1From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 25 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library I received your kind Letters of July 29, and August 8. It was a great satisfaction to me to learn that my Dear Sister, was relieved from that continual Distress She had so long labour’d under.— I know not whether my Proposal with regard to Mr. Collais employing himself in making Crown Soap, is Likely to be exceuted by him to Advantage: Perhaps he may not have...
2From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 27 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Jewish Historical Society, New York City I was glad to understand by yours of March 29. that you and your Family continued in good Health and Spirits. You and your Country are engag’d in a good Cause, which God will finally crown with Success. Let nothing discourage you. Your Son John remains at Nantes. His Brother will probably find some Business there for him. I suppose he...
3From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Sr., 24 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from The New-York Mirror , April 13, 1839 The bearer, Mr. Holker, is a gentleman of great worth and excellent character, and a particular friend of mine, who, if he sees encouraging prospects, may possibly make some commercial prospects in America; in which case you may be assured that his engagements will be executed with good faith, and the exactest punctuality. I recommend him...
4To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 16 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Wrote you that I Could not obtain a new addition of the Common prayer Book. I have Since found one. I take this oppertunity to send it by the Bearrer mr. [ blank ]. Your friends Wh. are many have expectations of Seing you here some time in the summer & I belive you will find them as harry & prehaps more so then ever. London is so much like home that I...
5To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 3 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this is a Son of our friend mr Russell. I take the Liberty to recommend him to your Civilities in doing Which you will Oblige yr Dutyfull Nephew Addressed: His Excellency Benja Franklin Eqr / Passey / Paris— / pr favour of Mr. Russel This is probably the same Mr. Russell who later served as a clerk in JW ’s countinghouse in Nantes: JW to BF ,...
6To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 26 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty to Inform you that after a passage of twenty days I have ariv’d hear in Nantes hope the pleasure of Seing you Soon, I Left all our friends Well in America. I most hartly Congratelate you On the good News of Peace thanks to God. Belive me ever your most Dutyfull Nephew & Hble Servant Notation: Jona. Williams Jany. 26. 1782. He had been...
7To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 7 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your small Letter in answer to mine. Thank you for the good news of our allyance with France. Hope the other Powers of Europ will follow their example that we may get rid of the Tirant and Tireney of Britian. The menover of Lord North in his Late speach and the mock Act of Parlement together with the Commissioners is all of a Peace and will I...
8To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 7 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your recommendation of Mr: Holker as Well as his own worth Intitles him to all the Civilities & Assistance in my power in full Faith & Confidence in you I have undertook to Indorse his Bills to a Large amt: they are public Bills & Doubtless Will be honourd I have 2 ½ per Ct. for doing the Business but 10 per Ct. would be no Indusment without your Letter by...
9To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 19 June 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Hearing that you was arrv’d in America and I being much Concrned for our belov’d Son, this is to desire you to Give us Some account of his Situation and Curcomstances. Poor fellow I feare he is now undon as a Merchant. We relying on the faith of General Gage packed up all his Goods in Order to remove them out of Boston, but was forbid by him out of whose Mouth...
10To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 11 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Your favour of the 7 June 81 was handed me a few days ago. I understand the Gentleman Mr: Beyerle you recommended Landed at Rhod Island & went to the southward had he Come to Boston your Letter would have intitled him to every Assistance in my power & Given me pleasure. Aunt Mecom paid us a Visit in the Spring & was so fourtunate as to receive your...