1To Benjamin Franklin from Le Ray de Chaumont, [after 8 January 1780] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. de Chaumont a L’honneur de proposer a S. E Monsieur franklin d’aller faire unne visite ce matin a M. Le Comte Dorvilliers qui a Si Bien accueilli nos freres americains. M. franklin voudra Bien dire a quelle heure il partira Si la proposition luy Convient. When the comte d’Orvilliers ( XXVI , 236n), the recently retired former commander of the great...
2Definitive Treaty of Peace between the United States and Great Britain, 3 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
DS : Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two), Public Record Office; copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two.) Early on the morning of September 3, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and William Temple Franklin rode into Paris carrying four official copies of the treaty that would end the War for American Independence. Joined by Adams,...
3From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 3 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : South Carolina Historical Society This Line is just to acquaint you that the Definitive Treaty between England and the United States was signed this Morning at Paris, and the others are suppos’d to be sign’d at the same time at Versailles. I shall write to you fully in a Day or two. With great & sincere Esteem, I have the honour to be Dear Sir, Your most Obedt & most humble Servt...
4To Benjamin Franklin from the Committee of the Sufferers in Falmouth, Casco Bay, 3 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society From a consideration of the great attention and regard you have shewn to the just Rights of Human Nature, as well as the benevolent Character you sustain, among the People of America whom in a very eminent Station you represent, we are induced to transmit to your Care the inclosed Address— It comes from Men who have suffered exceedingly, not only by the...
5From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Banks, 30 August[–2 September 1783] (Franklin Papers)
LS : Royal Society; press copy of LS : Harvard University Library; AL (draft): University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Library of Congress During August, while Etienne Montgolfier was conferring with the Académie des sciences, working on his new balloon, and pursuing his business interests as a papermaker, his competitors were scrambling to figure out how they could safely generate the 900...
6From Benjamin Franklin to Ingenhousz, 2 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Mrs. James A. de Rothschild, England (1962) Inclos’d I send you a Copy of a Letter to Sir Joseph Banks, concerning the Ballons that at present occasion much Conversation here. I imagine that if you make one, and fill it with inflammable Air, you will contrive to fire it by Electricity when it is up, and by that means match in Report the Thunder of Nature. To morrow is to be signed our...
7To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 2 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: William L. Clements Library I find that the Answer wch I received in form from the American Ministers to that note wch I transmitted by Mr Adams, runs, that they will come to my Lodgings at Paris, tomorrow morning, for the purpose of signing the Treaty in Question. Mr Adams and Mr Jay understand it so and propose to come. Upon so great a Crisis...
8To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Jacques Caffiéri, 1 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Aÿent appris votre indisposition j’ay eté pour avoir lhonneur de vous assurer de mes Civilité, j’ay appris avec Satisfaction que votre Santé alloiest beaucoup mieux, je vous en filisite. Permette de vous Reiterée mes instance et vous prier Monsieur de vouloir bien vous Resouvenir de moy Dans le Cas que le Congrés Des Etats Unis de L’amerique fit elevér quel...
9To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 1 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed note and bill of exchange of 150 florins on Messrs. Goll & Verbrugge at Amsterdam are delivred to me by his Excellency Count Chotek chanchellor of Bohemia and Austria, one of our first Noblemen, and, what more is, a true Lover and encourager of Sciences; deserving therefore very highly your attention in fulfilling his desires, by sending the...
10To Benjamin Franklin from Lewis Littlepage, 1 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr Littlepage presents his most grateful & respectful thanks to his Excellency doctor Franklin for his polite & friendly acquiescence in Mr Littlepage’s request of being sent with the definitive Treaty to Congress, but as Mr Jay has declared himself decidedly in favor of Mr Adams’s Clerk, Mr Littlepage request’s his Excellency not to take the trouble to...
