151To Benjamin Franklin from Louis Necker de Germany, 8 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. de Germany makes his most humble compliments to Mr. Franklin and begs the favour of forwarding the inclosed letter to his direction by the next safe opportunity. Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur Le Docteur / Franklin / chez M. Le Ray de Chaumont / hotel Colbert à Passy The elder brother of Jacques Necker was a mathematician, a writer, and a banker who was...
152To Benjamin Franklin from William Canton, 18 March 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania <Wednesday evening, March 18, [1772 ], a note in the third person. His father, who is considerably worse than the previous Saturday, but because of laudanum in not quite so much pain, thanks Franklin for his kind inquiry.> The son and subsequently the biographer of BF ’s old friend; see the DNB under John Canton. Four days before John Canton’s death. BF...
153To Benjamin Franklin from John Risdel, 19 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <St. Malo, February 19, 1778: I served on the Reprisal for twenty months and was then in hospital for three. I am not yet able to do hard work, and lack clothes and cash; wages and prize money are due me. Please send me either money or a draft on a St. Malo merchant; I am in great need of help.> A seaman left behind when Wickes sailed the previous...
154To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, [December 1774?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress D. Barclay’s respects, and desires to see Dr. Franklin this Evening on particular Business. Addressed: Doctor Franklin Endorsed: recd at 7. The only clue to the date is the “particular Business,” which might have been connected with either the peace negotiations or the projected meeting of merchants to petition Parliament (see Barclay to BF above, Dec. 22). The first...
155To Benjamin Franklin from Veuve Leleu & Cie., 22 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society MM Veuve Leleu et Coe. ont l’honneur d’adresser a Monsieur franklin Une Lettre qui Vient de leur parvenir par Voye de Londres. Almost certainly the firm in Amiens listed in Almanach des marchands , p. 24, as Laleu. An N. Leleu, merchant, had written from that place in 1778 ( XXVII , 27).
156To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 6 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society The inclos’d just arriv’d from London into Mr. Genet’s hands are by him immediately dispatch’d to his Honour Benjamin Franklin and accompanied with Mr. Genet’s most humble duties. Addressed: M. Benjamin Franklin député du Congres / Americain A Passy
157To Benjamin Franklin from William and R. Macarty, 13 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr & Mrs. Macarty present thier most Respectfull Compliments to Doctr. Franklin, and are Sorry they cannot have the honor of Dining with him to Day, being Engage’d; having only this moment Recieved Doctr Franklins polite Invitation of the 11th. Addressed: Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Passy William Macarty’s wife joined him in Lorient in September, 1781:...
158To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 4 April 1771: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania <General Post Office, Thursday, April 4, 1771. An invitation, in the third person, to dinner at four the next day with Mr. Wharton and Major Trent. A bizarre postscript, in Todd’s hand, reads “Salt Fish and Brandy.”> Samuel Wharton and William Trent, two of the prime movers in the Walpole Company. The dinner was presumably to discuss its affairs.
159To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Sowden, 7 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In consequence of Your very obliging permission, I transmit the inclosed to Your Care. Its immediate destination is to my good Friend Mr. Rumsey, who, when he has read will transmit it to Mr. Gordon. You will therefore render me a very acceptable favor, if after the perusal of its contents, You will be so good as to seal, and address it to Mr. Rumsey. But...
160To Benjamin Franklin from Sargent, Chambers and Co., 25 January 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <Mincing Lane, January 25, 1772, in the third person. The firm has received instructions by Mr. Bache to withdraw Franklin’s account, which with interest amounts to £149 16 s. 1 d. ; what does he wish to have done with the money? > For the mercantile firm, formerly Sargent Aufrere, see above, IX , 359 n; XIII , 295 n. The withdrawal was part of a present of...
161To Benjamin Franklin from James Hunter, Jr., 28 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Strange desires me to continue the Liberty of addressing Her to your Care, and I pray your Excuses for the Trouble. I am most respectfully Sir Your mo Ob Sert. The Virginian whose wife was Isabella Strange’s cousin: XXXV , 394; XXXVII , 690.
162To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand: Receipt, 3 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society J’ai recu de Monsieur Franklin ministre plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de l’amerique Deux mille soixante Livres un sols sept deniers Endorsed: Mr. Grand’s Receipt Corroborated by a Sept. 3 entry in BF ’s private account with Grand (Account XVII: XXVI , 3): “La Remise sur J. Cottin fils & Jauge … 2060.1.7.”
