5101From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 15 September 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society I have just seen in the English Newspapers that you and your Family are safe arrived in New York, which gives me great Pleasure. I send you herewith some of our latest News Papers. Mr Hartley is at length recall’d, having remain’d here Six Months without doing or proposing any thing towards the Commercial Treaty....
5102From Benjamin Franklin to Bedtinger, 2 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of LS , American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’ecrire pour solliciter la Place de Vice Consul des E.U. de l’Amerique au Havre, pour le sr. Dupuis.— Il m’auroit èté infiniment agréable de remplir vos Vues à cet égard s’il avoit dependu de Moi; mais Je n’y puis rien. M. Barclay notre Consul Général est seul autorisé a faire...
5103From Benjamin Franklin to William Franklin, 16 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Library When Benjamin Franklin decided to reestablish communication with his estranged Loyalist son, with whom he had had no contact since 1775, he did so by planting a hint in the ear of a Connecticut merchant who, being about to leave Paris for London, was sure to see William. The message, duly communicated, was that Franklin did not understand why his son had not “made any...
5104To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Franklin, 21 July 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received your Favour of the 18th. I thank you for the Steps you took with the Duke of Dorset, and with Mr. Adams; and hope they will prove effectual. I arrived here extreamly well, not at all hurt or fatigued by the Carriage I us’d, which I found generally very gentle. I embark this Evening for Cowes with Mr. Houdon. I have seen that M. du Plessis twice. He appears a Man of some...
5105From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Banks, November 22–25, 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress; incomplete AL (draft): University of Pennsylvania Library; press copy of LS : Massachusetts Historical Society I received your friendly Letter of the 7th. Inst. I am glad my Letters respecting the Aerostatic Experiment were not unacceptable. But as more perfect Accounts of the Construction and Management of that Machine have been and will be published before your...
5106From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Bache, 26 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript, AL (draft), and press copy of LS : Library of Congress Franklin had been aware of the Society of the Cincinnati since at least mid-December, when Pierre-Charles L’Enfant arrived in Paris to deliver George Washington’s letters and begin the work of establishing a French branch. A week after L’Enfant’s arrival, however, Franklin still knew nothing specific about the organization and...
5107From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Henry Lee, 8 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: National Archives I received by the Marquis de la Fayette the two Letters you did me the Honour of writing to me the 11th & 14th of December; the one enclosing a Letter from Congress to the King; the other a Resolve of Congress respecting the Convention for establishing Consuls. The Letter was immediately deliver’d, and well...
I received your very kind Letter of the 16th, congratulating me on my safe Arrival with my Grandsons, an Event that indeed makes me very happy, being what I have long ardently wish’d, and considering the growing Infirmities of Age, began almost to despair of. I am now in the Bosom of my Family, and find four new little Prattlers, who cling about the Knees of their Grand Papa, and afford me...
5109Lists of Names and Quantities, [August 1784?] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Mr Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 x M. de Chaumont . . . . . . . . . 6 x & . . . . . . . . . 1 x M Dally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 x & . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 x Abbé de la Roche . . . . . . . . . 6 & . . . . . . . . . 1 x M. le Veillard . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 x & . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 x
5110From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 29 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; press copy of ALS : Library of Congress I received your Favour by Mr Bourdieu, and yesterday another of the 18th. per Mr Hartley, who also gave me the Gazette with the Proclamation. I am with you very little uneasy about that, or any other Measures the Ministry may think proper to take with respect to the Commerce with us. We shall do very well.— They have long...
5111From Benjamin Franklin to Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, 2 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society In May, 1784, after a truce of two years’ duration, Franklin and his friend and landlord, Le Ray de Chaumont, finally agreed on what was owed to whom. Franklin had tried unsuccessfully to settle their accounts in the spring and summer of 1782, on order of Congress. After Chaumont refused to abide by the ruling of their mutually chosen arbitrator,...
5112From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Hewson, 15 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Katherine N. Bradford, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1956) I received your kind Letter of July 22. I wish you had executed your Project of taking a little Trip to see me this Summer. You would have made me very happy,—and might have bath’d your Children here as well as at Southampton, I having a Bath in my House, besides the River in view.— I like your motherly Account of them, and in...
5113From Benjamin Franklin to Josiah Quincy, Sr., 11 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Storer told me not long since that you complain’d of my not writing to you. You had reason; for I find among your Letters to me two unanswered, viz. those of May 25, and Dec. 17. 1781. The Truth is, I have had too much Business to do for the Publick, and too little Help allow’d me; so that it became impossible for me to keep up my private...
