41From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 22 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I received your late Favour without date, and immediately ordered 100 £ Sterling in the Hands of Mr Hodgson to be at the Disposition of Mr President Laurens. Please to inform me how he does. My last Informations which came from the Lieut of the Tower thro’ Sir Grey Cooper, were that he was very well, & that he was perfectly satisfied with the Treatment...
42From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 8 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
L : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Mr Franklin presents his respectful Compliments to Count De Vergennes & has the honour of acquainting him with the Arrival of Mr Grenville; who is desirous of knowing when his Excellency will be pleased to admit him to the honour of a Conference. Endorsed: Rec. le meme jour In WTF ’s hand.
43From Benjamin Franklin to François Bowens, 2 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress This is to request, that in Addition to the Paper you already have the Kindness to forward me, you would procure & send me Likewise, The Whitehall Evening Post, & the General Advertiser . Your Disbursements on this Account shall be thankfully repaid you by Sir, your &c
44From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 3 March 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I had no Line from you per last Packet. But I had the Satisfaction of hearing you were well by Mr. Beache’s Letter. I wrote to you per Capt. All, and sent you some little Things. I continue well, and am ever, Your affectionate Husband Bache’s letter was that of Jan. 4 above, and BF ’s by Capt. All was, we assume, that of Feb. 14.
45From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Deshayes, 27 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Library of Congress I understand from his Excellency M. De Sartine that you have taken Care of such poor Americans as arrived at Cherbourg from England, and been at some Expence in relieving them. Please to accept my Thanks, and send me your Account that I may reimburse you. And as you have been so good as to Offer a Continuance of these kind Offices of Humanity I hereby assure you...
46From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 1 September 1752 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This is only to enclose a second Bill for £20 Sterling, drawn on Alexr Grant Esqr per Mrs. Mary Stevens. I am, Yours affectionately See above, p. 339.
47From Benjamin Franklin to Ralph Izard, 27 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy and two transcripts: National Archives; transcript: South Carolina Historical Society The Bearer says he is a native of Charles town South Carolina, and he wants a Pass to go into Italy. I do not well understand the account he gives of himself. He seems to me to be lost, and to want advice. I beg leave to refer him to you, who will soon be able to discover whether his account is true. I...
48From Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee, 12 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Harvard University Library Mr Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr Lee, and sends all the Journals he has; but, as he has not yet had time to read them, he prays Mr Lee to return them when he has perus’d them.— Addressed: The honble A Lee Esqr / Paris. Notation: Sepr. 12. 1779 Lee did so later that day with a note saying, “Mr. Lee presents his Compts. to Dr. Franklin & returns the...
49From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 4 December 1753 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library This serves to enclose second Bills for One Hundred Pound Sterling, sent per Richey. I am, ut supra. Addressed: To Mr Wm Strahan Printer London Per Capt. Mitchell. Written on the same sheet with the duplicate of his letter to Strahan, Nov. 27, 1753.
50From Benjamin Franklin to James Logan, 7 March 1748 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; abstracted in Worthington C. Ford, comp., List of the Benjamin Franklin Papers in the Library of Congress (Washington, 1905), p. 10. Abstract : Pass’s opinion as to cost of casting cannon; favors purchasing from New England. The ALS is known to have been missing from Lib. Cong. since 1951. In Ford’s List the addressee is given as “James Logan, Trenton”—obviously a misreading of...
51From Benjamin Franklin to Rocquette, Elsevier & Rocquette, 4 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have receiv’d lately two Pacquets thro’ your hands, the last with your favour of the 20th. Past. I am much oblig’d by your Care of them, and have the honour to be, Gentlemen Your most obedient and most humble servt.
52From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 18 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favours of the 6 & 9 inst. & thank you for the Intelligence they Contain. I hope generals Clinton & Thomson will give a good Acct. of the Invaders of Georgia. But if they should remain there till the end of the summer, a general fever at least will do a great Deal towards demolishing them. With much Esteem I am &ca Surely BF wished for a good account...
53From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Rinquin, 19 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received the honour of yours dated the 14th. Instant. containing the Pieces relative to the Padmore a Prize taken by the Black Princess; and I Send you here with the Judgment thereupon. I have the Honour to be, Sir, &c. Missing. We have not located BF ’s prize judgment. Rinquin, the clerk of the Admiralty of Morlaix, had been communicating with BF for the past half...
