751To Benjamin Franklin from Ignaz Edler von Born, 17 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : College of Physicians of Philadelphia Un quelqu’un qui, attaché depuis le matin jusqu’au Soir a Son bureau, et privé presque de l’usage de Ses pieds, ne connoit d’autre delassement, que celui que les etudes peuvent donner, Vous offre une petite brochure, qui peut etre pourra Vous amuser dans des moments perdus. Agrées Monsieur cet hommage d’un inconnu, qui admire vos connaissances et vos...
752To Benjamin Franklin from Valnais, 11 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have but this day Received the Billet your Excellency has honored me with. It is directed to the hotel d’angleterre & I Lodge at the hotel de Londres. Its not Coming Sooner is the Cause I have not answered before. I am penetrated with the warmest Sentiments of the most Respectful gratitude for your Kind attention for Mrs. de Valnais. She charges me to...
753To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 19 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have the Honour of your Letters of the 27 of June and 4. July, and Should advise your Excellency to present the C. de Mercy, a Copy of the Instruction as you propose. By the Length of Time, We have been left without Information respecting foreign Affairs, and by other Circumstances, there are greater Divisions among our...
754To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Sarsfield, [5 March 1784?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Count sarsfield hoped to receive today the Collection of Some of those little pieces which mr franklin had promised to him & which he had forgot yesterday. He cannot help writing again about them to mr franklin. He is So much the more impatient of receiving them that he is very near his departure for the Hague. He Desires mr franklin never to forget his most...
755To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de l’Auréole, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, and Other Applicants for Emigration, 11 … (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The relentless stream of letters from people throughout Europe and Great Britain who sought Franklin’s help in immigrating to the United States finally induced him, in the winter of 1783–84, to write “Information to Those Who Would Remove to America,” which was intended to answer all such queries. We summarize here the unsolicited letters and petitions that...
756To Benjamin Franklin from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 8 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress We are favoured by the Express with the honour of your Excellencies esteemed Letter of the 3 inst, by whch. we are Sorry to observe the Stocks in your hands Cannot afford to your Excellencÿ the means to provide us with the necessary Sums for the amount of the drafts his Excellency Robt. Morris Esqr. has been pleased to furnish on us beyond, what we Can be in Cash, nor...
757To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 12 February 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’anxiété d’une Mere, Madame de Hogendorp, pour son fils qui se trouvoit sur le Vaisseau péri près du Cape Anne, ne lui permettant pas d’attendre que les Glaces laissent nos Passes ouvertes, elle espere avec moi que V. Exc. pardonnera la liberté que je prends de faire passer par vos mains l’incluse pour Mr. Van Berckel à Philadelphie, & que le Paquebot, qui...
758To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Birckel, 28 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Dans la lettre, que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire vous parles d’une metode. C’este metode est gravé dans votre ame, et dans l’ame du meilleur patriote en france, en angletere, et en amerique. Reclaméz les degrés de bonté, et les degrés de forces d’ames, que vous trouverez dans ces trois cabinets, l’union de ces ames sensibles se soumettant a...
759To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Tabb Bolling, 24 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the opportunity by the first post after having presented the letter of recommendation you were so good as to procure me for this town, to inform you of the reception I met with from it, and to thank you for your friendly attention to me during my short stay at Paris. I left that town the Monday after I received your polite note, and after a very...
760To Benjamin Franklin from François-Félix Nogaret, [December 1784?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous vous souvenez de nos conventions. J’ai l’honneur de vous faire passer une note que nous avons reçue. Dans la Reponse que vous me ferez La grace de m’adresser, Je vous Serai obligé de mettre à La fin Je vous prie de vouloir bien Mr communiquer ma Lettre aux membres de la R ∴ L ∴ Ecossaise du Patriotisme, et de lui temoigner mes regrets ainsi que Le...
761To Benjamin Franklin from Poissonnier, [before 14 May 1784] (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society M Poissonnier a l’honneur de présenter son Respect à Monsieur Franklin et de lui Rappeller qu’il a promis de Vouloir bien signer le rapport des Commissaires de la Société Royale de Medécine, Sur les Bains de Mr Albert. En Conséquence il a l’honneur de lui envoier ce Rapport que M Albert aura celui de lui présenter lui même, avec la Copie de ce même Rapport,...
762To Benjamin Franklin from ——— [Saimier?], 16 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous renvoyer la lettre du Capitaine Gardner, que vous avés bien voulu me confier et la Copie de celle de M. Texier négotiant a Bordeaux. D’après les faits qui y sont exposes la ferme générale a écrit Sur le Champ à Bordeaux, pour qu’il ne fut donné aucune Suitte au procès verbal qui a été rendu, aussi c’est une affaire que vous pouvés...
