1401To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Boulainvilliers, 4 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Puisque nous n’allons point a passy il faut aumoins avoir lhonneur et le plaisir de nous rapeller au souvenir de Monsieur francklin; il y a des Siecles qu’il n’a eu le bontés de se Souvenir de nous: sa bonne amie s’en plaint parcequelle luy est: toujours tres attachée. Elle sera saigné demain samedy et gardera quelques jours la Maison: Monsieur francklin...
1402To Benjamin Franklin from [Marie-Madeleine-Adrienne d’Hallencourt, Marquise de Boulainvilliers], [15 April? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Il y a des siecles que les habittants de passy n’ont eu l’honneur de voir Monsieur franklin et madame de boulainvilliers et mademoiselle de passy comptois s’en dedomager en aiant le plaisir d’aller luy demander a dejeuner. Mais l’etat de madame de faudoas qui a ete le plus heureux du Monde les premiers jours nous donne a presant des inquietudes; elle a je...
1403To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Boulainvilliers, [before 1 December 1781] (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Madame De boulainvillers Renvoye a Monsieur franklin Le Chien qui est Revenu a son hôtel. Elle a presumé que Le Chien Coureroit Risque de se perdre si elle ne le luy Renvoyoit pas par un homme sur. Elle a L’honneur De Dire mille Choses a Monsieur franklin ainsi qu’a tout Ce qui luy appartient./. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin ministre plenipot /...
1404To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Boulainvilliers: Two Letters, [c. 1780] (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) AL : American Philosophical Society Les voisins de Monsieur francklin sont bien fachés de ce quil ne peut pas leur faire lhonneur de venir diner avec eux Mercredy: il est prié au Moins de leur Mander Sil pouroit recevoir ce jour la a une heure Md. la Comtesse de rochambo: qui voudroit bien avoir lhonneur de voir monsieur franklin et qui a prié Md de boulainvilliers davoir lhonneur...
1405To Benjamin Franklin from [the Marquise de Boulainvilliers], [1777?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Il y a bien Longtems que les habitans De passy n’ont eu L’honneur De voir monsieur franklin. Veut il bien qu’ils se rapellent a son souvenir et qu’ils luy proposent de Leurs faire L’honneur De venir Diner chez eux jeudy prochain. Ils le priront aussy de leur rendre les papiers en question s’il n’en a plus besoin parce que les personnes qui les ont preté a...
1406To Benjamin Franklin from [the Marquise de Boulainvilliers], [25 December? 1779] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Nous avons lhonneur de faire Mille remerciments a Monsieur franklin de son attention obligeante. Nous sommes dans linquietudes et dans l’impassiances la plus vive des nouvelles; nous suplions Monsieur franklin de nous en intruire quand il le poura et de venir bientot recevoir nos tandres homages; ma petitte accouchée qui vat a ravir me prie de dire a...
1407To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Boulainvilliers, 28 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Nous ne voulons point que notre respectable voisin, le plus Célebre et le plus grandhomme de notre Siecles, apprenne le mariage de sa petitte amie par le publicque: j’ay donc l’honneur de luy faire part quelle épouse Mr. le Vte de tonnerre petits fils du Marechal; elle espere que Monsieur francklin voudra bien faire des vœux pour son bonheur: ils sont...
1408To Benjamin Franklin from the Baronne de Bourdic, 20 [April?] 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le desir que javois Monsieur davoir une Correspondance avec vous me fit prendre avec empressement Les lettres que vous me chargeates de traduire; sans reflechir aux difficultes qui se sont presentees; pour une allemande qui a quitte Sa patrie depuis l’age de quatre ans la traduction d’une lettre de quatre pages devenoit un ouvrage; aussi ai je reste bien...
1409To Benjamin Franklin from John Bourne, 20 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Indulge me with this and I shall trouble no more. Establish no priest craft in the Land. Curtail the power of Executors viz a person Dies posess’d of Effects, left in the hands of Executors; let there be two Courts, an upper and a lower the lower Court to take Cognozience, & the Will to be Register’d, the Executor with an examiner to give in a just...