54From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 20 February 1774: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Text reprinted and paraphrase based on Mme. Henri Saffroy sales catalogue no. 19, February, 1959. I have written fully to you and several friends by Capt. All; but as I know you like to have a letter by every ship, I add this line by Capt. Falconer. … <Continues in good health and spirits, God be praised, and hopes to arrive at home next May. Sends affectionate regards and love to the children.>
55From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Neave, 27 January 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library At your Request I have perused the Letter to you from Messrs. Baynton, Wharton, and Morgan, relating to the Lands they have convey’d to you, together with the Copies of the Warrants and Surveys; and it is my Opinion they have represented Matters truly and fairly to you in every particular, and that the Lands are so situated as probably to be of a...
56From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 5 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received yesterday your kind Letter of the 23d past, with a Pacquet of Books and Pamphlets. I am much oblig’d by your friendly Attention in sending them. I have as yet only had time to run over the Thoughts on Executive Justice. They have given Rise to some Thoughts in my Mind on the same Subject, which perhaps I may communicate to you in my next. I am...
57From Benjamin Franklin to Browns & Collinson, 28 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I send you enclos’d a Bill of Exchange for 100£ sterling, with which please to credit my Account. With great Esteem, I am Gentlemen y. m. o. & m. h. s. BF maintained a small account with his London bankers: XXIII , 18n. These were funds which BF intended to cover William Caslon’s bill for type. See BF to Fizeaux, Grand & Cie., Oct. 29, below.
58From Benjamin Franklin to [Creutz], [13 December 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Draft: American Philosophical Society M. Franklin etant obligé d’etre demain Matin à Paris pour Affaire ne pourra pas avoir l’honneur de recevoir chez lui M. l’Ambassadeur de Suede— Mais il aura celui de lui faire sa Cour sur les 11 heures—si toutefois cela est agreable à M. l’Ambassadeur. In answer to the preceding document: BF described this meeting in the Dec. 14 portion of his letter to...
59From Benjamin Franklin to Bra[iez?], 22 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis trop étranger, Monsieur, à toute Dispute sur le Mesmerisme, pour consentir que mon nom paroisse ni directement ni indirectement ailleurs que dans le Rapport des Commissaires au Nombre desquels Sa Majesté m’avoit nommé. J’ai l’honneur d’être, Monsieur, Votre trés humble & trés obeissant Serviteur In response to his letter of the...
60From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Carter, 18 April 1748 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Anderson Galleries, Sales Catalogue No. 800 (January 18, 1910), item 90. Please to pay Mr. Robert Dade or Order Thirty-one Pennyweight of Gold, and charge it to Account of, Sir Your humble Servant Col. Charles Carter (1707–1764), of Cleve, King George Co., Va.; son of Robert “King” Carter of Corotoman and uncle of Robert Carter of Nomini Hall, the Councillor. Va....
61From Benjamin Franklin to William Knox, 26 January 1771: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Historical Society of Pennsylvania <Craven St., Jan. 26, 1771. Is directed by the Georgia Assembly Committee of Correspondence to request the plan of the lands in that province claimed by the estate of Sir William Baker. Please deliver the plan to the bearer, Thomas Life.> See above, XVII , 139 n. Knox’s reply is below, Jan. 29.
62From Benjamin Franklin to Beerenbroek, 28 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Mr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Dr. Beerenbrock and acquaints him that Dr. Ingenhausz is not yet arrived at Paris, but is expected in two or three Weeks he having written from Brussels that Such was his Intention, as soon as he arrives Mr. Franklin will acquaint Dr. Beerenbrock.
63From Benjamin Franklin to Ralph Izard, 4 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Copy and two transcripts: National Archives; transcript: South Carolina Historical Society If I continue well and nothing extraordinary happens to prevent it, you shall have the Letter you so earnestly desire sometime next week. I am Sir Your most obedient humble Servant The copy and transcripts presumably came from Izard’s file of the correspondence (which has since disappeared) for they all...
64From Benjamin Franklin to Maurice-Augustin Montgolfier, 4 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m’avez adressée en dernier Lieu, ainsi que les divers Echantillons de vos Papiers. J’enverrai une Feuille de Chaque Espece à M. Williams, suivant votre Desir.— La Lettre pour M. votre Oncle, partira avec mes premieres Depêches pour les Etats unis de l’Amerique. J’ai l’honneur d’être &c— Published above, [before Jan. 28].