5114From Benjamin Franklin to ——— Desfours, 23 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of LS : American Philosophical Society Je n’ai point reçu, Monsieur, le Projet dont vous faitez mention dans la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 15 du mois dernier; et Je serois bien aise de le voir. Quant à la Commn que vous desirez, Je n’ai aucune autorité pour l’accorder ou la refuser; tout ce que Je puis faire c’est d’envoyer votre Requete au Congrès, et de...
5115From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 16 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; press copy of ALS : Columbia University Library We duly receiv’d (Mr Jay & me) the Letters you did us the honour of writing to us the 27th of March & the 2d Instant. We shall transmit, as you desire, the Recommendation of Mr Browne to Congress; and enclos’d we send a Copy of the Treaty with Sweden. We expect Mr Hartley here very soon, to exchange the...
5116From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, July 26[–c. 15 August 1784] (Franklin Papers)
LS , copy, and transcript: Library of Congress I have received several Letters from you lately, dated June 16th. June 30, & July 13. I thank you for the Information respecting the Proceedings of your West India Merchants, or rather Planters: The Restraints whatever they may be upon our Commerce with your Islands, will prejudice their Inhabitants, I apprehend, more than us. It is wonderful how...
5117From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 12[–13] March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : South Carolina Historical Society; press copy of ALS and transcript: Library of Congress I received your kind Letter by Mr Cholet, with the Pamphlets and Newspapers; and since a Paper of the 5th which came under Cover to Mr Grand. I am much oblig’d to you for these Communications.— Your Sentiments and mine respecting the continual Drafts on Europe coincide perfectly. I have just received...
5118From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 15 February 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since mine of the 12th, I have had an Interview with Mr Grand; and on my acquainting him with your Situation, and proposing to him to furnish you with such a Sum as you might have occasion for, he most readily agreed to it, saying you had only to draw upon him, and your Bills would be honoured. I seize with Pleasure the first Opportunity to inform you of...
5119From Benjamin Franklin to Mayer, 3 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Biblioteche Civiche e Raccolte Storiche, Turin I have just receiv’d the Piece, entitled, Asgill, &c. which you have been so good as to send me. Please to accept my Thanks, together with the Book of our Constitutions, which I send herewith. I am, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant Mayer was one of the several writers producing fictional renditions of the Charles Asgill story...
5120From Benjamin Franklin to Lord Howe, 18 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress I received lately the very valuable Voyage of the late Captain Cooke, kindly sent to me by your Lordship, in consideration of my Good-will in issuing Orders towards the protection of that illustrious Discoverer from any Interruption in his Return home by American Cruisers. The Reward vastly exceeds the small Merit of the Action, which was no more than a Duty to...
5121From Benjamin Franklin to Edward Nairne, 18 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), III , 459. I received your favor of August 14, by Mr. Sykes, with the book of directions for using your patent electric machine. The machine itself is also come to hand in good order, after some delay on the road; and I think it very ingeniously contrived...
5122From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Vaughan, 5 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received yesterday your kind Letter of the 23d past, with a Pacquet of Books and Pamphlets. I am much oblig’d by your friendly Attention in sending them. I have as yet only had time to run over the Thoughts on Executive Justice. They have given Rise to some Thoughts in my Mind on the same Subject, which perhaps I may communicate to you in my next. I am...
5123To John Jay from Benjamin Franklin, 15 September 1784 (Jay Papers)
I have just seen in the English Newspapers that you and your Family are safe arrived in New York, which gives me great Pleasure. I send you herewith some of our latest News Papers. M r Hartley is at length recalled, having remained here Six Months without doing or proposing any thing towards the Commercial Treaty. Mess rs . Adams & Jefferson are here, and we go on together very well. Permit me...
5124The Levée, [before 6 November 1784] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), 111, 307–8. In the first chapter of Job we have an account of a transaction said to have arisen in the court, or at the levée, of the best of all possible princes, or of governments by a single person, viz. that of God himself. At this levée, in which the sons...
5125To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Franklin, 19 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have lately received your Favour of Dec. 23. The Diplomas I hope are got to hand before this time. I am much oblig’d by your taking care of my Encyclopedie. Mr. Hopkinson will account with you for it. I am glad to learn that every thing is quiet in Europe, and like to continue so. I hope the same will be the case here; tho’ Boutdefeus are not wanting among us, who by inflammatory Writings in...