1410To Benjamin Franklin from John Bourne, 9 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library The esteem I have for America, permit me to lay before you, a few Remarks, which if they meet with your aprobation, the End will be answer’d, as America is become a new State, beware of Taxes Tax not her Land, let the Land and People be Free, encourage Agriculture do not Increase your Shipping too fast that may bring opulence to Individuals but Pride &...
1411To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Bouvier, 18 January 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, January 18, 1778, in French: Messrs. de Gouault & Cie., merchants in Troyes, have learned that you have to supply shirts for America, and through me offer their services. After many years’ experience in supplying shippers in Le Havre, Bordeaux, and Marseilles they are confident of satisfying you in quality and price. If you wish to deal with them,...
1412——— Boux to the American Commissioners, 24 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library Vous voudrés bien prendre en récommendation que J’ai quité Le service du roy auquel J’etois attaché pour entrer à celui des Etats de l’amerique septentrionale. Je me suis rendu en conséquance à vos ordres, et relativement au grade de lieutenent de Vaisseau dans la marine de Etats unis En Hollande pour y diriger la construction d’un Vaisseau que vous y faisiés...
1413——— Boux to the American Commissioners, 26 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous avez appris par mon oncle les raisons qui me font rester a terre et l’imposibilité qu’il y à que je puisse partir sur le lion comme vous me l’avez ordonné par votre derniere. Vous avez aussi sçu les petites mortifications que j’ai eu avec le Capitaine Nikleson. Je ne vous cacherai pas que je suis aise qu’il ne se soit pas trouvé de place pour m’y...
1414Boux to the American Commissioners, 7 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous est rendu conte Messieurs Du premier marché aresté pour la construction D’un Vaisseau, et c’et avec un plus grand plaisir que je vous ennonce la parole donnee pour un segond, qui ne coutera que 200 milles florins, c’est a Dire plus de 35 milles franc de france de moins que le 1er. J’espere que cette semaine les deux contrats seront passé pour...
1415To Benjamin Franklin from Boux, 14 February 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, February 14, in French: I did not have time yesterday evening to tell you about a friend of mine who, at my earnest solicitation and out of attachment to me, has decided to enter the American service and take his whole family with him. He has served the King for forty-two years, been a chevalier de Saint-Louis for twenty-four and a major for...
1416To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 11 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I had the honour of writing to you by Mr. Guild some months ago. He probably acquainted you, there was a Bill then depending in our Assembly for incorporating a philosophical Society. It has been compleated, and the Society formed, under the name of The American Academy of Arts & Sciences. They have had several...
1417To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 19 August 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society I recd. per Mr. Gerry a Packet from you containing a Russian Book on Comets, and Vattel’s Droit des Gens. The former agreable to your desire I have sent to Mr. Oliver at Salem together with your Billet. The latter when I have looked over it I shall send to the President of Harvard College as a Present to the Library from you. Dr. Cooper shewed me...
1418To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 1 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It gave me great pleasure to hear by the Marquis de la Fayette, who arrived here three days ago that you continued to enjoy a perfect State of health. The Snows of seventy winters seem to have had no other effect on your constitution than to whiten your locks. It is for the credit of philosophy, when its adepts can so well guard against the attendants of...
1419To Benjamin Franklin from Bowens, 29 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Having received certain information from a friend of some Consequence at Bruxelles, that the Government of the Low Countries has taken the Resolution of sending a person of Rank to America in quality of a plenipotentiary to negotiate a treaty of Commerce between the united States & this Country— I most respectfully take the liberty of enclosing you a...
1420To Benjamin Franklin from François Bowens, 8 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I have in Course received the honour of your Excellencies favour of the 24th. Ulto. in Consequence of which I transmitted the necessary directions to London, on the 2d Currt. to prevent your Newspapers from being sent me in future which I have no doubt will be paid proper attention to. I am very sensible to the acknowledgements, Your Excellency, makes me on...
