1001To Benjamin Franklin from [Ferdinand Grand], [on or after 11 May 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Grand arrive de Paris avec Mr. Boux, pour avoir L’honneur de voir monsieur Franklin cet aprés midy, chez lui ou chez Mr. Grand comme Monsieur franklin aimera le mieux. Monsieur Deane viendra aussy entre 3 et 4 heures. Mr. Grand sera bien aise de voir monsr. Carmikael á son retour de Versailles et avant qu’il aille à Paris. Addressed: a monsieur /...
1002Gabriel de Sartine to Benjamin Franklin: A Translation, 16 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
I have received with the letter that you did me the honor to write on the 12th of this month, gentlemen, the copy of the letter addressed to you by Mr. Schweighauser, agent for the United States of North America at Nantes, on the subject of the escort that he, together with several other American merchants, requests for a number of vessels that they hope to send off toward the end of the...
1003To Benjamin Franklin from John Thayer, 20 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The world in general attributes to You the most perfect benevolence. They have long conceiv’d the idea that the good of mankind was the end of all your valuable writings & of all your endeavors. Every body thinks You a Yorick in ev’ry tender sensation, that your heart sympthetically vibrates with the miseries of your fellow creatures, & that your soul is...
1004To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 4 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin . . . (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 244. Upon a night’s reflection it is thought right that you be possessed of the inclosed, to be afterwards returned without taking copy in case no business be done. Will you let me know by the bearer if we are to see you in town to day, and when, that I...
1005To Benjamin Franklin from Edme-Jacques Genet, 2 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’apprens avec le plus grand plaisir par la lettre dont vous m’avés honoré, que vous approuvés l’usage que j’ai fait des lettres que vous aviés bien voulu me confier. J’ai actuellement deux no des affaires de l’angleterre prêts à paroitre: je n’attens que des nouvelles directes d’amerique, que j’espere recevoir par votre canal, suivant la promesse que vous...
1006To Benjamin Franklin from Pothonnier & Cie., 27 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons receu hyer l’honneur de votre Lettre, qui nous laisse dans l’Incertitude Si les lettres de Change en acquit de Compte du Vau. [Vaisseau] Lariel Seront acceptés, nous avons eu celuy de vous prevenir que cet [c’est] notre Maison qui à acquittée toute la dépense de ce Vaisseau, par les Traites que Mrs. Gourlade et Moylan ont fournies Sur nous dont...
1007To Benjamin Franklin from Peter P. Burdett, 5 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Upon the News of your arrival in France I did myself the honor of writing to you at the particular request of their Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Baaden, as well as from the pleasure I felt upon your return to Europe. This letter in all probability never reached your hands, or if it did, the multiplicity and importance of your present engagements,...
1008To Benjamin Franklin from Etienne Caÿrol, 7 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis trop delicat pour allér sur les brisées de qui que ce soit, et je n’eusse point pris la liberté de vous offrir mon ministére, si Mr. Coder par sa lettre du 16e juin dernier ne m’eüt marqué étre chargé de complettér avec Mr. dubourg l’équipèment de deux mille hommes, sur des modèles agréés, qui seroint finis par tout ce courant juillét, et que mon...
1009To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 4 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society Yesterday was presented to me another Bill of Exchange for 1100 Guilders, drawn on Mr Laurens 25th. Feby. 1780. I have, as usual, asked time to write to your Excellency, to know if You can be responsible for the payment: if not, they must be protested, for there is no Money to be had here. Indeed if there was a...
1010To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Falconer, 8 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I inclose you a gazzet that Came out on the 5 day of this month which Surprised me much after hearing So much Taulk about Giveing the amerricans Everey thing but Bringing the Shugers Directley from the west indies that they Should issue an order of Councel for there owen Ships onley. I have taken Care to Send two of the Gazetts one by Each Ship Bound to...
1011To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-André Mongez, [April? 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je me proposois depuis longtemps d’avoir L’honneur de vous remettre le troisieme volume de notre dictionaire d’agriculture dont vous avés bien voulu accepter les deux premiers; mais des affaires me retenant a paris, je vous prie de vouloir bien en accepter L’hommage, qu’il m’eut été bien flatteur de vous rendre moimeme. J’apprends, Monsieur, que L’on vient...
1012To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier d’Anmours, 17 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Madam La Marquise de Saineville, has Sent me, inclos’d in one of her letters, another, which at her Recommandation, and that of Mr. l’abbé Raynal, you were So good to write in my favour to Mr. Moris, your friend in Philadelphia. Your Réputation, Sir, makes me acquainted with its Value, and that Value Engages my most Sinceres Sentiments of Gratitude. Accept...