163To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 14 April 1769: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society [Philadelphia, April 14, 1769. John Foxcroft has summoned him there. Encloses a second bill for £60 13 s. 9 d. , the first of which he had sent from New York on February 13. This Foxcroft had returned to him to send to Franklin. Is in poor health but hopes to recover.]
164To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Rodolphe Perronet, 13 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Perronet assure de son Respectueux attachement Monsieur Francklin et lui envoy un Plan du Combat Entre la flotte anglaise et l’Armée du Roy, persuadé qu’il pourra lui faire plaisir. This is the only letter we have to BF from his fellow member of the Académie royale des sciences. Perronet (1708–94) was the leading engineer in France: Schelle, Œuvres de...
165To Benjamin Franklin from Germany, Girardot & Cie., 24 March 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society <March 24, 1777, in French: They have sent a letter for Franklin received from Strasbourg, and will forward the reply when notified.> Deane’s bankers, who had become BF ’s; see above, p. 18 n and Girardot de Marigny to BF , Feb. 6.
166To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 9 May 1748 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy (incomplete): Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have wrote a few lines to thee and D.H. as Authors of the Gazette of what you have inserted in your last in relation to me which thou may put into what Language thou pleases provided it answers my End. I impute it to D.H. and not to thy Self. But this comes to inquire particularly into the [ incomplete ]. BF ’s reply, May 10,...
167To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 April 1773: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Boston, April 22, 1773: Sends a letter from Henry that came too late to be enclosed with his. > Jonathan’s letter was that of two days before. For Henry Walker’s letter to his mother see hers to BF below, June 20.
168To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Life, 24 January 1771: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Basinghall St., Jan. 24, 1771. Talked with Mr. Jackson on the 21st about the Georgia acts, and agreed to wait on him with Franklin on the 30th. Wants to talk with Franklin first, and if convenient will call on him at noon on Saturday next, the 26th; if inconvenient, please set any time except the 28th.> For the London solicitor see above, X , 369 n. See...
169To Benjamin Franklin from Joly de Fleury, 11 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Joly de fleury ancien ministre des finances a recue avec bien de la sensibilite la medaille que Monsieur francklin a bien voulu lui addresser, et le prie de recevoir son sincere remerciement de cette delicate attention. He was replaced as finance minister on March 29 by Henri-François-de-Paule Lefèvre d’Ormesson (1751–1807), who served until the following...
170To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Hill, 29 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai recu de Mr. Franklin la somme de Cinq Cent Livres a Compte, de ce qu’il me doit de Memoire que je luy ai donné, Notation: Hills Rect for 500 Livs A tailor who had been serving the members of the commission for at least a year; he appears sporadically throughout WTF ’s Accounts (see XXIII , 19), and F. Grand’s Accounts with the Commissioners ( XXIV , p....
171To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Lecoq, 28 July 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, July 28, 1777, in French: To whom should one apply, a merchant friend of mine has written to ask, for a privateer’s commission? It is for a worthy Bostonian, who is in port with a ten-gun ship and crew. When you reply, I will write him to say whether he should make himself known.> He signs himself as a master goldsmith and jeweler. BF did, on Aug. 11.
172To Benjamin Franklin from J. (I.?) Washington, 30 December 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <The Hague, December 30, 1777, in French: Only your kindness can help me out of my dilemma. We carry the name of the great General, and our family is English with a coat of arms. I have been assured that the General was English, and have written him a letter enclosing the coat of arms; you would oblige me by forwarding it. My grandfather came here and...
173To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, 2 [January] 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress D. Barclay presents his Respects and desires Dr. Franklin will peruse the inclosed and DB intends calling for it Tomorrow about 9 or 10 Clock. Addressed: Dr: Franklin Endorsed: Recd Jan 2. 75 Doubtless something to do with the meeting of merchants scheduled for Jan. 4, to consider a petition to Parliament; see Barclay to BF below, Jan. 12. At this time Barclay was too...
174To Benjamin Franklin from Katherine French, 19 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs. French’s compliments to Doctor Franklin desires to know how he does; if at leisure would be very glad of the pleasure of his company this Morning to play at Chess. A number of notes from Mrs. French to BF survive in the Franklin Papers, but the editors have been able to discover little about her; for what is known, see above, XII , 96–7 n. May 19 fell...