1421To Benjamin Franklin from J. Bowman, 7 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When dining at Passy some weeks ago I heard you mention that fixed Air had been used with success as a dissolvent in some Case or Cases of a Stone in the bladder. An Acquaintance of mine here desirous to try its power in some Cases now under his care wishes to collect every attainable information on the subject. I cannot doubt your contributing what you can...
1422To Benjamin Franklin from Lawrence Boyd, 3 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you will pardon the Freedom I take in addressing myself an entire Stranger to you, but I havg: had the Pleasure of seeing you in London & very well acquainted with your Universal Character & ever Distinguished Mark of Lenity & Compassionate Disposition towards the distressed & this being only on the Behalf of 3 Distress’d Captains & 2 others on Board...
1423To Benjamin Franklin from William R. Boyd, 5 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I who is Confind here send these few lines to inform you how I came to be Confin’d. On the 18th. Octr. I Desartd from a Merchantman in Loriont call’d the Breton after sarving four months in the said ship. When I came to Nantz I ship’d with Capt. Smith being in hopes to get to my Natural Country. Likewise 4 more came with me from the said Ship and having a...
1424To Benjamin Franklin from William R. Boyd et al., 8 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Humble Petition of the Mariners formerly belonging to the Patriote Captain Green. To his Excellency the Right Honorable Benjamin Franklin Prime Minister of the 13 United States of America. Sheweth That Your honours humble Petitioners as met with the Misfortune to be Cast Away and has lost the best Part of our Apparel Owing to the Vessel sinking so...
1425To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-Marie Boyenval and Other Commission Seekers, with Franklin’s Notes for Replies, 13 March … (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is doubtful that any of the people who applied to Franklin for commissions in the American army during the spring of 1779 ever crossed the ocean. Franklin was under orders from Congress not to send over any more French officers and France, anyway, was at war. Still, some twelve candidates tried their luck. During the first weeks of his tenure as Minister...
1426To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Perrot and ——— Boyer, 3 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On s’empressoit au Palais royal à vous voir et à vous témoigner la joie que Votre présence excitoit, vous vous êtes dérobé aux acclamations publiques et vous avez bien Voulu vous reposer un instant à la maison. Pouvons nous nous flatter que vous voudrez bien aussi accepter douze bouteilles de vins de Bourgogne: c’est une faible maniere de vous présenter son...
1427To Benjamin Franklin from John Boylston, 24 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is [ with ] much pleasure I embrace this Opportunity of inquiring how you do on this Stormy and Tempestuous Ocean of existence where I think I see you continually at the helm, the Thunder ever rattling around your head, while you sit securely shrouded under your own intellectual rod of Fortitude and Truth and equally defy its impotence and rage. As the...
1428To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-François de Boy, 25 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Sr. Montigny, sergent des Grenadiers Dans Luxembourg, et Capitaine d’Armes Sur la fregatte Americaine, ditte, la Caroline du Sud, Sur laquelle il a eté blessé a La Cuisse Se battant Contre deux fregattes Angloises, m’Engage a vous supplier de Lui faire payer Son Du, reconnu par le Certificat ci-inclus a Lui donné, par Le Commandant de la ditte fregatte....
1429To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-François de Boy, 12 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have Given Myself, My Petition, the 10th: of this Month, to the Minister of the Marine, I take the Liberty to Sent, to your Honour, the Copy of it, et I humbly Beg you to present it to him, And to favour it, With a Word too your protection. I have lost all my things, When the British troops have taken Brunswick, I have, Also, Suffer’d Great deal in your...