1013To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte de Sarsfield, 6 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Vicomte de sarsfield a l’honneur dEnvoyer a Monsieur francklin La Lettre cy jointe—. Le derangement de sa santé Là Empechè d’Avoir L’honneur de Le Voir depuis longs temps— Il ira Le Chercher a Passy dans la Semaine prochaine— Il A L’honneur de l’assurer de son sincere attachement. Il Supplie Monsieur francklin d Avoir la bonté de Luy Envoÿer les Nouvelles...
1014To Benjamin Franklin from Gourlade & Moylan, [16] August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania We beg leave to hand you the suppliment acct. of the Alliance’s disbursments, with the charges for repairs of the Arms discharged from on board the Ariel and afterwards loaded on the Marquis de La fayette; in this acct. is comprehended three small omissions in accounts formerly furnished. We request you will have it examin’d and inform us whether it...
1015To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Walpole, 23 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I thank you for your very kind remembrance of me, and for your valuable present to my Son. He is extremely flatter’d with it and as his desire to preserve an impression of your person shew’d some virtuous disposition in him, I hope he will study and imitate your conduct if he should ever be called to the service of his Country. The Confidence which the...
1016To Benjamin Franklin from Dubuysson, 1 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jay lhonneur de vous adresser le mémoire que votre Exellence ma promis de remettre mardy prochain a Monsieur Le Marquis de ségur. Mr. Le Duc D’ayen et le Prince de Poix qui veulent Bien sinteresser vivement a Moy, Se joignent pour prier Son Excellence d’appuyer Leur demande, convaincu d’aprés cela que cela ne pourra faire aucune Difficulté. J’ay lhonneur...
1017To Benjamin Franklin from Castries, 23 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives de la Marine Jai recû, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de mecrire le 17 de ce mois pour m’informer que vous avez fait connoître à M Barclay qui est actuellement à l’orient quelles sont celles des munitions deposées à Brest et appt. au Congrés qui doivent etre embarquées de preference. En consequence de ce que vous m’avez marqué, je donne mes ordres á Brest...
1018To Benjamin Franklin from Dorcas Montgomery, 17 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Montgomerys Respectful Compliments wait on Doctr. Franklin. and takes the liberty of Introducing Her Son. As fatigue & a Slight Indisposition prevents Her paying Her Compliments to the Doctr. at present, flatters Her self with having that Honor in a few Days, Her Compts. attend Mr. W— Franklin. Addressed: His Exellency / Benjn. Franklin Esqr / Passy...
1019To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 31 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous recommander 1° M. le Chevalier du Gravier, ami de M. Coder, Officier d’artillerie du plus grand merite, qui part pour Bordeaux sa patrie où son ami m’assure qu’il peut vous etre d’une utilité infinie; il vous expliquera mieux que moi en quoi, et comment. Il ne desire que de vous etre presente. 2° M. de Livoys Officier de marine...
1020To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Jackson Jones, 11 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In consequence of the case I have submitted to your consideration, I have to inform you that I waited on the Spanish Ambassador and received yesterday for answer that as he had no orders to advance money to Spanish subjects passing through France, he must beg to decline it and concluded with recommending it to me to apply to you as the most proper Person.—...
1021To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Echlin, 18 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Tho’ I have not The honour of being personally known to you, I thus venture to address you, not as a Country man, but as a fellow creature, who is reduced by a Captivity of upwards of three years; by Sickness, and Every sort of Evil to the last degree of unhappyness. I am thus compel’d to have Recourse to this most humiliating method of Subsisting. Your...
1022To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 14 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library Mr Louis Tardy informs me that he could obtain an advantageous protection for his Brother who is lately gone to St Domingo if you would kindly signify a favourable opinion of him. I therefore do not hesitate to assure you that the person in question Mr Gabriel Tardy has been near 5 years with me and I can with truth declare him to be an honest, industrious &...
1023To Benjamin Franklin from Poreau & Cie., 16 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Altho we are far from being competent Judges, what kind of Treatment an American in the French Service ought to expect from the English when taken prisonner by them, we think it our duty to do all that lays in our power in favor of those whose misfortunes it is to be taken prisonner on board of any Vessell belonging to us. The Inclos’d are copies of three...
1024To Benjamin Franklin from Félix António Castrioto, 20 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I have wrote to you two letters, one the 2d. and the other the 29th. of December, aquainting you of what was done in the Comission I was charged with, and of the Queens resolution of giving her answer by her Minister. As I have not had the honour of receiving any answer from you, I doute of my letters Coming to your hand; it being natural that my zeal for the...
1025To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Since writing you about the Prisoners on Parole and others who wanted their Parole, I am informed by the Officer of the Garrison here that if I will add these Prisonners to those now in Rochelle a Cartel may be immediately procured to send them off together, specifying the Distinctions of the Flags under which they were taken...
