51To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 8 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai communiqué M. a M. le Mal. de Castries la nouvelle note que vous m’aviez fait l’honneur de me remettre relativement à la Contestation qui S’etoit elevée a Nantes entre le Contre maitre et le Capne. du navire americain La marianne. Ce ministre vient de me faire la reponse dont je joins icy une copie. Vous y verrez, M. les raisons qui...
52From Benjamin Franklin to William Strahan, 5 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library I received your kind Letter by my Grandson. I thank you for the Civilities you show’d him when in London. I hope to get home this ensuing Summer. I shall have an old Acct. to settle there with the Family of our Friend Hall. There is a particular Article of some Importance, about which we were not agreed, but were to be determined by your Opinion. It was the Value...
53From 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...
54To Benjamin Franklin from James Partridge, 3 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The packet sent me for Mrs Barry shall be taken care of, & this letter for Governor Pownal as it relates to her affairs I shall deliver my self & shall be glad if he can say any thing that may be advantageous to the good little Woman. My Niece & I return you our warmest thanks for your polite wishes on our journey & for the many Civilities shew’d us at your...
55To Benjamin Franklin from Windisch-Grätz, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 3 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society C’est avec le plus grand plaisir du monde, que je vois par l’obligeante reponse dont vous m’honnorez Monsieur, que vous approuvez mon déssein; mais je Suis bien Surpris, que les exemplaires, que j’ai eu lhonneur de vous addresser ne vous Soient point parvennus. Le paquet a été fermé Sous mes yeux, et la ettre, que j’ai eu lhonneur de vous ecrir Se trouvoit...
56From Benjamin Franklin to James Partridge, 2 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Reprinted from Christie’s, Fine printed books and manuscripts including Americana (December 16, 2004), lot 384. Mr Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr Partridge, & begs his Care of the enclos’d Letter to Govr Pownall now at Marseilles, it relating to the Affairs of Mrs Barry. Mr F. takes the Liberty Mr Partridge was so good as to allow him of sending a Packet to his Care for Mrs...
57From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Pownall, 1 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : Library of Congress The above is Extract of a Letter I wrote you in Septr. 1782. I had been misinformed as to the Receipt of the Box at Ostend. It had it seems been put on board a London Ship which was to touch at Ostend for Imperial Papers; but was not landed there, The Ship being bound to the West Indies, carried it thither, where it has lain till lately that a...
58Thomas Jefferson to Franklin and John Adams: Résumé, 1 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society ⟨March 1, 1785: Mr. Jefferson sends Mr. Adams and Dr. Franklin his notes on the treaty with Prussia. When Mr. Adams has perused them, he should send them to Dr. Franklin. Mr. Jefferson proposes a meeting at Passy on Thursday [ March 3 ] at 12 o’clock. He sends “the Prussian propositions, mr. Adams’s & Dr. Franklin’s notes, & the former project & observations...
59To Benjamin Franklin from John Coakley Lettsom, 1 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society The enclosed is a rough sketch of a few data, which I mean to enlarge, as soon as I am informed; of the certainty of these data. May I request the favour of a line; which shall be confidential. I have a copy of the enclosed, which need not be returned. I have desired my frd, Des Gesnettes to wait upon thee for any commands; in order to take off any trouble of...
60From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, 1 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Mr. Adams and Doctr. Franklin and sends them his notes on the treaty with Prussia. He prays Mr. Adams, when he shall have perused them to send them to Dr. Franklin and proposes to meet them on the subject at Passy on Thursday at 12. o’clock. He sends the Prussian propositions, Mr. Adams’s and Dr. Franklin’s notes, and the former project and observations which...
61To Benjamin Franklin from Baron von Grimm, 28 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Bon. de Grimm, Ministre Plénipe. de Saxe Gotha, prend la liberté de recommander aux bontés de Monsieur Franklin les porteurs de ce billet, M. Landolt de Zurich et Son Mentor, M. le Chanoine Neckerman de Coblence. Ces deux voyageurs ne peuvent Se résoudre à quiter la France, Sans avoir rendu leurs hommages à Monsieur Franklin. Le Bon. de Grimm Supplie...
62To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 27 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: National Archives I have delayed writing to your Excy in Expectation of having it in my power to advise you that the unfortunate Mr Hartwell would be entirely extricated from the Situation to which however as you will see by the inclosed papers, his imprudence exposed him. Much About the Time I recd. your Excys. Letter respecting his confinement at Logroño One written to me from...
63From Benjamin Franklin to Chevallié, 26 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I duly receiv’d in its time, the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 21st. of October last, with the Papers that accompany’d it, relating to your Demands against the State of Virginia, the Congress, & sundry private Persons in America. Mr Jefferson, a principal Person and late Governor of that State, being in Paris, I thought I could not do better with...
