5101Commission to Negotiate a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Prussia, [12 May 1784] (Franklin Papers)
DS : Massachusetts Historical Society To all to whom these presents shall come or be made known Send Greeting— Whereas an intercourse between the Subjects of His Prussian Majesty and the Citizens of the United States of America founded on the principles of equality, reciprocity and friendship may be of mutual advantage to both Nations. Now therefore Know Ye that we reposing special trust and...
5102To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Morel Dufaux, 12 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society If real Services rendered to the Subjects of the united States in the most Critical times when no Soul durst to Employ himself for, fearing blame, can Entitle to Claim of the protection of your Excellency, I flatter I have an undoubtfull right to it. Those Important Services I have already mentioned in a memoir I had presented to your Excellency but having...
5103From Benjamin Franklin to John and Sarah Jay, 13 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress My dear Friends, I find I shall not be able to see you again as I intended. My best Wishes however go with you, that you may have a prosperous Voyage and a happy sight of your Friends and Families. Mr. Jay was so kind as to offer his Friendly Services to me in America. He will oblige me much by endeavouring to forward my discharge from this Employment. Repose is...
5104From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens: Extract, 13 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Library of Congress —I am sorry for the numerous Disappointments you have lately met with. The World it’s true is full of Disappointments, but they are not equally divided, and you have had more than your share. The Ratifications of the definitive Treaty are now exchang’d; but Mr. Hartley waits for Instructions respecting a Treaty of Commerce, which from what you observe, may probably...
5105From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Thomson, 13 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS : Library of Congress, Historical Society of Pennsylvania Yesterday Evening Mr. Hartley met with Mr. Jay and myself, when the Ratifications of the Definitive Treaty were exchanged. I send a Copy of the English Ratification to the President. Thus the great and hazardous Enterprize we have been engaged in, is, God be praised, happily compleated: An Event I hardly expected I should live to...
5106To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 13 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I shd be much obliged to you if you cd send me two or three words this evening after you have seen the Minister viz only thus much He can or He can not, because as the time advances to the meeting of Parlt., It wd be necessary for me to send the first part to England by our Courier early tomorrow morning if the printer cannot do the business here. I shall...
5107To 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,...
5108To Benjamin Franklin from Franz Anton Mesmer, [14 May 1784] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Bibliothèque Nationale Vous êtes à la tête des Commissaires que le Gouvernement a envoyés chez M. D’Eslon pour obtenir la révélation de ma découverte, et en constater l’efficacité. Quand Mr. d’Elon S’est approché auprès de moi et quand J’ai jugé à propos de lui laisser entrevoir quelques parties du Système de mes connoissances, J’ai exigé de lui Sa parole d’honneur, qu’il ne rendroit...
5109To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph-Mathias Gérard de Rayneval, 15 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Cette lettre, Monsieur, vous sera remise par m. de chateaufort, qui se rendra incessament en amerique en qualité de notre Consul général à Charlestown, c’est le même par qui vous aviéz bien voulu m’envoyer une letre pour M. le Dr. Price. M. de Chateaufort a desiré d’être connu de vous, et je l’ai assûré que vous lui feriez accueil. J’y serai personnellement...
5110To Benjamin Franklin from John Marsden Pintard, 16 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to hand yr. Excy. the enclosed Introductory letter from my Uncle Elias Boudinot Esqr. & have the Pleasure to inform you that I have Scince recd a Letter from the President of Congress enclosing me a Commission Under the great Seal of the United States Appointing me Commercial Agent for the United States at the Islands of Madeira & Porto Santo, to...
5111To 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...
5112To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [17 May 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library In Case the Arret for our free ports Has not Yet Come to Your Excellency’s Hands, I Have the Honour to Send You one Which I Have just Now Got— Most Respectfully and Affectionately Yours The day Calonne sent Lafayette 24 copies of the May 14 arrêt concerning free ports. Lafayette had tried to influence the government’s selection by writing to Calonne,...
5113To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Gaspard de Bebiniere, 18 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Le Sr. Gaspard de Bebiniere Machiniste, a l’honneur de vous faire part qu’il fera aujourd’hui à cinq heures du soir dans le Jardin des Thuilleries, en présence de MM. de l’Académie des Sciences, l’expérience d’une nouvelle Pompe de son invention avec laquelle il monte à plus de 100. pieds un muid et un quart d’eau en 25. secondes avec la plus grande aisance,...
5114To Benjamin Franklin from Sears & Smith, 18 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We beg leave to address your Excellency upon a piece of Business, we have by accident become engag’d in, & to ask your Interest to get redress from the Court of France, if it is practicable.— The last Summer we engag’d in a Voyage to the Coast of Africa, in full Expectation that we could effect it by bartering away the Cargo we sent there, for Gold Dust,...