763To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Dessin, 14 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Conformement à la lettre dont vous m’avés honoré le 9 court: [courrant] J’ai pris note de la paire de roues de Carosse qui doivent me venir de Londres sous votre adresse pour vous les expédier du moment de leur arrivée. En vous priant de vous reposer entierement sur mes soins à cet Egard, Permettés moi de vous faire mon remerciment de la confiance dont vous...
764To Benjamin Franklin from John Walter, 29 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As a Gentleman of Science & a Well Wisher to the new erected Empire, I address myself to You on an Improvement, which is now introduc’d into the World, on which a pamphlet is just publish’d, to print with Words entire, instead of single Letters, which will be of the most important Use in the future Conduct of the Press, both for Dispatch, neatness, &...
765To Benjamin Franklin from John Baynes, [15 October 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Hôtel de Luxembourg—Ruë des Petits Augustins. Wedn. Morning. [October 15, 1783] Sir I take the liberty of informing your Excellency, that I shall sett off for England either tomorrow Evening or Friday. Not having my own servant with me just now, I send this by a Messenger who will either wait for any letters with which you may wish to favor me, or will call...
766To Benjamin Franklin from Rosalia Maria Paradis, 27 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pardonnés la liberté que je prend de vous importuner Mais l’amittié que vous avés bien voullu Nous temoigner M’enhardit a vous faire une prierre. Le desir que Nous avons de Nous procure un Souvenire d’un homme qui est aussi Célebre par Ses tellents et Son Mérite personelle que vous. Nous Mettrions au Comble de faveur Si vous voulliés bien Nous Mettre un Mot...
767To Benjamin Franklin from Baron von Grimm, 28 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Bon. de Grimm, Ministre Plénipe. de Saxe Gotha, prend la liberté de recommander aux bontés de Monsieur Franklin les porteurs de ce billet, M. Landolt de Zurich et Son Mentor, M. le Chanoine Neckerman de Coblence. Ces deux voyageurs ne peuvent Se résoudre à quiter la France, Sans avoir rendu leurs hommages à Monsieur Franklin. Le Bon. de Grimm Supplie...
768To Benjamin Franklin from Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, [28 October 1784?] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives Mr Morris par sa Lettre du 27 May, me marque qu’il attendoit une future occasion pour me repondre au sujet de Fonds des Etats Unis, toutes les miennes l’ayant prevenu de mes besoins. Cette occasion s’est bien présentée, puisque J’ai reçu diverses de ses Lettres depuis, mais dans aucune il n’a été question de cet objet tout important qu’il fût, ne lui ayant point laissé...
769To Benjamin Franklin from John Coakley Lettsom, 1 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society The enclosed is a rough sketch of a few data, which I mean to enlarge, as soon as I am informed; of the certainty of these data. May I request the favour of a line; which shall be confidential. I have a copy of the enclosed, which need not be returned. I have desired my frd, Des Gesnettes to wait upon thee for any commands; in order to take off any trouble of...
770To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Rati, 21 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The subscriber a Subject of the Thirteen United American States Inhabitant of Salem in New-England, having sailed from thence since the 20th: of July 1782 & been trading in the W-Indies & on the Spanish Main, upon a report that the Moors of barbary did not choose to prey upon any American Flagg having attempted to Come from Martinicca to this Port with...
771To Benjamin Franklin from John Witherspoon, 27 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had some Expectations of seeing you before this Time at Paris. Please to know that the Trustees of the College of New Jersey contrary to my Judgement and Inclination were induced by some Things they had heard to suppose that this would not be an improper Time to Solicit Benefactors for the College which is known to have suffered so much by being seated in...
772To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Feriet, 21 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je crois, Monsieur, avoir trouvè ici Deux maisons entières qui pouraient Vous convenir; elles ont toutes deux des jardins, mais L’une rèunit a ce qu’il me semble, tous Les avantages et les agrèmens qu’il est possible de se procurer a versailles; elle est neuve, et n’a point ètè occuppèe quoiqu’elle soit bâtie depuis quelque tems; Les embellissemens ne sont...
773To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 20 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; AL (draft): Nationaal Archief J’ai reçu la faveur du 10e., que m’a faite de votre part Mr. Votre Petit-fils, auquel vous voudrez bien permettre que j’en témoigne ici ma reconnoissance, en me recommandant toujours à une bonne part dans son amitié, qui m’est précieuse. J’ai envoyé tout de suite les Papiers concernant la translation du Congrès à Princeton, à mon ami à...