65To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 7 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
Dr. Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr. Adams, and sends such of his Trunks as can be got at; W.T.F. in whose Chamber it is suppos’d there may be more, being gone to Paris; and having with him Mr. F’s Carriage prevents his waiting on Mr. Adams immediately as he would otherwise wish to do; but Mr. F. requests the Honour of Mr. Adams’s Company at Dinner to-morrow. RC ( Adams Papers ).
66From Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee, 9 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Merchants alluded to in my Letter to your Brother, were Mr. Bayard, Mr. Monthieu, and M. Chaumont. The Terms I understood to be those proposed by Virginia. I have the honour to be with great respect, Sir Your most obedient and most humble servant An obvious mistranscription by the copyist.
67From Benjamin Franklin to Alexander Colden, 1 September 1773: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress <London, September 1, 1773: Has received Colden’s of July 7, enclosing Archimedes Georges on Curtis & Lowell for £113 and Norris Goddard on Anthony Todd for £69. Is glad to hear that Colden and his family are well.>
68From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 7 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Massachusetts Historical Society Dr Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr Adams, and sends such of his Trunks as can be got at; W.T.F. in whose Chamber it is suppos’d there may be more, being gone to Paris; and having with him Mr F’s Carriage prevents his waiting on Mr Adams immediately as he would otherwise wish to do; but Mr F. requests the Honour of Mr Adams’s Company at Dinner...
69From Benjamin Franklin to [Marat], 29 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am extreamly sorry that I could not be present at your curious Experiments on Saturday, and that indispensible Business will prevent my waiting on you to-morrow: I shall be at liberty the rest of the Week, if some other day may be convenient to you; and will then attend them with Pleasure, being very sensible of the honour done me in your obliging...
70From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 25 October 1755 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Toronto Library The above is a Copy of my last. Enclosed is the second Bill. I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant See above, p. 219.
71From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I desire you would explain to me the Reason or Utility of your Drawing on Mr Chaumont on Acct of the Cloathing, which I do not at present apprehend.— I send you herewith several Letters receiv’d from Boston, and am ever Your affectionate Uncle BF. to J. Williams Feb. 14. 1780 Desiring to know why the Bills were drawn on Mr...
72From Benjamin Franklin to Gourlade & Moylan, 14 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I should with great Pleasure comply with Capt. Blackwell’s Request on your Recommendation if it were in my Power; But I have now no blank Commissions left. I am much obliged by the Intelligence you have so often so kindly Sent me, and am with great Esteem Gent Your m. o. & m. humble Servant.
73From Benjamin Franklin to Jean-Daniel Schweighauser, 2 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The enclosed from Mr Adams I suppose acquaints you with his Intention of embarking at your Port for America. I am confident you will readily afford him all the Assistance in your Power, that he may be well accommodated at Nantes and in the Ship Alliance. I have the honor to be Sir &
74From Benjamin Franklin to John Bondfield, 28 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I receiv’d yours of the 22d and thank you for the Information of the Arrival of the Tobacco Ship. If the Cargo belongs to the States, it is to be deliverd immediately to the Agents of the Farmers general residing in the Port. I am, Sir, &c.
75From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 29 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have received the Proceedings of the admiralty at Brest concerning the young Dominique Prize, and eight Ransoms made by the Black Prince Privateer which your Excellency did me the honour of Sending to me the 27th. Instant. With the greatest Respect I am, Your Excellency’s most
76From Benjamin Franklin to Genet, [1778 or after] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress All the American Papers will be sent to Mr Genet this Evening. Mr Franklin sends the enclos’d four, for a Beginning. Addressed: A Monsr / Monsieur Genet / Bureau des Interprêtes / Versailles BF and Genet began exchanging newspapers and other information soon after the signing of the alliance: XXVI , 271n. This note could date from this or subsequent years.
77To George Washington from Benjamin Franklin, 16 August 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Benjamin Franklin, 16 Aug. 1776. On 18 Aug. GW wrote to Franklin : “I have been honourd with your favour of the 16th.”
78From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 9 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft) and two copies: Library of Congress I have received several kind Letters from you which I have not regularly answered. They gave me however great Pleasure, as they acquainted me with your Welfare, and that of your Family & other Friends: and I hope you will continue writing to me as often as you can do it conveniently. I thank you much for the great Care & Pains you have taken in...
