1David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 4 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy and press copy of copy: National Archives; copies: William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society, Public Record Office It is with the sincerest Pleasure that I congratulate you on the happy Event which took Place Yesterday, viz., the Signature of the Definitive Treaty between our two Countries. I consider it as the auspicious Presage of returning...
2To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier Du Ponceau, 6 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Depuis que je suis arrivé D’amerique avec L’armée de Rochambeau, Je n’ai point reçu de nouvelles de mon frere qui est employé à philadelphie dans les affaires étrangeres. Tout m’engage à croire que mes lettres ne lui sont pas parvenues Sans doute parceque j’ai employé de mauvais moyens. Jose prendre la liberté Monsieur de lui en addresser une sous votre...
3To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 6 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’implore Mon Cher Docteur Votre protection pour un Malheureux Matelot attaché au Service D’un Batiment americain Et que des Circonstances Malheureuses Et la Difficulté De s’Expliquer font Detenir injustement Dans une prison Cruelle je Gemis pour mon paÿs qu’il Soit possible qu’il y ait Des Malheureux de Ce Genre mais Enfin sauvons Celuy Cy Si nous Le...
4To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 7 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : William L. Clements Library I beg of you not to forget your letter to Mr Fox:— The purpose of my journey to England will be to do the best in my power for things & persons & particularly for my friends.— If you have any other private letters, send them to me. I will deliver them. I hope likewise be personally charged with the answers. I am better this morning and shall certainly set off...
5To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte d’Angiviller, 7 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. D’angiviller est bien flatté de pouvoir procurer à Monsieur francklin la facilité de voir plus commodement les beautés du sallon. Il doit prendre interêt au succès des arts, ils sont faits principalement pour consacrer à la posterité les hommes et les actions illustres et celebres, monsieur francklin a bien quel ques droits sur eux. Mr. D’angiviller a...
6To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Castries, 7 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress J’ai l’Honeur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer les pieces qui m’ont été adressées par M.M. De Bellecombe et De Bongars Commandant et Intendant à St. Domingue, relativement à la prise du Bateau le St. Thomas, arrêté sous Pavillon Danois par le Corsaire Américain la Lady Gréen, dans le mois de février de l’année derniere, et conduit au Port de jérémie où il a été vendu. Les...
7To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin West, 7 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I could not deprive myself the pleasure of convaying these few lines to you by my friend Mr. Dagge, he means to see you, and has been so Obliging to promis he would give this letter to you; I told him the jurney he was about to take, I almost envyed, as I should be happy to see you once more; Your friends hear have been flattering themselves with the...
8To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 8 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed Packet directed for yourself I received a few days ago, from Cape Francois; the other Packet for the Compte de Barbençon, Mr. Bartram requested me to forward to your care— We have had several Arrivals lately from France, without the pleasure of a Line from you, Mr. Williams writes me however that you are well; we would rather have this...
9To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Jackson, 8 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society The unfortunate Chas. Jackson whom his kind Friend Dr. Franklin Remembered one of the happiest of Mortals when possessed of the dearest most amiable lovely & best beloved of Women, now full at heart with sorrowful Reflection on his Loss, yet full of regard & esteem likewise for his real Friend, gladly embraces the opportunity this moment afforded him of...
10To Benjamin Franklin from Neufville & Cie., 8 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society His Excellency John Jay Esqr. having given us his address at passy, we beg leave to put a letter under Your Excellencys Cover, requesting in case said Gentleman Should be moved from thence, you Will please to cause it to be forwarded, and as we Have not had the honour of addressing you since the Change of the firm of our House we pray you to observe that it...
11To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 9 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself this pleasure yesterday; and late last Evening, the Washington packet brought us your acceptable favor of the 27th. July, with several pleasing inclosures from Benny, whom you had with you at Passy, a circumstance, he seems much to be delighted with— Mr. Vaughan, (your old Friend) and his family arrived here yesterday, they have taken up...
12To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 9 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Friends the Vaughan Family are now under our roof, the pleasure we take in entertaining every body that you love and that loves you, make us happy in their Company, they are come to settle among us, and what little I have seen of them promise a very agreable addition to our Society— My letter to day on their account will rather be short as I have a...
13To Benjamin Franklin from Bariatinskii, 9 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Le Prince Bariatinskoy a l’honneur de remercier Monsieur franklein de la communication, qu’il a bien voulû Lui faire du Traite de Paix. Notation: Bariatinskoy 9. 7bre 1783— The next day, Bariatinskii sent Empress Catherine II two gifts from BF : a Libertas Americana medal with its explanation ( XXXIX , 549–55) and a copy of Constitutions des treize Etats-Unis...