774To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 28 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Doctr. Franklin & sends him some newspapers received from America, which when he shall have perused he will beg the favor of him to send to mr. Adams. Addressed: A Monsr. / Monsr. Franklin / Ministre plenip. / des etats unis d’Amerique / á Passy
775John Adams to Franklin and John Jay, 20 February 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society The Day before Yesterday the Baron de Thuilemeyer the Envoy to their High Mightinesses, from the King of Prussia, did me the Honour of a Visit, but as I had Company, he stayed but a short time; As I accompanied him to the Door, he told me, that he had Something to Say to me from the King, and desird me to name an Hour, when he might call upon me...
776John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, 20 April 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have just now received the Letter which D r Franklin did me the Honour to write me on the 16 th. with the Copy of the Treaty with Sweeden. I have before inclosed the King of Prussias Project of a Treaty, prepared as I am assured by his Minister with his own Hand in his private Cabinet. I believe it has been reserved to the present Age when the subtilties of Aristotle and the schools are...
777John Adams to Franklin and John Jay, 2 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I duely received the Letter, you did me the Honour to write me, on the Subject of a Treaty with Prussia and have communicated it to the Baron de Thuelemeier. The King agrees to take the Treaty with Sweeden for a Model and if your Excellencies have any Alterations to propose I should be obliged to you for the Communication of them. The Baron waits the...
778John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 29 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Our Secretary of State for foreign affairs, in a Letter of 13. Ap. informs me, that he wrote Us a Letter by Capt. Lamb dated 11. March, inclosing a Variety of Papers respecting the Treaties we are directed to negotiate and conclude with the Barbary Powers. Inclosed is a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of 14. February 1785, inclosed to me, in the Secretary’s Letter. I know nothing of Capt....
779John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
According to your desire I went early this morning to Versailles and finding the Ct. de Vergennes unembarassed with company, and only attended by his private Secretaries, I soon obtained the honour of a conference, in which I told him that my colleagues were very sorry that indisposition necessarily prevented their paying their respects to him in person, and obliged them to request me alone to...
780From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, 3 June 1785 (Adams Papers)
I have now the honour to inform you that having shewn my Commission to the Right Honourable the Marquis of Carmarthen, and left an Authenticated Copy together with a Copy of my Letter of Credence to the King according to the usage. I had the Honour on the first of this month to be introduced by his Lordship to His Majesty, in his Closet with all the Ceremonies, and formalities, practised on...
781To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Antoine Houdon, [before 24 January 1784] (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous prévenir que je dois couler une statüe en bronze: Si cette opération d’un moment peut intérresser votre goût et votre curiosité; je vous prie de me faire celui de vous rendre à onze heures précises du matin 24 de ce mois au lieu indiqué par l’adresse ci-incluse. J’ai l’honneur d être Monsieur Votre très humble et très obeïssant...
782To Benjamin Franklin from Madame ——— Düeil, 6 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Les bonté dont Madame adelaide honnore ma familles mayant atire a versalles pour luy faire des remercimant jesperé profitté de Ce momant pour avoir lhonneur de vous faire ma Cours et vous demandé vos hordre [ordres] pour du vin de chanpangne ayant lieux desperé que vous avés esttes Contans de Celuy que jay heut lhonneur de vous fournir au moy daout quatre...
783To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Oswald, 8 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed Letter was sent to me yesterday by Lord Howe to be forwarded to you. And their Lordships of that Board having ordered a Copy of Capt Cooks Books of his last Voyage to be transmitted to you, they will be Sent in a Box by the Paris Diligence directed to the care of Monsr Pissot. Libraire, Quai des Augustines, to be delivered without expence. Mr...
784John Adams to Franklin and John Jay, 20 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Columbia University Library; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have just now received the Letter which Dr Franklin did me the Honour to write me on the 16th. with the Copy of the Treaty with Sweeden. I have before inclosed the King of Prusisas Project of a Treaty, prepared as I am assured by his Minister with his own Hand in his private Cabinet. I believe it has been reserved to...
785John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, 10 April 1784 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed is Copy of a Letter from the Baron de Thulemeier and Copy of a Project of a Treaty transmitted to me by order of the King of Prussia: I should be glad if your Excellencies would examine it, and write me your Objections, and proposals of alterations, which I shall immediately communicate to his Majesty through his Minister. I presume too that your Excellencies will transmit it to...