64From Benjamin Franklin to Deumié Groc, 25 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
Copy of translation: American Philosophical Society Jay recu la Lettre que Vous m’aviez fait l’honneur de mécrire le 26me. 9bre. dernier Touchant L’aimable Elizabeth Vau. [Vaisseau] françois destiné pour philadelphie, mais dèserté En mer par son Capitaine et Equipage et Ensuitte Conduit à terre neuve. Jay immediatement Ecrit à Monsieur Barclay notre Consul pourlors á Lorient requerant de lui á...
65To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir, 25 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’Ecrire, Et J’ai fait Expedier aussitot le Passeport dont a besoin le sr. Vonheinen pour retourner En hollande. J’ai l’honneur d’Etre avec un respectueux attachement Monsieur, Votre trés humble Et trés obeissant Serviteur Not found.
66To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 23 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society It is long since I have heard from you. The present is the first opportunity I have had for writing to you by a private hand, & my ignorance of the party still prevents my being particular. You will receive herewith a parcel of books. I am sorry not to have another copy of the Cincinnati at hand, with one or two other pamphlets, but these shall come by...
67From Benjamin Franklin to Windisch-Grätz, 22 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Státní oblastní archiv v Plzni, pracoviště Klášter; L (draft): American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre infiniment honnête dont vous m’avez honoré le 9 de ce Mois, et Je ne puis qu’approuver l’Ecrit qui y etoit joint: il ne pourra manquer d’être utile. Je m’empresserai de faire passer en Amérique suivant votre Desir les Exemplaires que vous m’annoncez dès qu’ils me...
68To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 21 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous m’aviez fait l’amitié de me promettre que vous m’avertiriez quand le petit modele de presse que vous attendiez d’Angleterre vous seroit parvenu. Je vous serai infiniment obligé de vouloir bien me le faire savoir, parce que j’irai la visiter jeudi prochain si vous voulez me donner à dîner. Je serai bien enchanté d’avoir le plaisir de passer quelques...
69From Benjamin Franklin to Michel, 19 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress The Humanity you have shown to that miserable young Female, Elizabeth Tingis, is very laudable, notwithstanding the Depravity of her Character. If it be true that she is of a respectable Family in America, there can be no doubt but they will repay the Expence with Thanks; but I never knew there any Family of that Name, and I question her being an American; I...
70From Benjamin Franklin to Vernier, 19 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 10 de ce Mois, relativement à 3 Contrats du Bureau d’Emprunt des Etats Unis dont vous étez Porteur [ Text deleted by Franklin: Le Congrès s’occupe maintenant des moyens de rembourser ces Effets, et a pris de mésures éfficaces pour assurer le Payement des Interéts, qui a...
71To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Childs, 17 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is some time since I did myself the honor to Address you, & in the present instance I importune you with this only that my situation in Life demands it,—sensible that your time must be engrossed by your attention to matters of more importance.— I have experienced considerable loss by being as yet disappointed in not receiving the Types which so long has...
72From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques Brillon de Jouy, 16 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of copy: American Philosophical Society Mr. Franklin fait mille Compliments à Monsieur Brillon. Il lui envoie selon sa Promesse l’Extrait de la Lettre que M. Bache lui a écrite, au quel il a joint une Traduction, et le prie de vouloir bien les remettre à M. Thomas. Who served as an intermediary between the abbe Thomas (who had grievances against JW and the firm of Bache & Shee) and...
73To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Michel, 16 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Votre Excellence est peut être informée que Le Capne Buttler Commandant L’Aréthuse arrivé en ce port e Vingt huit du Mois dernier & Venant de Baltimore auroit amené avec lui dudit Lieu Une jeune fille agée d’environ dix Sept ans qui Se Seroit engagée Sous l’habit D’homme en qualité de Novice. Le Navire étoit bien amaré Dans notre port depuis deux jours...
74To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis and Marquise de Lafayette, 15 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society M et Mde. La Mise. De la Fayette prient Monsieur Franklin de leur faire lhonneur de Venir diner chez eux Lundy prochain. Feb. 21. There are five additional invitations for Monday dinners during the remaining months of BF ’s stay in France. All are engraved forms with MS insertions, issued in the name of the marquis only and written in English, with dates of...
75To Benjamin Franklin from Louis Delacolonge, 14 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Comme plusieurs personnes m’ont proposé de n’achetter de ma fonderie que certains articles, laquelle fonderie j’ai eu l’honneur de vous offrir dans le temps, je me suis decidé de la vendre par parties détachées; cette vente Se fera chés moi, et commencera le 20 ou le 25 avril prochain au plus tard; jj’ai l’honneur de vous en prévenir pour que Si vous êtes...
