11To Benjamin Franklin from Jeremy Bentham, [after 10 April 1780] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): University College, London C Afran This book (if ever it should reach your hands) was written for the use of leading men: nor to any but leading men has it been sent. As such a copy of it comes to you. My notion of you is such that if there be any thing good in it, you will not fail making a good use of it for the benefit of those for whom you act. If at this or any more distant...
12From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 23 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
The affectionate congratulations on the recovery of my health—and the warm expressions of personal friendship which were contained in your favor of the 16th instt, claim my gratitude. And the consideration that it was written when you were afflicted with a painful malady, greatly increases my obligation for it. Would to God, my dear Sir, that I could congratulate you upon the removal of that...
13To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Shipley, [on or after 20 March 1775?]: fragment (Franklin Papers)
ALS (incomplete): Yale University Library This fragment is now bound, in a volume of Franklin’s correspondence with Shipley, as a postscript to the Bishop’s holograph copy of his letter below at the end of June, 1775. But the paper is larger than that of the copy; it has been folded, as the copy has not; and it is addressed and has the remnants of a seal. The conclusion is inescapable that it...
14From James Madison to Benjamin Franklin, 20 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to inclose herewith a letter from Mr. Limozin of Havre de Grace. The external address to me, was made on a supposition of my being an attending member of Congress; and as I find from a note within the letter, in order to make me acquainted with the circumstances which were to be laid before Congress. With the highest respect and esteem I have the honor to be Sir, Your most...
15From John Jay to Benjamin Franklin, 28 March 1788 (Jay Papers)
M r . Ellicot delivered to me your very friendly Letter of the 15 th . Instant. I wish he had found it convenient to have staid a little longer with us, for previous Engagements prevented my passing so much Time with him as I should otherwise have done. I promised myself much Satisfaction from his Conversation, and also more accurate and extensive Information respecting our western Country &c...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 6 August 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
This will be handed you by Doctor Gibbons a young gentleman, who after studying physic and taking his degrees at Edinburgh has passed some time here. He has desired the honor of being known to you, and I find a pleasure in being the instrument of making him so. It is a tax to which your celebrity submits you. Every man of the present age will wish to have the honor of having known, and been...
17From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 11 February 1787 (Washington Papers)
On the 3d of Novr I had the honr of addressing your Excelly a letter, of which the enclosed is a copy. Having heard nothing from you since, I am led to apprehend a miscarriage of it, and therefore give you the trouble of a duplicate: not knowing what reply to make to Sir Edward Newe[n]ham, or what more to do in this business untill I am favoured with your answer. With the greatest respect &...
18From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 27 January 1787 (Adams Papers)
D r White has been So obliging to me, as to take with him to America, two Volumes, one for your Excellency and one for the Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, of a Production of mine, Suggested by the late popular Phrensy in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It contains my Confession of political Faith, and if it is Heresy, I shall I Suppose be cast out of Communion. But it is the only...
19From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 23 December 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favor of Oct. 8. but the volume of the transactions mentioned to come with it, did not; but I have received one from Mr. Hopkinson. You also mention the diplomas it covered for other persons, and some order of the society relative to myself, which I suppose were omitted by accident and will come by some other conveiance. So far as relates to myself, whatever the order...
20From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 3 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
The letter, of which I have the honor to enclose your Excellency an extract, & the Addresses, came to my hands a few days since. Whether the latter are originals or copies, & whether any steps have been taken in compliance with Sir Edwd Newenham’s wishes, you can better decide than I. Also, if there has not, what is best to be done with the application. If I mistake not, this case militates...