1430To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-François de Boy with Franklin’s Note to John Laurens and Laurens’ Response, May 7 [–on … (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Sent to you the Copy of the Certificate, and too that of the Some Sundry papers, from the War Office who Given to me, because I have Lost’d my Comission from the Hble. Congress, when the ennemies have Taken Brunswick, and too Besides all my things. I shall desire to Go again in your Country, if you Can Employ me, as you will please, very much oblige, to...
1431To Benjamin Franklin from John Bradford, 27 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Beg Leave to Approach your Excellency with every sentiment of Esteem and Respect, and to Acquaint You with a very extraordinary event having taken place, vizt. the Mail from Philaa, due last evening, was Seized in the dead of night at Stratford, by the Enemy And was Carried over to Long Island, they obliged the post rider to Accompany them to their Boat,...
1432To Benjamin Franklin from John Bradford, 6 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having had the honour of a Letter under your signature on Bus’ness formerly, I venture to take the liberty to wrte you by my son, to introduce him to your presence, praying you to Afford him your patronage and Advice, his disposition is amiable and I flatter my self he wont discredit the people, that the Benevolent Monarch of France has lately taken into...
1433To Benjamin Franklin from John Bradford, 25 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Honour to transmit you this by Capt. John Adams, who goes express by order of Congress with dispatches for the Honble. Commissrs. at the Court of France, with orders to deliver them himself. The Secret Committee were desirous of making as valuable a Remittance as might be, to put the schooner in a set of Ballast, But it happens we have no Oil,...
1434To Benjamin Franklin from John Bradford, Jr., [after 21 September 1781] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When I inform you that I am an American, and have been favour’d with an academical Education, you will conclude that I am not unacquainted with your political or literary Character. You will not therefore expect that I should attempt to add to the Encomiums which are resounded over every part of Europe, as it would surpass the power of human Invention to...
1435To Benjamin Franklin from —— de Bragelonne, 21 April 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, April 21, 1777, in French: M. Delap has promised to forward you my letter and the attached memorandum. I am a man of standing, an old soldier allied with the most respectable houses in the kingdom and descended from generals. An impoverishing lawsuit has compelled me to put to use my observations made during many campaigns. The memorandum will...
1436To Benjamin Franklin from François de Brahm, 20 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mon fils qui est oficier de S. el. E. de Treves, mais qui est pressentement au service de la Republique d’amerique, en qualité de capitaine d’artilerie à demandé à l’electeur son Maitre la permission, (qui’il n’avoit que pour deux ans,) d’oser rester jusqu’a que la geure soit finie, et il vient aussy de la recevoir. Elle est cy jointe, avec une lettre de...
1437To Benjamin Franklin from William Brailsford, 8 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Agreeable to promise, I take the liberty of informing your Excellency, that the Crew of the South Carolina being happily compleated, and every difficulty removed, that we shall in the Course of a few Days be ready to put to Sea— Should you have any Commands, I should esteem myself particularly favord, to be honor’d with them, when your Excellency may rely...
1438To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Brancas, 21 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. le Mis. de brancas prie Mr. franclin de lui faire dire a qu’elle heure il pouroit avoir l’honneur de le voir le matin et quel jour lui conviendroit il s’interesse beaucoup a un jeune homme qui est a philadelphie et dont il voudroit lui parler. Louis-Paul de Brancas, marquis de Brancas (1718–after 1791), son of Louis, maréchal de France , was a...
1439To Benjamin Franklin from ––– Branche, 12 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Monseigneur le comte de Vergennes m’a autorisé a réclamer vos bontés, et à me présenter à vous, à l’effet d’être chargé de faire les Médailles, sçeaux, Cachets, Timbres etc. pour la nouvelle République des Etats-unis de l’Amérique; Ce Ministre veut bien être mon protecteur auprès de vous, Monsieur, il a eu la bonté de me faire espérer qu’il vous en...
1440To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Branco, 7 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je n’ai reçu que hier le Decret de la Reyne de Portugal: Je serai charmé qu’il vous plaise: J’y ajoutai une traduction litteraire, que faira bien comprendre l’esprit, malgré le defaut de phrase. J’aurai l’honneur de vous faire ma Cour lorsque je recevrai les pieces justificatives concernant la prise faite par le Corsaire de l’Amerique: Le Capitaine du...