76VII. To the Baron von Thulemeier, 13 February 1785 (Adams Papers)
Your Favour of the 24 th: of Jan y. did not reach me, untill two Days ago. I communicated the Observations, inclosed in it, immediately to my Colleagues, who will transmit you our Answers, as soon as Health, and other Circumstances will admit. I have communicated to them also, your personal and confidential observations to me. They will have great Weight as they ought to have. I am weary of...
77To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Laumoy, 13 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Messieurs du Portail Gouvion et moi avons regu dernierement des lettres de Mr. de Marbois Consul Genal. de france à Philadelphie, par lesquelles il nous mande que Mr. Millegan lui a dit vous avoir envoyé les nouveaux certificats des Sommes qui nous Sont dues par le Congrès, et dont l’Interest doit être d’orênavant payé à paris par Mr. Grand.— Oserois-je...
78To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Ponçins, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 12 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Lannée derniere il vous fût adréssé par le chevalier De montorcier De Sugny, ancien Capitaine au régiment de flandre, de la ville de montbrison, un projet pour lever un Corps de militaires et douvriers, pour lutilité des états unis de lamerique. Ce cher. de Sugny montorcier, est mon Cousin germain; son age de Séxagenaire, et la goutte dont il est possedé,...
79To Benjamin Franklin from Simon-Pierre Fournier le jeune, 10 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay L’honneur de vous prier de m’indiquer Par Le Nomé dupui macçon Le moyen d’empecher La fumé de Ces nouvelles Cheminé de votre invention: ma Cheminée servait pour un Poële en Niche: on na mis pardevant une Languette et La Cheminée fait Cecy. Je Crains quil ny est Pas assez de renfoncement vu La niche qui monte droite et La fumé se trouve arrété par Les...
80To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Vernier, 10 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous Supplie d’excuser la liberté que je prends de m’addresser à vous, pour vous prier de me faire la grace de m’instruire Sur ce que je dois faire à l’égard de trois Contrats ou obligations du Congrès des Etats de Pensilvanie de 1000. Dollars chacun qui m’ont été Cédés par les Sieurs Lavabre Doerner et Compe. de Paris, par acte du 9. Janvier 1781....
In our last of Dec r. 15 we had the honour of communicating to Congress our letter to the Ambassador of Portugal which accompanied the draught of the treaty of Amity & Commerce proposed on our part. Since that date he addressed to us the letter N o. 1. acknowledging the receipt of ours & informing us that he had forwarded it to his court. The Baron de Thulemeier also, the Prussian Minister at...
82To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Williamos, 9 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M: Williamos has the honor to present his Most respectfull Compliments to Doctor Franklin, will wait on his Excellency with Much pleasure on Monday Next. After his return from America, bearing recommendations from Horatio Gates (see Gates to BF , Aug. 16), Williamos deepened his friendship with TJ and greatly impressed the Adams family. A former British...
83To Benjamin Franklin from Reichsgraf Windisch-Grätz, 9 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Sátní oblastní archiv v Plzni, pracovištěe Klášter Vous avez fait tant de bien a votre patrie, et vous avez rendu de Si grands Services a l’humanité en général par les lumieres, que vous avez répandues; que tout homme, qui croit avoir des vuës utiles, peut Se flatter, que vous voudrez bien concourrir a les propager. C’est là Monsieur ce qui me...
84From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Childs, 8 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives I received your Letter of Nov. 13. with the preceding one therein mentioned. I had some Discourse with Mr Jay respecting you, and I express’d a Willingness to assist you in Setting up your Business, on the same Terms as I had formerly done other young Printers of good Character, viz. Whitemash & Timothy in Carolina, Smith and afterwards Mecom at Antigua, Parker at New...
85From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 8 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I received by the Marquis de la Fayette your kind Letter of the 13th of December. It gave me great Pleasure on two Accounts, as it inform’d me of the Public Welfare and that of your, I may almost say our, dear little Family; for since I had the Pleasure of their being with me in the same House, I have ever felt a tender Affection for them, equal I believe to that of...
86From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Henry Lee, 8 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: National Archives I received by the Marquis de la Fayette the two Letters you did me the Honour of writing to me the 11th & 14th of December; the one enclosing a Letter from Congress to the King; the other a Resolve of Congress respecting the Convention for establishing Consuls. The Letter was immediately deliver’d, and well...
