1To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, [21 June 1776?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society This note has probably far more importance than appears on the surface, because the likelihood is that Jefferson enclosed with it his draft of the Declaration of Independence. The evolution of that document has undergone repeated and microscopic analysis. A number of minor questions remain unanswered, but the general outline is clear. On June 7 the issue of...
2From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, [21 June 1776?] (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed paper has been read and with some small alterations approved of by the committee. Will Doctr. Franklyn be so good as to peruse it and suggest such alterations as his more enlarged view of the subject will dictate? The paper having been returned to me to change a particular sentiment or two, I propose laying it again before the committee tomorrow morning, if Doctr. Franklyn can...
3Additional Instructions by Congress to Franklin, Deane, and Jefferson, 16 October 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Additional instructions to B F, S D, and T J, commissioners from the united states of America to the king of France. Whilst you are negotiating the affairs you are charged with at the court of France you will have opportunities of conversing frequen[t]ly with the ministers and agents of other european princes and states residing there. You shall endeavour, when you find occasion fit and...
4To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 13 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress The bearer hereof Mr. Thomas Shores is a native of Virginia and having lately, in conjunction with some others established a partnership for the purpose of carrying on a trade to Europe, he comes to France on behalf of his house to establish a proper mercantile correspondence. I am less acquainted with him than his partners...
5From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 13 August 1777 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Mr. Thomas Shores is a native of Virginia, and having lately in conjunction with some others established a partnership for the purpose of carrying on a trade to Europe, he comes to France on behalf of his house to establish a proper mercantile correspondence. I am less acquainted with him than his partners whom I know to be able, punctual, and of great genius for trade; and...
The united States of America, To all to whom these Presents shall come send Greeting. Whereas his most Christian Majesty our great and beloved Friend and Ally hath informed us by his Minister Plenipotentiary whom he hath appointed to reside near us, that their Imperial Majesties the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Germany actuated by Sentiments of Humanity and a desire to put a Stop to...
7II. Joint Commission to Negotiate a Peace Treaty, 15 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
The United States of America in Congress Assembled. To all to whom these presents shall come send Greeting. Whereas these United States from a sincere desire of putting an end to the hostilities between his most Christian Majesty and these United States on the one part, and his Britannic Majesty on the other, and of terminating the same by a peace founded on such solid and equitable principles...
Instructions to the Honble. John Adams Benjamin Franklin John Jay Henry Laurens and Thomas Jefferson ministers plenipotentiary in behalf of the United States to negotiate a Treaty of Peace Gentlemen You are hereby authorized and instructed to concur in behalf of these United States with his most Christian Majesty in accepting the Mediation proposed by the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of...
9To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 5 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; AL (draft): Monroe Memorial Foundation The bearer hereof Colo James Monroe who served some time as an officer in the American army and as such distinguished himself in the affair of Princetown as well as on other occasions, having resumed his studies, comes to Europe to complete them. Being a citizen of this state, of abilities, merit & fortune, and my particular...
10From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, to John Adams, and to John Jay, 5 October 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
The bearer hereof Colo. James Monroe who served some time as an officer in the American army and as such distinguished himself in the affair of Princetown as well as on other occasions, having resumed his studies, comes to Europe to complete them. Being a citizen of this state, of abilities, merit and fortune, and my particular friend, I take the liberty of making him known to you, that should...