11From Benjamin Franklin to Silas Deane, 31 [i.e., 1?] August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from The Deane Papers, 1774–90 (5 vols.; New-York Historical Society Collections , XIX-XXIII , New York, 1887–91), V , 192. I received last night the letter you did me the honor of writing to me the 20th. past, and in answer inform you that I never heard anything of the discourses or resentments you mention, either at Versailles or at Paris; that I do not think your personal safety...
12To Benjamin Franklin from Thérèse Aerts, August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La confience que vous inspire à toutes les personnes qui ont l’honneur de vous connaitre m’enhardit à recourir une seconde fois à vos bontés. Ma reconnoissance ose vous rappeller Monsieur La lettre que vous m’avez fait la grace de m’écrire en datte du 28 Aout 1782. Le Sentiment en est profondement gravé dans mon Coeur. Cette lettre a fait Longtêms mon...
13To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Pignatelli, [after 3 August 1783] (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Le Comte de Pignatelli a l’honneur de faire part à Monsieur francklin, Ministre plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de l’amerique septentrionale, qu’il a eu Dimanche 3 de ce mois ses premieres audiences du Roi, de la Reine, et de la famille royale en qualité d’ambassadeur Extraordinaire de S. M. le Roi de Naples. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin /...
14From Benjamin Franklin to Elias Boudinot, 31 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS , press copy of LS , and transcript: National Archives; copy: University of South Carolina Library After a continued Course of Treating for 9 Months, the English Ministry have at length come to a Resolution to lay aside for the present all the new Propositions that have been made & agreed to, their own as well as ours; and they offer to sign again as a Definitive Treaty the Articles of Novr...
15To Benjamin Franklin from Octavie Guichard Durey de Meinières, 31 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Illustrioux Legislator of your Country, I Would be Very obliged to you, if you Would and Could give me, the book, of the Constitution, translated by M. de la Rochefoucault. Some body told me, that it is not Sold. I Should be lofty to have it of your hand, and gratefull to you for your Kindness, my dear Neighbour, loved and revered by your most humble...
16From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Durey de Meinières, 31 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I send with great Pleasure the Constitutions of America to my dear & much respected Neighbour, being happy to have any thing in my Power to give that she will do me the honour to accept, and that may be agreable to her. I am, ever, with sincere Esteem, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately Which she had requested in the letter immediately above. BF ’s...
17Notes on Establishing a Packet Boat Service to and from New York, [c. 31 August 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): American Philosophical Society American Postmaster at New York to receive and distribute all Letters brought by the Pacquets of England & France To give Receipts for the Amount, & keep an Account with each Settle & pay every three Packets Allow’d for dead, return’d or missent Letters.— All preceding Postage of Packet Letters to be paid on both sides before they are sent forward by...
18“Une Abonnée,” [after 27 August 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress; copy: American Philosophical Society Letters to the editor written in the guise of a woman were one of Franklin’s earliest and favorite forms of satire. The present example is the only instance we have seen of his crafting this sort of spoof in France. Whether it was truly intended for publication or simply meant to amuse his friends is not known; no mention of...
19The American Peace Commissioners to David Hartley, 30 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives, William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society; press copy of copy: National Archives The American Ministers Plenipotentiary for making Peace with great Britain, present their Compliments to Mr. Hartley. They regret that Mr. Hartley’s Instructions will not permit him to sign the Definitive Treaty of Peace with America at the Place...
20To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Pierre Duplan, 30 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous étes trop grand dans toutes vos demarches pour avoir oublié les Esperances flatteuses que vous nous donnates de bouche en 1778 . Qu’étant honorés de vôtre presence, vous Souscrivites Monsieur pour un Exemplaire de nôtre Enciclopedie 8°. en 36 vol: de discours, & 3 de planches, comme conste la lettre cy inclus que nous avons l’honneur de vous mettre...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 30 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer l’Exempl. in 40. pour le Grand Duc de Russie. Je vous renvoye aussi l’Ex. in 80. que vous m’aviez fait passer. Je suis avec un respect infini, Monsieur, Votre très humble & très obeissant serviteur Notation: Pierres 30 Août 1783. Grand Duke Paul of Russia, whom BF had met in the summer of 1782: XXXVII , 311–12, 316, 445–6.