175To Benjamin Franklin from Mr. and Mrs. William Strahan, 28 January 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. and Mrs. Strahan present their Compliments to Dr. Franklin and Mrs. Stevenson and desire the favour of their Company this Afternoon to drink Tea and spend the evening. Addressed: To / Dr / Franklin / at Mrs Stevensons / Craven Street
176To Benjamin Franklin from John Foxcroft, 4 January 1775: extract (Franklin Papers)
Extract in Franklin’s hand: American Philosophical Society The Vouchers to our Accounts was forwarded by the last Packet, which I hope will enable you to make a final Settlement at the Office. See the first extract above, Nov. 2. As promised in his letter above, Dec. 7. The packet was the Harriot ; her arrival was announced in the Public Advertiser , Jan. 7, 1775.
177To Benjamin Franklin from Hilliard d’Auberteuil, 10 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer une épreuve de mon ouvrage, ma mauvaise santé m’a privé de rendre mes devoirs à votre excellence, et a aussi retardé l’impression, mais je vais reparer le tems que j’ai perdu malgré moi. Je suis avec respect de votre excellence Le très humble & très obéissant serviteur Notation: Dauberteuil. 10. May 1782.
178To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Johnson, 29 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed I forward you Som American Papers which I have rec’ed this Day by a Vessell from Virginia, you will be pleased to give Mr. Jennings the perusial of them when you are done with them. I have the Honour to be Sir. Your most obed. Hble Servt Notation: Joshua Johnson 29 April 79
179To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 15 June 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I am heartily glad you made up the quarrel without coming to blows; and as we hope to find you peaceable and happy, we all promise ourselves much pleasure in spending this day in Craven street. To my mortal day I shall remain Your dutiful and affectionate
180To Benjamin Franklin from Pecholier Frères, 18 January 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society ⟨Bordeaux, January 18, in French: Our good friend M. Ternant, who sailed for Cap Français on the 15th, sent us the enclosed letter for you, which we hasten to send on. If you wish to write him by us, we will forward your letters with the same promptness.⟩ The letter above, Jan. 15.
181To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Ballainvilliers, 24 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous addresser, Monsieur, une lettre pour Monsieur De La fayette mon ami. Si vous voulez bien la lui faire tenir je vous en aurai, Monsieur, la plus grande obligation. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec des sentimens d’estime et de respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur. Endorsed: Ballainvilliers 24 xb. 77 Simon-Charles,...
182To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Rolland, 24 August 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bellême au Perche, August 24, 1777, in French: Because I have been to America several times, two families have asked me how to emigrate and settle there. The head of one is a retired pilot; the other wants to farm the rich land of Pennsylvania. They ask for recommendations and a free passage to Philadelphia. Unless the war prevents your obliging them, they...
183To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Borel, 1 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library J’ai encore recours a vos bontées, pour vous prier de me donner quelques moments pour faire votre portrait sur la copie de votre dessein que j’ai destinés à être gravées. Vous voudrés bien donner au porteur l’heure et le Jour que vous m’accorderés cette grace. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec respect et reconnaissance Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres...
184To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Peter Halkett, 23 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1754–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), pp. 175–6. May 23, 1755 Two sentences from this unlocated letter are quoted in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (see below, p. 209). Sir Peter...
185To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard de Rayneval, 22 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Gerard prie Monsieur franklin de vouloir bien remettre le paquet cijoint pour L’amerique à Mr. le Capitaine Paul Jones qui a bien voulu lui promettre de s’en charger. Il l’assure en même tems de son respect et de son attachement. Jones may have encountered Rayneval during his recent visits to Versailles.
186To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Guigon, 29 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Agde, August 29, 1778, in French: I am sending you a modest work on engineering and make bold to congratulate your country on its alliance with France, that generous protector of the weak. May America prove a faithful daughter!> He signs himself Maître de Chapelle de la Cathédrale d’Agde.
187To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, [19 September 1777?] (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete ALS : Library of Congress We have debated at length whether this letter, which lacks an opening, continues Vaughan’s note to Franklin in December, 1776, or was written immediately after their meeting at the Bains de Poitevin the following September. There is some evidence for guessing each way, but nothing conclusive. As for the first way, the opening sentence here seems to follow...
188To Benjamin Franklin from Caroline Howe, 17 February 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL and copy: Library of Congress Mrs. Howe’s compliments to Dr. Franklin she has just received the enclosed note from Ld. Howe, and hopes it will be convenient to him to come to her either tomorrow or Sunday any hour most convenient to him, which she begs he will be so good to name. Addressed: To / Docter Franklin As with the preceding document.