5115To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 18 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I received the favour of your Letter of the 15th. past by the Hands of Col: Harmar, who appears to be an inteligent, amiable Man, and I am only sorry his short stay here would not allow me to shew him all the Attention I could have wished, and that he really seems to merit. I have also been favoured with your Letter of the 3rd: Instant, mentioning the...
5116To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Webb, 18 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I received the Favour of your Letter of 22d. past last Saturday Afternoon only. By some Accident the superiour pleasure I had on Its arrival was defer’d so much longer than your Goodness intended It should. I am indeed more obliged to you than I can express. The material Services It renders Me are exceedingly enchanced by your ingenious & generous Condition. It suits...
5117To Benjamin Franklin from Philippe-Denis Pierres, 19 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous prie de permettre à Monsr. Baradelle l’ainé porteur de la presente de voir votre petite Presse. C’est un homme très habile & très intelligent pour toutes les pièces de mathèmatiques. Je serois bien aise qu’il prît le dessin des bandes, &ca.—parcequ’il pourra simplifier les masses de nos presses. Je suis persuadé que vous ne serez pas faché de parler...
5118Thomas Mifflin to Franklin and John Adams, 20 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives I have the Honor to transmit to you the following Acts of Congress relating to the formation of commercial Treaties &c Viz— N 1. Letter to the Ministers plenipotentiary at the Courts of Versailles and Madrid dated 17th. of October 1780— N 2. Instructions to the Ministers of the United States for making Peace with Great Britain dated May 30th. 1783 N 3. Instructions to...
5119To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [20 May 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I intended Having this day the pleasure to See You, But am obliged to Stay Here for the Queen’s Concert, and Will do Myself the Honour to Call Upon You to Morrow Morning— Then I will lay Before You a letter I Have Received from mr. de Calonne— I am glad to Hear the Washington is Soon Expected, and Hope we May Get intelligences Before My departure which is...
5120Commissioners to Investigate Animal Magnetism to the Baron de Breteuil, 22 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of L : American Philosophical Society Nous apprenons la mort de Mr. Borie. Il étoit un des Commissaires du Roi pour le magnétisme animal. C’est une Perte que fait la Commission. En le regrettant, nous pensons qu’il seroit nécessaire de le remplacer, et de completter le Nombre des Quatre médecins choisis par le Roi dans la Faculté. Nous Vous prions donc, Monsieur le Baron, de vouloir...
5121To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Collinson, 22 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this Mr Thos Hill, a Gentleman with whom I have the pleasure of being intimately acquainted; visting the Continent from motives of Curiosity, and a laudable desire of extending useful Knowledge; I have requested that he will oblige me; by the transmission of my most respectful Regards to you; & personally to enquire after your Welfare and...
5122From Benjamin Franklin to Mesmer, 23 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Bibliothèque Nationale J’ai reçu, Mr, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 14 de ce mois, et le Mémoire que l’accompagnoit concernant M. D’Eslon. J’ai communiqué la Lettre ainsi que le Mémoire aux autres Commissaires, comme vous le desiriez et ils m’ont chargé de vous faire savoir, qu’en entendant M. D’Eslon, ils se bornent simplement à l’exécution de leur Commission,...
5123From Benjamin Franklin to Vicq d’Azyr, 24 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
L : Yale University Library M. Franklin a l’honneur de faire mille Complimens à Monsieur Vicq-d’azir, et le prie de vouloir bien lui envoyer le Rapport de Messrs. Andry et Thouret sur les Aimans présentés par Mr. L’abbé le Noble, il lui en sera infiniment obligé. Il desireroit aussi savoir si la Société Royale continue toujours à faire imprimer chaque Année la Collection de ses mémoires, qu’il...
5124To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 24 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot suffer so good an Opportunity to pass without renewing my Assurances of the Love & Respect I have for you— mine & my Father’s steady Friend. It is indeed long since I have written to you, & much longer since I have received a Letter from you— Your more serious & important Avocations are doubtless the Occasion of both— I am unwilling to intrude upon...
5125To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron d’Ogny, 25 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Vous aurés vu, Monsieur, par la remise qui vous a déja été faite de plusieurs lettres venant de Newyorck a votre destination que le Gouvernement S’est occupé des Moyens d’établir une Correspondance fixe et réglée entre les treize Etats unis et la France par la voye des Paquebots qu’il a établis à Lorient partant une fois par Mois de ce port pour Newyorck et...