5126From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 3 September 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministere des affaires étrangères; transcript: National Archives I have the Honour to transmit to your Excellency by Order of Congress a Resolution of theirs, dated the 11th. of May last, which is in the Words following, Viz, “Resolved, That Doctor Franklin be instructed to express to the Court of France the constant Desire of Congress to meet their Wishes; That these States...
5127To George Washington from Benjamin Franklin, 20 September 1785 (Washington Papers)
I am just arrived from a Country, where the Reputation of General Washington runs very high, and where every body wishes to see him in Person, but being told that it is not likely he will ever favour them with a Visit, they hope at least for a Sight of his perfect Resemblance by means of their Principal Statuary Mr Houdon, whom Mr Jefferson and my self agreed with to come over for the purpose...
5128From Benjamin Franklin to Bra[iez?], 22 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis trop étranger, Monsieur, à toute Dispute sur le Mesmerisme, pour consentir que mon nom paroisse ni directement ni indirectement ailleurs que dans le Rapport des Commissaires au Nombre desquels Sa Majesté m’avoit nommé. J’ai l’honneur d’être, Monsieur, Votre trés humble & trés obeissant Serviteur In response to his letter of the...
5129From Benjamin Franklin to Ingenhousz, 24 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I am greatly indebted to you for Letters. I shall write largely to you soon. With this I send you some American Papers, more Letters to Sir Jos. Banks, A Letter to Mr Nairne on Thermometers, & some Catalogues of Seeds.— I have sent the Order to America for Seeds which your Friend desired, but I fear the Vessel I sent it by is lost, not being arriv’d the 6th of...
5130From Benjamin Franklin to J.-B. Marioge, 23 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre dont vous m’avez honoré le 16 du mois dernier. Je n’ai Jamais été chargé de faire passer personne en Amérique pour y établir des manufactures. Le Pays est ouvert a tout le monde et le Congres ne cherche point à y attirer les Etrangers par des avantages particuliers. Chargé d’une Famille et à l’âge où vous étez,...
5131From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Thomson, 16 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: National Archives It was intended by the Commissioners to write a joint Letter to Congress, but I am afraid the Opportunity may be missed. This may serve to inform that Propositions of treating have been made by us to all the Powers of Europe, according to our Instructions, and we are waiting for their Answers. There are Apprehensions here of a War between the Emperor and Holland:...
5132From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 14 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Permit me to introduce to your Excellency the Bearer Mr Nesbitt a very respectable American Merchant settled at L’Orient. He will himself have the honor of communicating to you the Business he is come to Paris upon, and I request your Excellency will give him a favourable Audience & that support which the nature of his Case seems to merit. With great Respect...
5133From Benjamin Franklin to John Walter, 17 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from John Walter, An Address to the Public, by J. Walter, Shewing the Great Improvement He Has Made in the Art of Printing, by Logographic Arrangements … (London, 1789), pp. 12–13. I received your favour dated in May last, with the specimens of your manner of cementing your Types, for which I am much obliged to you. My manner of making the Matrices for words I could freely...
5134From 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...
5135From Benjamin Franklin to Giuseppe Doria Pamphili, 18 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
L : Archives of the Congregatio de Propaganda Fide Mr. Franklin assure de son Respect son Excellence le Nonce, et lui envoye Copie de L’Instruction du Congrès qu’il a eu l’honneur de lui communiquer hier—avec une Traduction qu’il a paru desirer. Written by L’Air de Lamotte. BF enclosed a copy, made by BFB , of the second paragraph of the May 11 congressional instructions ( XLII , 222) and a...
5136From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 17 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library I have received your Favours of March 28. and April 7.— I am glad that Mr Hartley’s being luckily at Bath, sav’d you the Fatigue of a Journey to London. His Letter to you, of which you sent us a Copy, was very satisfactory. By one he has written to us, of the 9th Instant, we find that he expects to be here in a few Days.— I have not yet had the Pleasure of seeing...
5137From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, 31 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society Voici, ma trés cher Amie, une de mes Plaisanteries serieuses, ou sourdes, que je vous envoie, esperant qu’elle pourra peutétre vous amuser un peu. Au quel cas, vous me recompenserez en me donnant, je n’ose dire un Baiser, car les votres sont trop precieux, & vous en étes trop chiche; mais vous me jouerez un Noel et l’excellent Marche des Insurgents—...
5138Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 31 March 1784 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour of acquainting your Excellency, that an Express from Congress is at last arrived, with their Ratification of the Definitive Treaty. Inclosed I send Copies of the President’s Letter, the Recommendatory Resolution, and the Proclamation, together with three Letters for yourself. We have written to M r Hartley, that we are now ready to make the Exchange. With great Respect, I am,...