87To Benjamin Franklin from Simon-Pierre Fournier le jeune, 8 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jay l’honneur de vous Ecrire pour vous prier de me rendre Le service de mêtre utile Concernant des Caracteres ou frappe des matrices justifié que je desirerais sur vos auspices envoyer dans La nouvelle amérique ou Boston. Permetteriés vous que J’alla vous demander demain a diner. Me L’ayant offert L’année Passé avec ma femme: qui est Partit Pour prende...
88To Benjamin Franklin from Esprit-Antoine Gibelin, 7 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Augustin Dupré began making sketches for a Benjamin Franklin medal in 1783. The obverse was straightforward: it would show Franklin in profile, with his undressed hair falling about his shoulders. One preliminary sketch ringed the portrait with a legend identifying him as minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America. The final version, struck in...
89To Benjamin Franklin from Madame ——— Düeil, 6 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Les bonté dont Madame adelaide honnore ma familles mayant atire a versalles pour luy faire des remercimant jesperé profitté de Ce momant pour avoir lhonneur de vous faire ma Cours et vous demandé vos hordre [ordres] pour du vin de chanpangne ayant lieux desperé que vous avés esttes Contans de Celuy que jay heut lhonneur de vous fournir au moy daout quatre...
90From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 1 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I received duly your kind Letter of Oct. 21. and another before with some of your excellent Pamphlets of Advice to the United States. My last Letters from America inform me that every thing goes on well there; that the new elected Congress is met, and consists of very respectable Characters with excellent Dispositions; and the People in general very happy under...
91From Benjamin Franklin to John Walter, 1 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from John Walter, An Address to the Public, by J. Walter, Shewing the Great Improvement He Has Made in the Art of Printing, by Logographic Arrangements … (London, 1789), p. 14. I received by my grandson, the copy of your mode of arranging the first letter in the alphabet, which is very curious, and I am much obliged to you for it;—please to accept my hearty thanks.— I have since...
92To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 28 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Doctr. Franklin & sends him some newspapers received from America, which when he shall have perused he will beg the favor of him to send to mr. Adams. Addressed: A Monsr. / Monsr. Franklin / Ministre plenip. / des etats unis d’Amerique / á Passy
93From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 28 January 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Doctr. Franklin and sends him some newspapers received from America, which when he shall have perused he will beg the favor of him to send to Mr. Adams. RC ( PPAP ); addressed: “A Monsr. Monsr. Franklin Ministre plenip. des etats unis d’Amerique à Passy.” Not recorded in SJL . The papers sent have not been identified.
94To Benjamin Franklin from Ann Ourry, 27 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I did myself the Honor of Writing to You by a Similar opportunity about two Years ago, but am certain that letter never reach’d you, for exclusive of the long friendship that subsisted between You & my Dear Father, & the kind attention You were so good to shew my Mother, & me in my Childhood, I know the Unfortunate have a claim on Your humanity that...
95From Benjamin Franklin to Georgiana Hare, 25 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress Your Letter of the 12th Inst. came duly to hand. I congratulate you & Mr Hare on your Marriage, & wish you every Felicity. I will answer your Enquiries as well as I can. The Cultivators of Land are a respectable Part of our People in Pensilvania, being generally Proprietors of the Land they cultivate, out of whom are chosen the Majority of our Magistrates,...
96To 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...
97To Benjamin Franklin from John Walter, 23 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By your Grandson I had the Honor to transmit you a Copy of the first Letter in the Alphabet in the Mode I pursue in printing, which I hope came safe to Hand, though the Rect I am not honor’d with an Acknowledgemt. of. Several Books having been issued from my Press on various Subjects among the rest Adams on Electricity & the first Volume of a Series of...
98To Benjamin Franklin from Gioanni Francesco Viglione: Résumé, 22 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania ⟨Turin, January 22, 1785, in Italian: Most illustrious and honorable Professor, I send you my work in the fervent hope that you will enjoy such a first effort, and forgive the many mistakes in printing. Drawing on the fundamental principles of your theory, I have dared to slightly disagree with you and Professor Beccaria in my own experiments and...
We have received the letter you did us the honour to write us on the 10 th day of December last. We supposed that the principles contained in the project of a Treaty, which we had the honour to transmit you, were a virtual answer to the requisition in the last lines of your letter of the eighteenth of October. By the second & third Articles, the citizens & subjects of each power may frequent...
100To Benjamin Franklin from Henri Fizeaux & Cie., 20 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Pott & Cie. de Lausanne nous ont fait parvenir Suivant vos ordres un ballot de Livres, en nous en recommandant l’expedition ulterieure à M Thompson à Philadelphie, ce que nous ne differerons pas d’executer, si vous ne nous en ordonnés pas autrement, nous prierons ensuite M. Grand de nous rembourser de nos frais, présumant que telles Sont vos...