5126To Benjamin Franklin from d’Ogny: Proposed Franco-American Postal Treaty, [c. 25 May 1784] (Franklin Papers)
Autograph translation by Benjamin Franklin: American Philosophical Society; D : American Philosophical Society Under cover of the May 25 letter immediately above, the baron d’Ogny sent Franklin a thirteen-page “Projet de Traité pour la Correspondance des Lettres entre l’Office des Postes de France et celui des Etats Unis de l’Amérique Septentrionale.” The text published below is Franklin’s...
5127To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Hunter, 27 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Hunter presents his Respects to Dr. Franklin. He this morning forwarded a Packet addressed to Mr Jay from Dr Witherpoon who is now at London; but is this moment informed that Mr Jay is departed for America. He is apprehensive, from a Note brought him by his Servant from Passy, that the Packet from London will be dispatched after Mr Jay, unopened; & he is...
5128Franklin and Chaumont: Agreement on Accounts and Receipt, [28 May 1784] (Franklin Papers)
(I) ADS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; press copy of ADS : American Philosophical Society; D (draft): American Philosophical Society; copy: the marquis de Bausset, Ivry-sur-Seine (1961); (II) press copies of two DS : American Philosophical Society The “Experiment” that Franklin proposed to his landlord on May 2 succeeded. Chaumont finally accepted the judgment that their arbitrator,...
5129To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 30 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot let my first ship go without dropg you a few lines—Jonn woud inform you of my arrival of the severity of the Winter, & of my Journey to Philadelphia which was necessary for setling a plan for conducting my money transactions which I did to my Satisfaction— I had the pleasure of Seeing your amiable Daughter Grand Children & Mr Bache, & received...
5130To Benjamin Franklin from Paolo Frisi, 30 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Depuis mon depart de Londres je ne vous ai ecrit, Monsieur, que pour vous remercier du beau present que vous m’avez fait de vos ouvrages, et j’ai appris par le gazzettes publiques les grandes nouvelles qui vous regardoient directement, celles de la revolution de L’Amerique. J’espere cependant que vous ne m’aurez pas oublié, et je vais profiter de toute la...
5131From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 31 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Gilder Lehrman Collection; copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Some Inconveniencies are said to have arisen from a want of Certainty in the Powers of our Consuls. The Articles respecting that Matter have been some time prepared and agreed to between Mr de Raynevall and me. If there is no Change of Sentiment respecting them, I beg leave to request your Excellency would...
5132To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 31 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Me permettés Vous Mon Cher Et Venerable Docteur De Vous Demander De Vos nouvelles; Et Dans L’Eloignement ou je Suis De Vous De M’informer au Moins Comment Vous Vous portés Et Si Vous pensés quelques fois a la personne La plus Remplie Des Sentimens De L’attachement Le plus tendre Et De La plus profonde Veneration, je ne puis oublier la touchante Bonté avec...
5133Meteorological Imaginations and Conjectures, [May 1784] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): Library of Congress; press copy of copy: American Philosophical Society The “dry fog” that blanketed much of Europe during the summer of 1783 had occasioned much scientific speculation, but its cause was as yet unknown. In this paper, written nearly a year after the fog first appeared, Franklin was less concerned with its cause (though he did propose a theory that would turn out to...
5134To Benjamin Franklin from John Walter, May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am oblig’d for your kind Letter, & the present accompanying it, which I think of great Moment to my future Patent.— When I first apply’d to have Type cemented for the incorrect Pamphlet I sent You, Mr. Caslon charg’d Me 2 s./0 per Pound for them, instead of 1 s./0 the common Price of Letters, but gave Me Expectation that the Demand would be lessen’d, if...
5135To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 1 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives (London), William L. Clements Library; transcript: National Archives I have the honour to inform you that I have transmitted to London, the ratification on the part of Congress of the definitive treaty of peace, between Great Britain and the united states of america. I am ordered to represent to you, that a want of form appears in the first paragraph of that...
5136To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Howe, [1 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): National Library of Australia Ld Howe desires with the Kings permission to Present the History of the late Capt. Cooks last Voyage Printed under the direction of the admiralty To Dr. Franklin; in acknowledgment of the Doctors Liberal Endeavors for Preventing all Obstructions Which that Celebrated circumnavigator might have been liable to from American Cruizers on his return to...
5137From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 2 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : The Scriptorium (1990); copies: William L. Clements Library, National Archives (London); transcript: National Archives I have considered the Observations you did me the honour of communicating to me, concerning certain Inaccuracies of Expression and suppos’d Defects of Formality in the Instrument of Ratification, some of which are said to be of such a Nature as to affect “the Validity of...
