13901To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, [8 January 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Dubourg yesterday gave me a second notice that you were to meet him and some other Company at Mr. Jeaneux’s to day. Upon my going to that Gentleman’s I found some Ladies and other Persons waiting the same Pleasure as myself, viz: that of seeing Dr: Franklin. Mr. Jeaneux beg’d I would inform you of his earnest wishes to see you upon an electrical...
13902To Benjamin Franklin from Edmund Clegg, 25 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Subscriber humbly hopes the importance of the subject proposed will plead his pardon for the want of all formalities of Address. The Bearer Mr Henry Wild has some things to lay before you, of such a kind as it is humbly hoped, will claim your attention. He is a prudent and honest man, and with his connected friends, equal to the Proposed Undertaking. If...
13903To Benjamin Franklin from Desegray, Beaugeard fils & Cie., 2 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons eu l’honneur de vous ecrire le 29. 8bre, et le 31 ditto on recut icy l’ordre de Mrs Les fermiers Generaux pour la libre Exportation de vos salpêtres, mais en même tems nous avons recus des avis de Lorient qui nous en ont fait suspendre l’Expedition, comme il est plus au long detaillé dans notre lettre de ce jour a Monsieur Williams, dont nous...
13904To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Harrison, 7 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This Comes with my kind adress to youre Honnor, hoping you will take it in Consideration to wards me. I Was Borne in Newbery north ameraca and sarve my time to my unklle at the Ship Carpinter trade. I shipt in Newbery With one Captain foster Bound to nance. Wee had the fortune to be taking by the Wasp Slope of Ware and Cared into Corke in Ireland. I Broak...
13905To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Vergennes: Proposal, [20 May 1783] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society; copy and press copy of copy: National Archives; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères L’Intention de sa Majesté le Roi T. C. [Très Chrétien] et les Etats Unis de L’Amerique Septentrionale en concluant entr’eux un Traité d’Amitié et de Commerce, aiant été de faire jouir leurs Sujets respectifs de tous les...
13906To Benjamin Franklin from Puchelberg & Cie., 5 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We have the honnour to inform Your Excellence, that the Kings officer appointed for the affairs of the marine having given his orders for the transportation of all the English prisoners, all those made by the american privateers which were yet behind, have been transferred likewise to Dinan, except a single Boy, who being sick is in the hospital. Several of...
13907To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 13 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Referring you to my private Letter, written to you by this Vessel, I beg leave to introduce the Bearer Mr. Cornelius Ray to your Notice, and protection. He is the son of a Gentleman of amiable Character, who formerly resided in the City of New York. Any Civilities which your Excellency may be pleased to show Mr Ray,— will be esteemed, as immediately...
13908To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 5 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library I take the liberty of inclosing two introductory letters Addressed to you in behalf of my Lieutenant, who since his embarkation into the service in July last under my Command hath behaved with becoming dilligence and Attention to duty. Should I have the honor of being called to Paris or should any Alteration immediatly take Place in my Command I shall have an...
13909From John Jay to Benjamin Franklin, 11 January 1782 (Jay Papers)
The last Letter I had the Pleasure of writing to you was dated the 31 Instant ^ Ult. ^ and referred to a former one of the 21 November last in which I stated the my Difficulties acc on acc t . of the Bills and the utter Improbability of my obtaining Relief any Relief here, & consequently the necessity I was under of
13910To Benjamin Franklin from Nicolas Ruault, 3 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Ruault a l’honneur de saluer Monsieur franklin et de lui envoyer les six exemplaires de ses oeuvres traduites qu’il lui a demandées l’autre jour. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / à Passy. A well known Parisian publisher and bookseller. Four months earlier he had brought out the Œuvres de Bernard Palissy ..., with a dedication to BF in the form of...
13911To Benjamin Franklin from Van de Perre & Meÿners, 6 April 1780: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Middelburg, April 6, 1780, in French: Monseigneur, we beg you to help us obtain the restitution of our ship the Berkenbos , Capt. Arÿ de Neve, captured by Capt. John Paul Jones in early January, on its way from Liverpool to Leghorn with a cargo of herring and lead. The ship was sent to Boston or Philadelphia under the false pretext that the cargo was...