22To Benjamin Franklin from Philipp Thieriot, 30 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je crois de mon devoir de vous prevenir que je suis sur mon depart pour Philadelphie. Je serai tres flatté, Monsieur, si vous vouliés bien m’honnorer de vos ordres. Tout ce que vous daignerés me confier sera soigné avec la plus grande exactitude. S’il n’arrive pas de contretems imprevu, je partirai sans faute Jeudi prochain en huit; de maniere que l’honneur...
23David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 29 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : William L. Clements Library; copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives; press copy of copy: National Archives As the day is now fixed for the signatures of the Definitive treaties between Great Britain France and Spain I beg leave to inform you that I am ready to sign the Definitive treaty between Great Britain and the united States of America...
24To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard de Rayneval, 29 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress J’ai rendu compte à M. le Cte. de Vergennes, Monsieur, de la difficulté que fait Mr. Hartley de signer à Versailles et ce Ministre m’a chargé de vous mander, que rien ne devoit vous empêcher de signer à Paris mercredy prochain, Jour designé pour la Signature des autres Traités; mais il vous prie d’indiquer à M. Hartley 9. heures du...
25To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-François de Cailhava d’Estandoux, 28 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Printed invitation, signed: American Philosophical Society Le Musée de Paris ayant transporté ses Séances au local de M. Pilatre de Rozier, rue Sainte-Avoye, vis-à-vis la rue du Plâtre; vous êtes prié de vouloir bien vous y trouver aux Assemblées ordinaires des Jeudis, & nommément à celle du 11 Septembre prochain, dans laquelle on fera un appel général pour fixer le nombre des Muséens. Si vous...
26To Benjamin Franklin from John Calder, 28 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Calder presents his respectful Compts to Dr. Franklin, & begs leave to remind him, by favour of his particular friend Mr P. Elmsley, that there was a letter sent, or to be sent to the Hotelle D’Espagne for L. G. Melville which has never come to the hands of Dr. C. who takes this favourable opportunity to inform Dr. F. that now after his having been for...
27To Benjamin Franklin from Cambray, 28 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay l’honneur de Vous écrire pour le même sujet qui fit une partie de notre entretien il y a deux jours. Je suis très occupé d’obtenir de l’avancement de la Cour; Mr. le Marechal de Segur est on ne peut pas mieux disposé en ma faveur; j’ay réussy particulierement à mettre Mr. le Cte. de Vergennes dans mes interêts, je dois lui être présenté par Mr. le Mis....
28From Benjamin Franklin to Pamphili: Observations and Note on American Catholics, [before 27 August 1783] (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) Copy: Archives of the Congregatio de Propaganda Fide M. Franklin après avoir lu la notte de M. Le Nonce et y avoir murement réflechi, croit absolument inutile d’envoyer cette notte au Congrés, qui d’après Ses Pouvoirs et Ses constitutions ne peut ni ne doit dans aucun cas Se mêler des Affaires Ecclesiastiques d’aucune Secte ni d’aucune Religion établie en Amérique. Chaque Etat...
29From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, 27 August 1783 (Adams Papers)
As I am informed that next Wednesday is appointed for the Signature of the definitive Treaties of Peace, I Suppose it will be thought proper to think of Some Conveyance of the Ratification of the Provisional Treaty, and of the Original of our definitive Treaty as Soon as it Shall be Signed To Congress. By what Vessell it will be proper to Send it, deserves to be considered as soon as possible,...