1026To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Vaughan, Jr., [14 February 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr Vaughan has the honor to present his respectful comps. to Dr Franklin. Inclosed is a letter from Mr Hodgson, which Mr V received this morning, & forwards early, as he imagines Dr Franklin may wish to answer it by Mr Storer, who sets off tonight at 10 oClock for London. Respecting News, Mr Vaughan has the pleasure to inform Dr Franklin, that Lord Surry is...
1027To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 18 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Notwithstanding I left Orleans on Tuesday Morg, I did not get here ’till this Day at 11 .00— The shortness of the Days, & the Loire being at this Time extreamly low, occasioned our being so long on the Water: there are so many Sand Banks in the River that it was impossible for us to proced but from Sunrise to sunset: & notwithstanding; our Boat often got on...
1028To Benjamin Franklin from Cecilia Davies, 30 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I should have been happy to the greatest degree in the honour of Dining with you Sunday, but to my misfortune since my Sister’s late Illness she does not Dine from home; but I shall have the honour of waiting on you with my Mother and Sister Sunday afternoon if you will give us leave. They desire their most sincere Compliments with a thousand thanks for the...
1029To Benjamin Franklin from Landais, 11 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You Called me by your Order from the Commend of the American Frigate Alliance which The Honorable Congress had Confided the Commend off, to me; upon Some Accusations that none but a Court Martial Can judge, and you have given the Said Commend to my accuser, You have kept me here these four months past I d’ont know what for as it Could be Said in America,...
1030To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Dessin, 15 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society M. Benjin. Vaughan par sa lettre de Londres du 6 de ce mois m’annonçoit qu’il venoit de me faire adresser 4 Boëtes à l’adresse de votre Excellence. Ces boëtes sont effectivement arrivées ce matin par le Paquebot du Capne. Bagster, mais l’une d’elles, la plus forte, paroissant être beaucoup endommagée, on l’a retira du Vaisseau, et elle fut portée à la Douane...
1031To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 12 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With the fullest confidence of your Excellencys readiness in assisting those who are distressed, particularily when such distresses, happen in the Course of human affairs and not brought upon men for any act of theirs, I flatter myself, that my Pardon for the Liberty I take, and the request I make will be most cordialy Granted. My worthy Fellow-Citizens of...
1032To Benjamin Franklin from Elkanah Watson, Jr., 8 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I forwarded my bankers Messrs. J. Cottin & fils & Jauge, a small bill drawn by Jas. Clark Esqr on you for 18 dolls—viz No. 2693. dated 28th. Decr. 1780 in favr. Mary Jenkins & indors’d to me by James Daggett— Messrs. Cottin’s advise me that the bill is by some means lost— If you can negotiate the ammount with them in consequence of the above discription...
1033To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 24 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society According to the letter your Grand son wrote me last Morning I have obtain’d from the Ministry that the four thousand Compleat Cloathes would be Carried on Board of the frigatte that is ordered to Carry me to America— so that if they are at Rochefort, la Rochelle, l’isle d aix or l’isle de Rhé By the Second of the next month they will be taken on Board— I...
1034To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 29 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society At the request of my Friend Mr. John Wilcocks, I take the Liberty of introducing to your Notice & Civilities Mr. Fox, Son of the late Mr. Joseph Fox, with whom you was well acquainted; I have not the pleasure of knowing this young Gentleman, but from the Character I have of him, I trust you will find him deserving of your Countenance & protection— I am ever...
1035To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have lately received a letter from Tristram Dalton Esqr. of Newbury-Port, informing me that you some Time ago advis’d him of having obtain’d orders for payment of a Sum, for the loss sustain’d by the owners of the Brigt. Fair-Play; & that you would deposit it in my hands— Mr. Dalton desires me to give him some information...
1036To Benjamin Franklin from Le Rouge, 20 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettes Monsieur que Jaye lhonneur de Vous presenter la reduction de la Carte que Vs. aves bien voulu me Communiquer. Cest un homage que je Comptois avoir lhonneur de Vs: rendre moi meme Si ma Santé le permettoit. Comme les Environs du fort Pitt Sont fort detaillées, J’en ai fait une Carte calquée sur l’original et par consequent sur la même Echelle que...
1037To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Haine, 16 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Excellency will be so kind is to Excuse the Liberty of my troubling your honr. in Ragard of my Sitttion which as oblidged me to take the Liberty of Writing to you. Sir I am a Stranger Whome is married to an amaricn Belonging to new Berry naetief of that Country in the State of Masituseds Bay in new England Who Sailed out of This Pourt & as had the...
1038To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library This will be presented to you by Doctor John Foulke & Mr Fox who are warmly reccommended to me from Philadelphia. I beg leave to introduce them to you & shall be particularly obliged by your Civilities to them. I am with the greatest Respect Dear & honoured Sir Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman Addressed: A monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre...