79From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 10 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : Kaller’s Historical Documents, Inc., New Jersey (2002) I have before me your several Favours of June 7, June 17, & July 9. The Box sent to Mr. Bowens at Ostend is also come to hand. It contain’d a Dozen 4to Vols. of my Writings, and a Number of Pamphlets which you have been so good as to chuse for me; but the Remembrancers, & Registers bought for me by Mr Young, and left by...
80From Benjamin Franklin to Elizabeth Gardner, 4 June 1753 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Pennsylvania Hospital Please to receive the Bearer into the Hospital, and entertain him there till the Physicians have considered his Case. Your Friend and Servant Elizabeth Gardner was matron of the Pennsylvania Hospital, 1751–60. Thomas G. Morton and Frank Woodbury, The History of the Pennsylvania Hospital (Phila., 1895), p. 544. Not identified.
81From Benjamin Franklin to James Cuming, 10 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I rec’d. the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 2d. Inst: Accept my Thanks for your Care in forwarding the Packets and News papers; which are likewise come to hand. When you know of any Person coming to Paris; I beg you would send me the Journals of Congress for 1778, desiring much to see them. I have the honour to be, sir, Your most obedt. humble Servant
82From Benjamin Franklin to Hamelin, 28 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress M. Belton is gone from hence to Flanders, But propos’d to be back in five or six Weeks. I know nothing of his Debts & cannot be accountable for them. But when he returns I will press him to pay you & do what I can to obtain the Money for you. I am, Sir, &c. In answer to his of Feb. 21.
83From Benjamin Franklin to Moses Grinnell, 27 [January] 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 21st. Instant. I am distress’d by the vast Number of Calls upon me for money, by American Prisoners and others, and it is impossible for me to furnish every one with what they desire. If six Louis will be of any service to you this Line will authorize Mr. Scheweighauser to furnish you with them, on your Note for Repayment to The Treasurer of...
84From Benjamin Franklin to Alexander Colden, 3 August 1773: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress <West Wycomb, at Lord Le Despencer’s, August 3, 1773: Has received Colden’s of June 2 enclosing seconds of “sundry Bills acknowledg’d in my last” and the first of Willing & Morris on Harris & Co. for £15. Encloses Ogle’s protested bill on Anderson for £83 10 s. 3 d. , which with charges totals £83 16 s. Compliments to Mrs. Colden.> See the letter BF...
85From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Philip, 17 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society It being extreamly improper for me who am a Stranger here, to trouble the Ministers with Solicitations for Persons unknown to me & in Affairs the Nature of which I am ignorant of, I must beg you to excuse my not doing what you desire of me. I return your Papers, as they may be of use to you, & am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant In answer to...
86From Benjamin Franklin to Lewis R. Morris, 14 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and transcript: National Archives I receiv’d by the Washington the Bills and Accounts mentioned in yours of the 5th of June, and shall soon send you an Account of the Disposition of the Money. My Account as stated by you appears to be right. With much Esteem I have the honour to be, Sir Your most obedient & most humble Servant
87From Benjamin Franklin to Sartine, 14 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received the Procedures of the admiralty of Morlaix Which your Excellency did me honour to send me, relating to the prises and Ransoms taken by the black Prince. With Great respect I am Your Excellency most Obedient and most humble Servant.
88From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Blake, 22 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress The Congress having judged that the private Trade carried on with England under various Pretences, is prejudicial to the general Interest of the United States, and having lately pass’d several strong Resolutions for preventing it; I cannot presume to give any Countenance to it by the Passport you desire. I have the honour to be Sir, In answer to Blake’s...
89From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Rush, 22 July 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; letterbook draft: American Philosophical Society I received your Favour of May 14. with the very ingenious Oration you deliver’d at the Society, for which I thank you. The Bookseller you had likewise sent it to (Mr. Dilly) being desirous of Dr. Huck’s Opinion and mine as to its Publication, we had, after separately reading it, a little Consultation upon it; the...
90From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Rush, 25 July 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have already written to you as a Friend by this Conveyance. I now write to you as one of the Secretaries of our Philosophical Society, who understands French, to request your Attention to the enclos’d Papers, and that you would translate them for the Use of the Society. In this Ship, Capt. Falconer, I send a Box, containing a Number of Presents for the...