thomas Barclay, who being appointed Consul General to the United States, goes with his Family to reside in France— I wish to recommend him, not only to your Acquaintance and Civilities, but to your Friendship & Esteem, being well assured, you will find him deserving of...
50To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 26 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The other day Sally and myself had the pleasure of writing you per packet— I have only to add that we continue in good Health, and in the enjoyment of many Blessings—you have our best Love & Affections, & constant Wishes & Prayers for your health & Happiness— I am ever Dear Sir Your dutiful & Affectionate Son Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Benjamin...