14To Benjamin Franklin from Elias Boudinot, 9 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Princeton University Library; copy: National Archives Being by Accident at this City and an Opportunity offering, I do myself the Honor of enclosing a duplicate of the Ratification of the Treaty with Sweden, the original of which I transmitted some time since, but not having the Copy of the Letter attending it by me, I am prevented from sending duplicate of it, unless this...
15To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 9 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer la Copie du Traité, la Composition est faite & l’Epreuve est à moitié lüe. Je vous fais passer par le porteur Bezout { 1. arithmetique … 2. l.t. 15. 1. Géométrie … 3. 15. 1 algébre … 4. 15. 1. Mécanique 2 vol. 9. 10. 20.
16To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Rousseaux, 10 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je metois fait l’honneur de vous Ecrire de dunkerque au Sujet de mes appointemant et part au prize que nous avons fait Sur vottre fregatte du Congre lexemton Cape. henry Jonson pour que vous ayé la Bonté de massister de quelque Chose Etant Sans aucune resource. Jesperre Monsieur que vous vouderez Bien massister je crois monsieur que je ne vous demande rin...
17To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier, 11 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society By the second week in September, Etienne Montgolfier was ready to offer members of the Académie des sciences a preview of the balloon he had constructed. He had been aided in this effort by Jean-Baptiste Réveillon, the wallpaper manufacturer, who put his expertise, ingenuity, and workforce at Montgolfier’s disposal. As the Ministry of Finance had now assumed...
18To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 11 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Nationaal Archief Me référant à celle que j’ai eu l’honr. de vous écrire le 25e. du passé, celle-ci est pour prendre la liberté de faire passer par vos mains l’incluse pour le Congrès, comme j’ai fait jusqu’ici par les mains de S.E. [Son Excellence] Mr. Adams pour celles que j’ai fait passer par la France, & comme je croirois devoir continuer de faire, si je ne craignois que...
19To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 11 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library I have been favored with your Letter of Yesterday, & will answer it explicitly— I have no Reason whatever to believe that you was averse to our obtaining the full Extent of Boundary & Fishery secured to us by the Treaty.— Your Conduct respecting them throughout the Negociation indicated a strong & steady attachment to both those objects, & in my opinion...
20From John Jay to Benjamin Franklin, 11 September 1783 (Jay Papers)
I have been favored with your Letter of Yesterday, and will answer it explicitly. I have never been witness to any Action or Conversation of yours which indicated a Reluctance ^ [ illegible ] ^ ^ have no Reason whatever to believe that you was averse ^ to our obtaining the full Extent of Boundary & Fishery secured to us by the Treaty.— ^ but your Conduct respecting them throughout the...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Durey de Meinières, 12 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Une famille patriarchale, dont le mérite et la tendre union Vous causérent, Monsieur, il y a quelques jours un attendrissement, qui passa dans tous les Cœurs, Cette famille, disje, Se rassemble et dine aux Pavillons, dimanche prochain. Vous ajouteriés beaucoup, Monsieur, au bonheur de my husband , et au mien Si Vous Vouliés nous faire le même honneur que...
22To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Elmsly, 12 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Elmsly presents his respects to Dr. Franklin and Sends him the inclosed, if the Dr. has any Parcel for England, that Mr E. Can take with him, He will be So good as send it to Mr Pissots & great care Shall be taken of it. Mr E. has sent to Mr P. four parts of the Phil: Transact: from Sr. Joseph Banks for Dr Franklin, they will be Sent him as Soon as the...
23To Benjamin Franklin from George Hobart, 12 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr Hobarts Compliments wait upon Mr Franklin, not knowing where to find Mr Adams He takes the Liberty in Governor Pownalls Name to forward to him the Memorial address’d to the Sovereigns of America. Governor Pownall is also very desirous of knowing whether his Letter & Power of Attorney was ever forwarded to Mr Bowdein and Doctor Cooper, for if they should...
24To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 12 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Je pris hier la liberté de vous écrire pour reclamer l’honneur de Votre protection, quoique je Sente bien que je ne l’a mérite plus. Je vous ai instruit Sur le Sujet de ma Détention, c’est une circonstance malheureuse qui m’a entrainé dans l’etat triste et déplorable ou je me trouve réduit, circonstance d’autant Malheureuse qu’on m’a depouillé de mon...