1441To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard Brantsen, 15 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library Mr. de Brantsen, Ministre Plenipotentiaire de LL. HH. pp. les Etats Generaúx des Provinces Unies des Pays bas a l’honneúr d’assurér Mr. Franklin de ses tres humbles civilités et de lui envoÿer ci jointe úne lettre dú Professeúr Ingen-Hoúz, qu’il a reçue hier dans son paqúet de Vienne. Il lui offre en même temps ses services poúr faire parvenir en sureté...
1442To Benjamin Franklin from Gerard Brantsen, 29 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoÿer ci jointe une lettre, qui m’ést venue a votre adresse dans mon paquet de Vienne. J’ai pareillement celui de vous faire bien de remercimens pour le cadeau de la medaille, que vous avez eue la bonté de m’envoÿer et que LL. H.H. P.P. viennent de me permettre d’accepter. Je suis bien sensible, Monsieur, de cette attention de votre...
1443To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Brault and ——— Demezandré, 1 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Travaillant depuis plusieurs années dans le commerce, jeunes & pleins d’Ambition, cherchant partout la liberté, nous resolûmes de passer dans les Etats unis pour y etablir une maison. Par le secours d’Amis & de Protecteurs que nous avons a Paris, nous armâmes deux navires considerables. L’un de nous eût alors l’honneur de se presenter devant vous & la...
1444To Benjamin Franklin from James Brehon, July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Having addresed you twice before which I imagine have never reached you from my receiving no Answer and nothing but distress could have induced me to trouble you so often which distress has indeed of late been allevated in a great Measure by the Generosity of the British People which I believe you have already been informed of and the sums which the...
1445To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Bret, 19 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ayant appris que vous etiés chargé par le congrès de faire faire une Epée d’or pour Monsieur Le marquis de la fayette, et sachant q’un de mes amis en possedoit une de la façon du fameux Germain dont il cherchoit à se défaire, j’ai cru pouvoir Lui donner cette Lettre à votre adresse afin quil pût vous faire présenter L’arme superbe dont il sagit et qui avoit...
1446To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Brétigney, 1 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library La voix publique vient de m’aprendre que vous avies enfin realisé le grand projet d’union entre les Etats unis et la france. C’est votre ouvrage, Monsieur, et c’est un sentiment de plus que vous ajoutés aux sentiments de respect et de veneration que l’europe vous accordoit depuis longtemps. Distingués je vous suplie de la foule, le compliment d’un homme...
1447To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 23 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I was much obliged by the honour of your Excellency’s favour of the 25th: of last Month which did not arrive until the 9th. Currant. I feel myself much indebted to you My Dr: Sir for the kind interest you have taken in my affairs in No: Carolina: I fancy nothing will now be done until a Peace is made, which is not far off. On this Account I now beg...
1448To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 25 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Two days ago I troubled your Excellency with my proposals abt. the Copper thro: the hands of Mr Hamilton requesting that they might be forwarded by the first good opportunity since which I have consulted with a friend who advises that they lay by in your hands before they are sent as being premature and if taken may lead the proposers into difficulties....
1449To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 9 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your kind favour of the 22nd past reached my hands the 4th. Currant and I thank you for it, because it ordered the payment of arrears to the Society of Antiquaries, of which you were one of the first who has paid his arrears, after a general call ordered for the Secretary to make; but I undertook that office to you as some had doubted your honour. There are...
1450To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 10 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This letter will be delivered into your hands by Mr Foy a particular & worthy Friend of Mine who is going to Switzerland but intending to make some little Stay in the Neighbourhood of Paris in order to perfect himself in the French Language wishes for the honour of being introduced to you Sir which I now take the liberty of doing and to recommend him to...