5138To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Thompson, 2 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society I have the honor to inform your Excellency that Mr. Jay embark’d on board the Ship Edward, Capt. Cooper with his Lady and family the 31 Ulto in the Evening with a fair wind which has continued ever since. I am also to advice you that a Picture of the Marquis la Fayet intended for Genl. Washington in Mr Jay’s care was oblig’d to be left on shore as...
5139To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 2 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, Bibliothèque Municipale, Nantes Washington here announces that his former aide David Humphreys has been elected by Congress to serve as the secretary of the new commission to negotiate commercial treaties. His election crushed Franklin’s hopes for a diplomatic career for his grandson William Temple Franklin. On August 15 Temple...
5140To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [3 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having determined to Go By the Next packet that Sails from L’orient on the 22d inst, I shall Be Happy to Be Honoured With Your Commands— I don’t leave Paris Before the 17th and Will in a few days Wait Upon Your Excellency— Be So kind as to let me know if You Have Heard Any thing from America— The only News I Had are, 1st that the Cincinnati Affair...
5141To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens: Two Letters, 4 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : American Philosophical Society; (II) Copy: University of South Carolina Library Permit me to introduce at Passy, Mr. Parker a young Gentleman of an exceeding good character Son of John Parker Esquire a respectable & valuable Citizen of the State of South Carolina. Mr. Parker who is studying the Law, means to improve the next vacation by a Visit to Paris & is, as all the World are,...
5142From Benjamin Franklin to the Conde de Campomanes, 5 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society I have received much Instruction and Pleasure in reading your excellent Writings; I wish it were in my Power to make you a suitable Return of the same kind. I embrace the Opportunity my much esteemed Friend Mr Carmichael affords me, of sending you a late Collection of some of my occasional Pieces, of which, if I should live to get home I hope to...
5143To Benjamin Franklin from Antoinette-Thérèse Melin Dutartre, 6 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous envoye, mon papa, une Sollicitation que le principal du college des irlandois me fait, Si vous pouvez y avoir egard, vous m’obligerez infiniment. Jespere que vous ne m’avez pas totalement oublié? Les maladies cruelles nous ont Separés. Je nai été qu’une Seule fois voir nôtre charmante amie, et il ne me fut pas possible d’aller vous embrasser: ne me...
5144To Benjamin Franklin from Forster frères, 8 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed letter We receiv’d under cover from our R: F by Ship from Dublin with directions to forward it to your Excellency, & to request an answer through our hands which We shall take care to send by the same conveyance— We shou’d esteem ourselves happy to have it in our power to render your Excellency any service in this place: as We buy annually of...
5145To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Grattan, 8 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’opinion que le Monde entretien si justement des vos talens comme Consellier d’Etat, & de votre Sapience comme un Ecolier, et si generalement connu qu’il ne’st point necessaire que je le repete. Les gens de ce pais vous regarde avec un admiration et un estime que rein ne peut egaler, mais personne plus que Sir Edward Newenham, le vrai Patriote et Soutein...
5146To 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...
5147From Benjamin Franklin to the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 9 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Vicomte Foy, Paris (1957) J’ai reçu, ma chere Amie, votre Lettre infiniment obligeante, et depuis ce temps Je n’ai fait que songer au charmant Projet d’aller à Sanois, passer quelques Jours avec vous. Je souhaiterois de tout mon coeur être en état de l’exécuter; mais plus J’y pense, et plus il me paoit impraticable: car Je me sens moins en état de marcher que la derniere fois que J’eus le...
5148To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Rosalie Filleul, [9 June 1784?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mde Filleul a l’honneur d’envoyë a Monsieur francklin, Ces trois derniers Volumes des mémoires du baron de tott. Elle prie de vouloir bien luy envoyë le journal d’aujourdhui 9. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le docteur Francklin / en son hotel / a Passy The earliest possible date. Mme Filleul enclosed volumes that were first published in 1784; the only...
5149To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Rosehill, 9 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I reced. Your Obligeing Information Concerning Your Son, I am again to bege the favour of You to be so Good as to Informe me by the Return of the Post if there are Any Gentlemen of Note, belonging to the State of Virginia, at this time in Paris, & if there is, then Names, and Addresse.— Haveing a Very Conciderable Interest in New Jersey, I will do my self...
5150To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 10 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society At the request of Mr Champion I forward the Accompanying Book to your Excellency. Our Mutual & Worthy friend Mr Laurens leaves Bath this day for Falmouth to go with his Son for New York. May Heaven protect them and spare your Excellency’s long and useful life is the prayer of Dr Sir Yr: Excellency’s obliged & Faithful Notation: Edward Bridgen. June 10....