786John Adams to Franklin and John Jay, 27 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have the Honour to inclose a Letter from Mr Edward Browne of Ostend and another from Mr De Berdt.— Mr Browne was introduced to me in London by Mr De Berdt, and appears to be an accomplished Person well acquainted with the Language Laws and Commerce of the Place where he is.— If your Excellencys judge proper, I should be obliged to you if you would...
787John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Let me request of you, to turn your Attention as soon as possible to the Subject of a Treaty of Commerce between the United States of America and Great Britain, and transmit to me, a Project that you would advise me to propose in the first Instance. For my own Part I like the Plan agreed on with Prussia so well, that I must request you to send me a Copy of it, and with such Changes as you may...
788John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Westminster, London, 20 June 1785 . Acknowledges their letter of 15 June; agrees “entirely … in sentiment respecting Gratification to be given to Mr. John Baptist Pecquet and the Letter to be written to him.” RC ( DNA : PCC , No. 84, v); 1 p.; at foot of letter: “Their Excellencies Messrs. Franklin & Jefferson.” FC ( MHi : AMT ); in Adams’ hand.
789John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
According to your desire, I went early this Morning to Versailles, and finding the Count de Vergennes unembarassed with Company, and only attended by his private Secretaries, I soon obtained the Honour of a Conference, in which I told him that my Colleagues were very sorry, that Indisposition necessarily prevented their paying their respects to him in Person, & obliged them to request me alone...
790To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Harrison, 28 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will introduce to you Mr William Short, a Gentleman of my particular acquaintance, and a member of the Council of this State; you will find him the agreeable Gentleman, a man of considerable abilities, and in every respect worthy your civilities at [and] attentions, to which I most earnestly recommend him. He goes to France to join his intimate friend...
791To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Besse, 5 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Depuis que la crainte de vous fatiguer par mes Lettres m’a empêché de continuer à vous écrire, j’ai pris le parti de me procurer indirectement de vos nouvelles, et j’apprends aujourd’hui que vous n’êtes pas Loin de votre retour pour l’amérique; si l’on m’a dit vrai, Monsieur, et que vous ayez besoin d’un typographe Selon toute la force du terme, j’ose de...
792From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 1 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr Platt who will have the honor of presenting you this letter, & his Lady are going to England, & probably to France: Should the latter happen, I would beg leave to recommend them to your kind notice & civilities, as respectable citizens of this place. I am, &ca DLC : Papers of George Washington.
793To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Hopkins and James Manning, 9 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; ALS (draft): Brown University Library Influenced by your Promptitude in promoting the great Interests of Society, and especially by your predilection of Your native Country, discovered by that early and decided Part which you took in its Favour, and which has been Continued by Such unparalleled Success through a Life protracted far beyond the Common Bounds...
794To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 28 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take this opportunity Via Amsterdam with pleasure to acquaint you, of Sally’s safe delivery of a fine boy, whom we intend calling Richard; and that she is well down Stairs again, and the Child perfectly hearty— We have no Letters from you since Barney’s arrival, we are however flattering ourselves with the pleasure of seeing you this approaching Summer;...
795John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, 20 February 1784 (Adams Papers)
The Day before Yesterday the Baron de Thuilemeyer the Envoy to their High Mightinesses, from the King of Prussia, did me the Honour of a Visit, but as I had Company, he stayed but a short time. As I accompanied him to the Door, he whis told me, that he had Something to Say to me from the King, and desird me to name an Hour, when he might call upon me again. I told him his Hour should be mine,...
796John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and John Jay, 2 April 1784 (Adams Papers)
I duely received the Letter, you did me the Honour to write me, on the Subject of a Treaty with Prussia and have communicated it to the Baron de Thuelemeier. The King agrees to take the Treaty with Sweeden for a Model and if your Excellencies have any Alterations to propose I should be obliged to you for the Communication of them. The Baron waits the further Instructions of the King, before he...
797John Adams to Franklin and John Jay, 10 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society Inclosed is Copy of a Letter from the Baron de Thulemeier and Copy of a Project of a Treaty transmitted to me by order of the King of Prussia: I should be glad if your Excellencies would examine it, and write me your objections, and proposals of alterations, which I shall immediately communicate to his Majesty through his Minister. I presume too...
798From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, 29 May 1785 (Adams Papers)
Our Secretary of State for foreign Affairs, in a Letter of 13. Ap. informs me, that he wrote Us a Letter by Capt. Lamb dated 11. March, inclosing a Variety of Papers respecting the Treaties We are directed to negotiate and conclude with the Barbary Powers. inclosed is a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of 14. Feb. 1785, inclosed to me, in the Secretary’s Letter.— I know nothing of Capt Lambs...