1039To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 26 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Bearer of this Letter Doctor Texier late Surgeon of Count Pulaski’s Legion will shew you a Certificate for two thousand one hundred and ten dollars signed by Joseph Nourse Esquire Register of the Treasury of the United States and issued by Virtue of a Warrant of the eighth day of January last from me. This Money is on Interest at six per Cent from the fifth of...
1040To Benjamin Franklin from Achille-Guillaume Lebègue de Presle, 10 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jai lhonneur denvoyer a votre Excellence l’ouvrage de Scheele qu’elle m’avoit chargé de remettre a mr Turgot et que jai reclamé pour elle depuis la mort de ce Ministre. Je prie votre Excellence d’agreer les assurances de mon respect Carl Wilhelm Scheele (1742–1786) was one of the founders of organic chemistry and a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of...
1041To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 25 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I am honored with your Excellencies letter of the 19th.— I feel your reasons for Urging frugallity, and as I have not hitherto been among the most extravagant Servants of America so you may depend on it my regard for you will make me particularly Nice in my present situation. It will give me very great pleasure to be able to...
1042From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 30 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
I have already accepted Bills drawn upon Mr. Laurens, to the Amount of Thirty four Thousand three hundred and fifty Eight Guilders. How many more will arrive I know not. I shall inform your Excellency from Time to Time, as they appear, and I accept them. This Republick is in a violent Crisis. If a certain Party prevails, We Shall raise no Money here. If they do not We shall raise very little....
1043To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Arnoux, [before May 1780] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society L’abbé Arnoux prie Monsieur franklin de lui donner une lettre de Recommandione auprès de quelques uns de ses amis de Neuport de providence ou de Rhodisland pour M. Petry Secretaire de l’armée françoise aux ordres de M. de Rochambeau, et sous Lieutenant d’infanterie. M. petry est très honnette, et on ne scauroit dire trop de bien de son esprit et de son...
1044To Benjamin Franklin from Charles James Fox, 1 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress; AL (draft): Public Record Office; transcripts: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two) Though Mr. Oswald will no doubt have informed you of the nature of Mr. Grenville’s Commission, yet I can not refrain from making use of the opportunity his going offers me, to assure you of the esteem and Respect which I have borne to your character, and to beg...
1045To Benjamin Franklin from John Shuttleworth, 17 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library My Servt. will waite your leisure for the papers you are so good to give me and for any letter or letters you may please to commit to my care. Permit me once more to acknowledge your very great civillities and to assure you that I shall ever remember them with gratitude I remain Dr Sir Yr most obedt: Servt Addressed: Doctor Franklin / Plassy Notation:...
1046To Benjamin Franklin from C[S?]. P. Heltier [Geltier?], 24 August 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Un curieux seroit charmé d’avoir de vous L’explication de la contrariete suivante car vous seul avés parle raison sur L’éléctricité qui vous est si redevable. Tout le monde convient que le tems sec et froid donne le plus d’energie a L’Electricite, au petit tonnere que nous avons entre les mains depuis environ 40 ans: d’un autre coste tout le monde convient...
1047To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé François Rozier, 21 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettés moi de vous prier de me communiquer votre memoire sur L’aurore Boréale, Pour L’imprimer dans Le journal de physique. J’ose vous faire cette demande au nom de Tous Les physiciens. Vous savés combien tout ce qui sort de votre Plume est interressant Pour eux. Le mercure de France en donnera un extrait, mais un extrait n’est Bon que pour ceux qui ne...
1048To Benjamin Franklin from Moses Young, 26 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The bearer of this letter is Mr. Cephas Dawes a Gentleman of a very respectable family in Pennsylvania, he was settled as a Merchant in the West Indies previous to the commencement of the war, and is a warm friend to the cause of America, which I hope will be my apology for taking this liberty with Your Excellency. Mr. Dawes will Carry with him some of the...
1049To Benjamin Franklin from J. Rocquette, T.A. Elsevier & P.Th. Rocquette, 7 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Your much esteemed letter of the 4 augt: duely reach’d us, we observed there in with pleasure the receit of the two parcells we Sent you, the forwarding of Same deserves no thanks, we are allways devoted to your Commands, and shall be ready at any time to render you any Service in our power. This daÿ a Jew and a Jewish call’d on one of our Friends here, to...
1050To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 18 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives I have duly received your Excellencies dispatches of the 4th and 9th Current.— The Wind is Fair, the Pilot on Board, and the Ship will be under Sail at day Break.— Mr. Gourlade nor M. de La Grave have not yet appeared.— I will Steer as directly as possible for our Ports.— Enclosed is a receipt from Messrs. Gourlade and Moylan...