30John Adams to Franklin and John Jay, 27 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Columbia University Library; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society As I am informed that next Wednesday is appointed for the Signature of the definitive Treaties of Peace, I Suppose it will be thought proper to think of Some Conveyance of the Ratification of the Provisional Treaty, and of the Original of our definitive Treaty as Soon as it Shall be Signed to Congress. By what Vessell it...
31To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 27 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I now acknowledge my Fault with Sorrow. However ’twill be a Lesson for Me & I have already profited of it.— I am going this Minute in a Barge to Paimbceuf thence to St Nazair, where the Vessel lies. We are now retarded by contrary Wind. The first fair Wind We weigh. Forgive the Shortness of my Letter as Time hinders Me from lengthening it. Be persuaded,...
32To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de La Rochefoucauld, 27 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Le Duc de la Rochefoucauld reçoit en partant pour sa Campagne les Exemplaires des Constitutions americaines que Monsieur franklin à la bonté de lui envoyer et qui sont en nombre bien suffisant. Il a appris avec chagrin son incommodité et il sera tres Empressé daller sçavoir lui même de ses nouvelles dans son prémier Sejour à Paris. Addressed: A Monsieur /...
33To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 27 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; copy: University of South Carolina Library My thanks are due for the justice you did me, in beleiving I had written to some one or other of my Colleagus since my last return to London, altho’ it appears by the Letter you have honored me with under the 21st Inst. mine of the 9th. addressed to the whole had not reached them, an unlucky circumstance which gives me much...
34To Benjamin Franklin from [John Mehegan], 27 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Comme vous ètes dans ce pais ci le représantant des Americains vos compatriotes, ils ne peuvent pas faire mieux que de s’addresser à vous, lorsqu’ils ont besoin de protection. C’est d’apres celà, Monsieur que je vais prendre la liberté de mettre sous vos yeux l’affaire d’un Americain, dont la situation meritera peut-ètre votre attention. Voici le fait. Au...
35To Benjamin Franklin from [Edmund Burke], 26 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (fragment): Library of Congress My friend & Depu[ty? torn ] a few days at Paris, & is extr[ torn ] =ly knowing you whom he has [ torn ] admiration. I approve very mu[ torn ] cannot refuse him the best [ torn ] it. I am not a little anxiou[ torn ] may have had in your regard [ torn ] revive myself in your re[ torn
36To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Banks, 25 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library It was with regret & not without sensations of displeasure that I Learnd from Dr. Blagden in Conversation your not having receivd the Volumes of the Philosophical Transactions which as you had not appointed any one to receive them when they were publishd, were applied for in your name some months ago the Counil of the royal Society orderd them with the...
37To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 25 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Nationaal Archief Mr. Adams, après une apparition subite & courte ici, m’ayant déclaré son intention de rompre son ménage ici, & averti de prendre mes mesures pour m’y tirer d’affaire comme je pourrois avec le peu qui m’est alloué jusqu’ici pour vivre, cet ordre imprévu & la necessité de sauver autant qu’il est possible les apparences & garder quelque ombre de [ illegible ] pour le...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Matthias Ogden, 25 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty to ask if it will be perfectly agreeable to your Excellency, to present me to the King tomorrow. The Marquis de la Fayette is at Versailles & will be present at the ceremony. If it should not be the least inconvenient, I will be much obliged for the honor of a seat in your Excellencys Carriage from Passy. I have the honor to be with the...
39To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 25 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. le Duc de la Rochefoucauld m’a fait demander de votre part une Douzaine d’Exemplaires des Constitutions de l’amérique. Comme je pense que c’est votre Intention de les lui donner en papier fin, & que Ceux que j’ai fait tirer par dessus le nombre que j’ai imprimé pour vous sont destinés, Je vous prie de les lui faire passer directement. J’esperois,...
40From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 24 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Reprinted from Earl P. L. Apfelbaum, Public Auction (June 3–4, 1976). <Passy, August 24, 1783: Recommends M. Bertaud, a surgeon, to Cooper’s> Notice and Civilities, and request you would assist him with your good Counsel & Advice. You will thereby much oblige, Dear Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant Only the second sheet of this letter was reproduced as an illustration; it is...