5139From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Price, 7 September 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress The Bearer, Count Mirabeau, who much respects your Character, has desired a Line of Introduction to you. He is Son to the Marquis de Mirabeau, Author of L’Ami des Hommes; is himself an excellent Writer, and has prepared for the Press a small Piece, much admired by the best Judges here, on the Subject of hereditary Nobility,...
5140To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Franklin, 11 July 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Franklin presents his respectful Compliments to Mr. Jefferson, and requests he would be so good as to ask either of the Imperial and Sardinian Ambassadors the Favour of forwarding the enclos’d Letters, of which they will make no Difficulty. Mr. F. also recommends Dr. Ingenhauss to Mr. Jefferson, as a proper Correspondent in case he should have any thing to insinuate to that Court. Dr. F’s...
5141From Benjamin Franklin to [Madame Durey de Meinières], 12 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Friend Made [Madame] Helvetius tells me that I do wrong to dine abroad, as it hurts my Health; and I much respect her Counsels: But I cannot resist the double Temptation you offer me of dining with you and with that amiable Family. So that if alive and well I shall certainly render my self on Sunday at the Pavilions of Chaillot, when I hope your...
5142From Benjamin Franklin to Elias Boudinot, 13 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS , press copy of LS , and transcript: National Archives; ALS (draft) and transcript: Library of Congress I received a few Days since the Private Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me of the 18th. June. I regret with you the Resignation of the late Secretary. Your present Cares are encreased by it, and it will be difficult to find a Successor of equal Abilities. We found...
5143From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 25 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress; incomplete press copy of LS : American Philosophical Society I have received your Favour of the 30th of September, for which I thank you. My Apprehension that the Union between France & our States might be diminished by Accounts from hence, was occasioned by the extravagant and violent Language held here by a Public Person in public Company, which had that...
5144From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 18 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received yours of the 5th (just after I had sent away mine of the 2d). It inclosed one from the good Bishop to you. I have since receiv’d yours of the 12th. I am glad to hear that Mrs Hewson resolves to come. My Love to her and her Children. I consent to your Staying till the End of the Month, on Condition however of your making a Visit to Chilbolton and...
5145From Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Banks, 15 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : British Library; ALS (draft): University of Pennsylvania Library You have probably had enough of my Correspondence on the Subject of the Balloons, yet I cannot forbear sending you Mr Charles’s Account of his Voyage, wch contains some Circumstances that are curious & interesting. And perhaps you may, for a Conclusion, have one more Letter from me by him, if he makes the Flight, said to be...
5146From Benjamin Franklin to Pierres, 3 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library; AL (draft): American Philosophical Society Je vous renvoïe cy inclus les Essais que vous avez bien voulu me montrer. Je vous en remercie. J’ai vû avec plaisir le Progrès que vous avez fait, dans une maniere qui differe de la mienne, quoique peut être meilleure. Je serai bien aise de vous voir, quand vous en aurez le Loisir, afin de finir notre Compte Je suis avec...
5147From Benjamin Franklin to Ferdinand Grand, 9 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of LS and AL (draft): American Philosophical Society; copy: National Archives I received your Letter of the 29th. past with the State of the Interest Money claimed by the Department of Finance as due the 1st. Inst, the Account of your Advances for the United States, and a Copy of the Letter of Messrs. Willink & Staphorst offering you by Order of Mr. Morris 400,000 Livres the Sum due...
5148From Benjamin Franklin to John Walter, 17 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy and transcript: Library of Congress I have received a Book for which I understand I am obliged to you, the Introduction to Logography.— I have read it with Attention, and as far as I understand it am much pleas’d with it. I do not perfectly comprehend the Arrangement of his Cases; but the Reduction of the Number of Pieces, by the Roots of Words and their different Terminations is...
5149From Benjamin Franklin to Anisson fils, 10 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Bibliothèque nationale I send you enclos’d the Characters you desire to see, cast in the new manner lately invented in England. They are first cast separately, and after being compos’d into Words or Parts of Words, those are united by a second Casting of additional Metal. This Operation doubles the Price of the Fount. I have directed my Grandson who is now in London, to visit the...
5150From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Thomson, 31 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I write this Line by the English Packet, just to inform you that Col. Harmar arriv’d here last Monday Evening with the Ratification, &c. and that Mr Jay & myself, (Messrs Adams & Laurens being absent) have written to Mr Hartley at London, that we are ready to exchange with him. I have not heard that the Delay is likely to occasion any Difficulty. I had before...