13912To Benjamin Franklin from Catherine de Wesselow Cramer, 9 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Les Représentans & les Natifs ont pris les Armes hier au soir, Monsieur, dans un moment où l’on avait si peu sujet de le Soubçonner, qu’il ne m’a pas été possible de mettre votre Enfant, & les miens en sûreté: cependant je crois pouvoir vous répondre qu’il ne lui arrivera rien. Il se porte à merveilles, & dès qu’on laissera sortir quelqu’un de la ville je...
13913To Benjamin Franklin from John Witherspoon, 15 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (two): American Philosophical Society The Committee of foreign Affairs lately wrote your Excellency on the Subject of my Son John Witherspoon who was Surgeon to the Letter of Marque De Graaff taken at St Eustatius and sent to England as I have been informed in the Alcmene Man of War requesting you to use your Endeavours to obtain his Release upon Parole and his Exchange as soon as...
13914To Benjamin Franklin from James Babson, 12 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives This Days post from Nantes brought me the Disagrable a Counts of the sea prises tacking by me and Capt. Kendrick to be Condemed to yours [use] of the King France. I Cannot se on what grounes or authority thay have for so Doing, as I had agood Commision for tacking of saiad Shipes; I Neiver thought of their Doing aney thing futher than sanding them out again &c. I Cant...
13915To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 30 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le porteur de la présente, Mr. De Berenger, Chargé d’Affaires de France à la Haie depuis cinq ans, allant faire un voyage à Paris, veut bien me faire la double faveur de le présenter, & de le présenter à vous: & il m’est bien agréable de vous le faire connoître comme aussi parfaitement bien intentionné pour la cause Américaine, que zélé pour le service &...
13916To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Lafayette, [August 24 or 26] 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mde. De La fayette offre ses tendres hommages, a monsieur franklin, elle a fait sa commission pour Mr. D’aguesseau, qui La assurée que Laffaire de m. Alexander, seroit jugée la semaine prochaine. Mde. De La fayette prie monsieur franklin de recevoir Lassurance des voeux bien sinceres, quelle forme pour Le suçcés dune affaire qui L’interesse. Elle Lui...
13917To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Allaire, 10 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress An Offer has been made me, which I think worthy Your Attention, as it may be of Infinite service to the fleets & Armies of America. A person has Applyed to me to furnish any Quantity (not less then 20 lb weight) of Doctr: James’s fever Powders, so well known all over Europe, for fifteen Shill, Ster. an Oz. Each Oz Contains 12 Packages, and the price that James &...
13918To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 19 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies: Library of Congress J’ai appris aujourdhui, Monsieur, l’Arrivée de la fregate La Nymphe venant de Boston ou M. de Senneville est arrivé Le 5 May avec les deux Passagers. Je vous prie de me mander si vous avez reçû quelques Nouvelles. J’ai l’honneur d’etre, Monsieur avec une parfaite Consideration, Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur The news was on its way, in...
13919To Benjamin Franklin from ——— St. Clair, 26 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Excellency will receive this by Mr Joly a Worthy Clergyman who has attended me during part of my confinement and who is gone to Paris on his own affairs as I wrot to your Excellency’s Secretary some time ago I shall not enter into a detail regarding the reasons of my Detention but beg humbly leave to refer you to Mr Joly who is fully informed on that...
13920To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 18 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania My letters under the dates of the 11th. & 15th. Inst— will inform You very fully of the final conclusion of the business I was lately upon, and I make no doubt but the rejection has been lamented by another party concernd fully as much as by me & my friends. The Books You orderd are already Shipd on board the Dutch Ship Anna Maria Captn. Christiaan...
13921To Benjamin Franklin from James Woodmason, 4 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ten days since I did myself the honour to inform you, that I intended to send you the 12 Rms of Paper by the first Ship for Amsterdam. I have now to acquaint you that I shipped the Paper on the Lady Elizabeth last Week, which I hope will arrive safe I doubt not, but it will give you satisfaction. Mr: Le Taillier who does me the favour of taking the charge...
13922To Benjamin Franklin from Josiah Smith, 4 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was born in the State of Massachusetts Bay and educated in the University at Cambridge, where I commenced in 1774 from which Time I applyed myself to the Study of Physic and Surgery till January 1777. when I took Passage in the Ship Montgomery of Newbury Port bound to Bordeaux. But on the 14th of March Just as we were verging upon the Coast of Europe, we...