189To Benjamin Franklin from Marat, 30 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society MM. les Comissaires seront libres de tenir Seance jeudy, vendredy et Samedy prochains. Monsieur Franklin voudra bien me fixer celui de ces trois jours qui lui conviendra le mieux. Moins il differera lhonneur de Sa visite, plus j’en serai flatté.
190To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 12 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress Dr. Hamilton had a letter for you some weeks ago; but I find him still in Holland. The bearer of this is of his party, & as Dr. Crawford gives him a character, I inclose the Drs. letter in case you should meet with him. By the present opportunity you have two packets from Dr. Jebb. The MS. he had prepared for another conveyance which he missed; and as I thought you...
191To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Ségur, 11 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M de Segur a Reçu La medaille que Monsieur franklin Lui a fait L’honneur de Lui envoyer, il le prie de vouloir bien en recevoir ses Remerciments./. The Libertas Americana medal.
192To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Sowden, 21 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As a proper apology for this intrusion, permit me to inform You, that tho’ not honoured with your personal acquaintance, I have an high respect for your Character, founded on your well earned Fame, and the perusal of your useful and ingenious works. I am also under some obligation, for your readiness, about ten Years since, and in Answer to a Letter with...
193To Benjamin Franklin from ――― Laistre, 29 July 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, July 29, 1777, in French: Mr. Deane, I have heard, is making purchases for the former British colonies, and I have just offered him the iron kitchenware, tinned inside and out, that the French colonies import in vast quantities. I make you the same offer, with the intent of doing good to your compatriots and promoting the welfare of humanity; for...
194To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bancroft, [21 November 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Hodge is just arived from Dunkirk and Mr. Deane intreats that you will immediatly come to Town on Business of very great importance. I am most respectfully Your most Humble and most Devoted Servant William Hodge had been expected back from Dunkirk on the 20th: Deane Papers , II , 227. The important business presumably had to do with finding him passage...
195To Benjamin Franklin from Chalut de Vérin, 27 [i.e., 24] March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society M de Chalut a lhonneur de faire Ses compliments à Monsieur franklin, et de Le prier d’engager M. Laurens a être de la partie pour le diner d’aujourdhui samedi. M. le Comte d’Estaing fait Cet honneur là à M. de chalut, qui espere que M. Laurens Lui procurera la meme satisfaction. Les deux abbés assurent Monsieur franklin de leur attachement respectueux. In the...
196To Benjamin Franklin from Favi, 27 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai L’honneur de vous adresser une Lettre de M. Ingenhousz; il seroit charmè d’avoir une reponse, que je me chargerai avec plaisir de Lui faire parvenir, si vous voulés avoir La bontè de me L’envoyer rue de Seine a l’hôtel de Mirabeau . J’ai L’honneur d’etre avec respect Monsieur Votre très humble, et très obeissant Serviteur Notation: Favi. 27 Juin 1782....
197To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Vaughan], 6 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I waited three days for an opportunity of sending the leaves you wrote for by a private hand; but not meeting with one, I sent them by post, directed to Mr. Chaumont. The remaining leaves, with a letter, I gave to Mr. Williams , upon his promising to convey them; but you know the man, and there they rest. He is a good natured, well disposed character; but I...
198To Benjamin Franklin from Alleyne Fitzherbert, [5 February? 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress Mr. Fitz-Herbert presents his Compliments to Dr Franklin and many Thanks for the passports.— He purposes sending away a Messenger to England tomorrow about noon and will be happy to charge him with any letters or packets which Dr Franklin may have to send. If Fitzherbert is referring to the first set of American passports for British ships, then this date is likely....
199To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 18 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Very sudden and particular Business deprive me and Mrs. M. the pleasure we propos’d ourselves in being at Passi to Morrow. But we hope the honour of paying our Respects in a few Days to the amiable Persons whom we venerate at your House. I am Sir Your most obedient Servant Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passi Notation: C. Melmoth, April...
200To Benjamin Franklin from James Brown, 2 February 1762 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mr. Brown’s Compliments to B. Franklin Esqr. and acquaints him he has sold the £5000—3 per Cents. to be transferr’d to morrow—to day being a Holliday, at 61⅞. Addressed: To / Benj. Franklin Esqr. / In Craven street / Strand See below, p. 34.