25From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 13 September 1783 (Adams Papers)
I have rec d. the Letter, which you did me the honor to write me on the 10 th. of this Month, in which you say, you “have recieved a Letter from a very respectable Person in America, containing the following Words viz t: —‘It is confidently reported, propagated & believed by some among Us, that the Court of France was at Bottom against our obtaining the Fishery & Territory in that great Extent...
26To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, [13 September 1783] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: South Carolina Historical Society, Massachusetts Historical Society; press copy of copy: Henry E. Huntington Library I have received the Letter which you did me the Honour to write me, on the Tenth of this Month, in which you say, you have received a Letter from a very respectable Person in America, containing the following Words vizt. “It is confidently reported, propagated and...
27To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Banks, 13 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society For having it in my power to Answer with precision the numerous questions which are askd me by all sorts of people Concerning the Aerostatique Experiment which such as they may be are suggested by every newspaper now printed here & considerd as a part of my duty to Answer is an Obligation for which I am indebted to you & an Obligation of no small Extent I...
28To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 13 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As your Excellency & the rest of the Commissioners were so obliging as to second my former proposals I think it my duty to inform you Sir and them of the additional step we have taken towards accomplishing our wishes. The preceeding I laid before Mr Laurens which meeting with his approbation I immediately dispatched the same under Mr Ls: cover, as a vessell...
29To Benjamin Franklin from James Hutton, 13 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am desired by a 50 years dear friend to recommend to you a Mr Blount & his Lady who intend residing some years in France, they are People of Fortune and Mr Blount is a man of Science & very ambitious for the Honour of your Acquaintance; He is of a very ancient and Respectable Family in Oxfordshire. Now I know your kind Regard for me, and there fore I beg...
30To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 16 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With every Sentiment of Respect & Esteem, I have the Honour to Congratulate you on the final completion of American Independance— To you, thou Virtuous Patriot, they owe much—to your illustrious Character, words are wanting to pay due respect— I shall sum up all in a few, thou ar’t great, thou hast proved faithfull & honest in the Day of Tryal— Though not...
31To Benjamin Franklin from James Bennet, 17 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ADS : American Philosophical Society The Petition and Representation of James Bennet native of Philadelphia. Humbly Sheweth: That whereas in the month of January last past the Petitioner Shiped himself as Clk & Steward on Board a Scooner of Baltimore in Maryland bound wt. a Cargo of Tobaccoe to Gothenburgh in Swedland; But being intercepted in our course, had not the good fortune to Land our...
32To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 17 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You have above an extract of a letter from the Honble Mr. Jefferson, to me by which you will perceive that he wants one of your late invented Machines for Copying Writings, he desires me to write to England but if I am not much mistaken France is the place. You however will know where his order can be best executed, and give orders accordingly, shou’d it be...
33To Benjamin Franklin from Patrick Murphy et al., 17 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope Yr. Honr. will look into the Affair As Our Case is Verry hard at present and take it into Yr. Serious Considration As Wee Are Strangers here And Cant Get abirth too Any part Likewise to let Yr. Honr. know that Wee have Been in his Majesties Service All this War We Want to Go home Or To the West indies As Wee Are Determined Not to Go to England But...
34To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Chase, 18 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Your letter of the 15th. of July last by Captain Barney, came to my Hands the 18th. of March, but I have never had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Jones, or Mr. Paradise. It was very unfortunate for Mr. Russell that your recommendation of him did not arrive sooner; the Character and Conduct of this Gentleman entitle him to every favour. His property was ordered...
35To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 19 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Royal Mail Archive I had the pleasure of writing to you on the 22nd. past, and since that time a great deal of Sorrow has fallen to my Share by the unexpected Death of my beloved Nephew Mr. George Maddison, who is also an heavy loss to me and others in a public Capacity, and particularly as he was so well informed in the Negotiations going forward...
36To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 21 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: University of South Carolina Library I have with much concern perused your address of the 10th. Inst, which you did me the honor of delivering this Afternoon, intimating that you had received a Letter from a very respectable Person in America containing the following words vizt. “It is confidently reported, propagated, & believed by some among us, that the Court of France, was at the...
37To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Pigott, 21 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr Pigott presents his Respects to Dr. Franklyn & begs the favour to have forwarded the two inclosed Letters for America hoping He will excuse the liberty as not Knowing any other so certain conveyance. Addressed: A Son Excellence Dr: Franklyn / Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats / Unis d’Amerique / a / Paris It is possible that these letters were addressed...
38To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 23 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to congratulate you on the return of peace, and the conspicuous part You had in bringing it about: especially as the terms of it are So advantageous to the united States. Though the late contending powers appear disposed to peace, we greatly wish the confirmation of it by the completion of the definitive treaty: wch. notwithstanding reports,...