41From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes: Two Letters, 24 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Mr: Carnes, an American Merchant settled at Nantes, who has already presented your Excellency with a Petition requesting un Arrêt de Sur-seance , informs me that it cannot be complied with unless he first obtains the Consentment of a third of his Creditors; that in order to do this, his Presence is necessary at Nantes; but that...
42From Benjamin Franklin to Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, 23 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Bibliothèque de Genève Reflecting with Pleasure on the agreable and instructive Conversation you favour’d me with, when I had the Happiness of seeing you in London, I embrace this Opportunity of recalling myself to your Remembrance, & of requesting your Acceptance of a Copy of the American Constitutions. With great and sincere Esteem I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient and...
43To Benjamin Franklin from Elias Boudinot, 23 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society Having a Nephew (Mr John M. Pintard) connected with the House of Mr. John Searle & Co Mercht: in Madeira, who has earnestly requested an Introduction of this House to your Excellency, I do myself the honor of complying with his desire, as from my long Knowledge of the Character of Mr. Searle, I am certain any Services you can with propriety render the...
44To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard de Rayneval: Two Letters, 23 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous mavez fait l’honneur de mecrire en faveur de Mr. Carnes; je pense que pour procèder en règle, il conviendroit que vous écrivissiez directement à Mr. le Cte. de Vergennes; ce ministre m’a parû disposé à accorder les lettres de Sauf-conduit à votre recommandation. J’ai lhonneur dêtre avec un sincere...
45To Benjamin Franklin from the Conte di Scarnafiggi, 23 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society L’Ambassadeur de Sardaigne prie Monsieur Franklin de lui faire l’honneur de Venir Diner chez lui Jeudi 28. Août. R.S.V.P. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / En son hotel This is the first letter in our edition from the Sardinian diplomat who had served in London while BF was there in 1773, and whose connection to BF had hitherto been as an...
46To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library Inclosed is an Acct: of the Expenses of Master Johnnott including his passage to Philadelphia amouting to £ 752 l.t. 2.— for which I have this day drawn a bill on you in favour of Messr: Laval & Wilfelsheim. It was not possible to get his passage at a Cheaper Rate, though extravagant & unreasonable all have been obliged to Submit. Another Lad of the Same age of...
47From Benjamin Franklin to Graf von Brühl, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Scottish Record Office M. de Kempel, the ingenious Author of the Automaton that plays Chess, will have the Honour of putting this Line into the Hands of your Excellency; and I beg leave to recommend him to your Protection, not merely on Account of that wonderful Machine, but as a Genius capable of being serviceable to Mankind by more useful Inventions which he has not yet communicated....
48From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph-Mathias Gérard de Rayneval, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Mr Carnes having informed me that my Application is necessary to his obtaining a Personal Safety or Sauf Conduite , in order to afford him the Time necessary to get the Consentment of his distant Creditors, to his obtaining Lettres de Sur-seances for the space of Six Months: I hereby request you would comply with his Request, not doubting but...
49From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library This Line will be presented to you by a very ingenious Gentleman, M. Kempel, inventor of the Automaton that plays at Chess. He has other Inventions in Mechanics of a more useful Nature, which he has Thoughts of communicating in England, if he can meet with Encouragement. I beg leave to recommend him to your Civilities & Counsels, and am ever, with sincere Esteem &...
50From Benjamin Franklin to John Whitehurst, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Descendants of the Rawle and Corning Families, Connecticut (2010) The Bearer, Mr Kempel, is the Creator of the Wooden Man who plays so well at Chess; but he is very ingenious in other Matters of more Importance, and has some useful Inventions to communicate to the Publick. I beg leave to recommend him to you Civilities, and to request your Advice to him, as to the Manner of making those...