13923To Benjamin Franklin from Ralph Izard, 29 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have written to Captain Jones relative to my having a passage on board of the Alliance. It will be agreeable to me to stay in Paris with my family until she is ready to sail, & I should be obliged to you if you would let me know when you think it proper for me to set out for L’Orient, & what Passengers are to go in her. I have the honour to be Sir your...
13924To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander McNutt, 9 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Haveing lately done my self the honor of writing to you, and forwarding Sundry Copies of the Constitution of New Ireland, with Several Numbers Adressed to the Peace Makers &c— at present I have very little more Interesting to Acquaint you of, but Expect Shortly to have it in my power to write you more fully. The Occasion of the trouble I give you at...
13925From John Jay to Benjamin Franklin, 27 April 1780 (Jay Papers)
Your Favor of the 7 th . Inst. & ^ together with ^ ^ a ^ Duplicate of that of the 22 d Feb y last which I have never seen are come to hand, and g a ive us all that Satisfaction which
13926To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 13 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society His Excellency the French Ambassador at the Hague appeared to me to think so ill of sending letters by Post that I durst not venture to forward the within evidence against Captain Landais by that insecure conveyance, and I was unwilling to be at the expence of sending an Express, especially as I am not sure whether Captain Landais has or has not yet left...
13927To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 20 June 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : Harvard University Library; copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society <Versailles, June 20, in French: I have received a letter from M. Schweighauser asking about the disposition of the prizes taken by the Ranger and Providence . I am answering that the usual formalities, although handled amicably, should be observed, and am forwarding this information to you and...
13928To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 31 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society May it please your Excellency! That having not receivd an answer to our Last, proposing to continue to Accept the bills drawn on Henry Laurens Esqr.; we may Suppose that the quantity drawn hath been a trifle, and that your Excellency had no objection to our going on, as we had begun, in which the approbation of Your Excy. Shall always be of no little...
13929To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Sayre, 10 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society From what I heard in Paris the day I came away, there seem’d a probability that the Captain who commands the Alliance Frigate would be dismiss’d. If that Event should take place, I should think myself happy to succeed him in the command of her. I hope your Excellency can have no sort of apprehensions that I should in any shape, or under any circumstances,...
13930To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 18 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum I have this moment Anchored here. M. de Chaumont will communicate to you the Object of my present destenation as well as inform you where I mean to anchor about Ten days hence to receive your final Orders.— I have had a most disagreeable Task to compose Affairs on board the Alliance— The two principal Officers Lieutenants...
13931To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Gerard, 7 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Suivant les ordres que jai recu de Mr. J. Torris de Dunkerque de vous donner avis de ce qui me parviendra de Nouveau concernant le Corsaire le Blalk Prince j’ai lhonneur de vous donner avis de sa relache icy aprés avoir eté chassé par deux fregattes Angloises qu’il croit de 36 Canons qui lui ont donné la chasse depuis les sorlingues jusqu’a Belle-isle ce qui...
13932To Benjamin Franklin from Larwood, Van Hasselt & Van Suchtelen, 21 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We are honnoured with your Excellency’s much respected favour of 11th Instt. and well observe the Contents, for which please to accept our Thanks; the honnourable John Adams Esqr. hath accepted the 51 bills in question to gether f. 40958:—Bank & in consequence thereof these bills have been duely paid to us. We beg leave to make Your Excellency an offer of...
13933To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 24 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The letter of Sepr. 18 with an inclosd Bill reachd me but a very few days ago, & I immedeately made the necessary enquirys about Mr Jones. This Genn. [Gentleman] is not in England but I hear He is coming this way, & is at present in Amsterdam, where (I suppose) he is playing similar tricks to those He has imposd upon You. The good old Doctor of whom I...
13934To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé André Morellet, [22 January 1781] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a trois mortels mois que je suis privé du plaisir de voir monsieur Franklin. Je ne lui dirai que la verité en l’assurant que je sens tous les jours cette privation. Il croira facilement qu’il n’y a pas de ma faute si je lui dis que je ne vois pas davantage la dame d’auteuil. Si j’étois maitre de ma vie si je n’etois pas attaché à mon bureau par une...