39To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Zinner, 23 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress C’est eté ces jours ci que M. de Banck ci devant Major et Aide de Camp chez Mons. General Major de Gates m’inspiré tant de respect pour la nouvelle Republique de l’Amerique Septemtrionale, que je me suis resolu de dedier mon ouvrage latin, intitulé: Notitia Historica Coloniarum Americæ Septemtrionalis ab earum origine usque ad nostra tempora au tres Honorable Congrès...
40To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 24 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : William L. Clements Library I am at present at Bath with my Dearest Sister, whom I have found as well as I cd have expected, and I hope with reasonable hope of recovery in time. I have seen in London the ministry and hope things will go well with them. I am sure all is right & firm. The chief part of the cabinet ministers are out of town, but there will be a full cabinet held in a few...
41To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Mercy-Argenteau, 24 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society L’Ambassadeur de l’Empereur a l’honneur d’envoyer à Monsieur Franklin une lettre de M. Ingenhouze, qu’il vient de recevoir de Vienne; il le prie en même temps d’agréer les assurances de son parfait et sincere attachement. The only possible year before 1785, after Mercy-Argenteau offered to convey letters between BF and Ingenhousz ( XXXV , 549). Ingenhousz...
42To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph (Jean) Dupas de Iden de Valnais and Eunice Quincy de Valnais, 25 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. & Mrs. De Valnais present their Respects to Dr. Franklin and will do themselves the honour to wait on his Excellency agreable to the invitation they have Received today Addressed: His Excellency Dr. Franklin. / Minister plenipotentiary from the / united States of N. America to the / Court of France / Passy— For this couple, who had been recommended to BF...
43To Benjamin Franklin from François-Antoine de Flandre de Brunville, 25 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Je fais instruire le procès à ma requête de L’ordonnance de M. le Lieutenant Criminel, contre le Noé. [nommé] Jean Robert Schaffer et autres, prévenus de s’être annoncés dans le Public comme tenans Banque et maison de Commerce, et à la faveur de ces titres et de billets souscrits de Correspondans à eux affidés, avoir abusé de la Confiance de différens...
44To Benjamin Franklin from John Baynes, 26 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have not till this morning been able to find any gentleman who was going to England— Mr. Dagge however has this moment informed me, that he has an opportunity of conveying a letter by an acquaintance, the son of General Dalling, who will set off tomorrow. I fear you will by this time have sent by some other conveyance the letter you mentioned—however,...
45To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Dagge, [26 September 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I find by Mr. Baynes that you wish to convey a Letter to London as soon as you can. I have an Oppertunity of sending to morrow Morning in a Letter to my Bror. who will send it immediately where it is directed. I hope to have the honour of paying my respects to you some Morning the beginng. of next week & am always D Sir, Yrs sincerely BF had known this...
46To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 26 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress Mr Isaac Norris is the son of our ancient and worthy friend Mr Charles Norris. Though I am confident this would be a sufficient recommendation of him to you, yet as he thinks a letter from me will be of some advantage, I cannot refuse it, especially as he is a young man of an amiable disposition, sober, modest, of good...
47To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Champion, 27 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot suffer a pacquet which Mr. Chase has put under my Care (and which will go by the next Messenger) to pass through my hands, without making use of the opportunity of expressing the pleasure I felt at being introduced to the honour of your Acquaintance; at the same time I lament the particular Circumstances which obliged me to leave Paris so very...
48To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir, 27 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress J’ai reçu Monsieur, le bel exemplaire des Constitutions des Etats unis de L’Amérique, que vous avez bien voulu m’envoyer. Je vous prie d’agréer le témoignage de ma reconnoissance, et les nouvelles assurances du respectueux attachement, avec lequel j’ai L’honneur d’être Monsieur, votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur. This French edition of the American state...
49To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Putnam, 27 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot, cease to trouble you while my All is at stake, my Mind at the highest Reach of Pain & Anxiety, & only to be determined & reliev’d by your Excellency’s Interference without which of what Consequence to me, are Resolutions of Congress, however favorable to my Interest, they may have been past? I am Sir, without your Assistance in these two Cases,...
50To Benjamin Franklin from the Prince de Soubise, 27 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society C’est avec grand plaisir, Monsieur, que j’ai l’honneur de vous envoier une permission de chasse pour Monsieur votre petit fils, et je la renouvellerai dans quelque tems, quoique l’année soit bien peu favorable. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec les sentiments les plus distingues, Monsieur, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur Notation: Le M. P. de Soubise...