13935To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine: Two Letters, 29 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress; (II) copy: Library of Congress J’ai eu l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous écrire le 14 du mois d’octobre dernier relativement au nommé françois Vermeille et quelqu’autres marins qui reclament les parts qui leur reviennent dans les quatorze prises faites par le Corsaire Americain la Revange pendant une croisiere de trois mois, vous...
13936To Benjamin Franklin from St. Clair, 5 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honour to write to your Excellency two days ago by the post but as I have not been honoured with an answer I take the liberty once more to importunate you but not being possesed of three sols to pay the postage I find myself obliged to be the carrier of it. I have now no other party or choice left if your Excellency does not furnish me with the...
13937To Benjamin Franklin from Gioanni de Bernardi with Franklin’s Note for a Reply: résumé, 20 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Turin, March 20, 1779, in Italian: The reputation acquired throughout Europe by the glorious thirteen American colonies, their success and wise legislation, have aroused in me a desire to see this new republic with my own eyes and offer it my services as a jurist. The best way I can think to accomplish this is to turn to you. I realize that you know...
13938To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 1 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Vous aurés peut éstre déja vû mon chér papa lorsque vous recevrés cette léttre un mr de Lon a qui j’ai donné un petit mot pour lui servir de passeport auprés de vous; cet homme qui peut a ce qu’il me paroist avoir a peu prés soixante ans, accompagnoit ici Mylord cholmondeley a titre d’ami, plusieurs personnes assurent qu’il l’accompagnoit comme une éspéce de...
13939To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 18 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives I this moment had the honor of receiving yours of this days date; containing Copies of the Resolutions of Congress of Septr. 11th. & 14th. and October 22d. I shall do myself the honor of paying my Compliments to you on your appointment tomorrow about 12’O’Clock. Nothing can be more agreeable to me than your intention...
13940To Benjamin Franklin from Philip Schuyler, 1 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit me to introduce to your Excellencys attention John Carter Esqr. my son-in-law and Colo: Wadsworth of Hartford they have been joint agents for supplying the french troops who have served in America. Count Rochambeau, General Chatlus and other of the General Officers have afforded me the pleasure of signifying to me, how well the Army was served, and...
13941To Benjamin Franklin from Elias Boudinot, 28 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress The Bearer Coll: Ogdin of the New Jersey Line, a Gentleman who has been greatly distinguished for his Bravery& good Conduct, from the first commencement of the present War, having received the permission of Congress to make a Voyage to France, on his private concerns; I must take the Liberty to reccommend him to your...
13942To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be presented you by Mrs Richards who with her Children, is coming hither to meet & continue with her Husband.— Mr. Richards has been here some time past, & has been employed by Mr Johnson & myself in our ’Counting Houses, as his Intention is to continue in the american Business in this Place, or perhaps to settle with his Family in america, we...
13943To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes: Two Letters, 25 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer, M, un paquet pour M. le cher. de la Luzerne; je vous prie de vouloir bien en charger le cape. du bâtiment amèricain qui se trouve dans le port de Nantes, et qui est au moment de Son dèpart pour l’amerique. Je ne suis pas encore en état, M, de vous informer de la...
13944From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 18 October 1781 (Adams Papers)
Thomas Beer, with his Wife and two small Children came to my House this forenoon, and presented me a Letter from Mr Coffyn of Dunkirk of the 2d. of Octr, recommending Beer to me as a Person who had been obliged to fly from England, for having assisted American Prisoners to escape; and inclosing a Copy of a Letter from your Excellency to Mr Coffyn of the 22d. of August, advising Beer to go to...
13945To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 16 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society I have at last recieved Letters from Mr. Dana. Mr. Sayer arrived in town yesterday with Letters to me, and dispatches for Congress, which I shall transmit by the best opportunity. Three days before I had recieved a Letter which came by Sea, but had been almost four Months upon the passage. Mr. Dana appears to be...
13946To Benjamin Franklin from [Antoine?] Gautier fils & Rey, 2 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Nous sommes forcé de vous temoigner le mauvais effet qu’ont produittes dans ce pays les reponses que vous aves faittes a divers négociants au sujet de M. Stephen Ceronio duquel nous avions endossé pour 500 Livres Sterling de Lettres de change et en même tems pretté de fortes sommes pour l’honneur du congrès, parceque ce monsieur etoit reduit a déposer...
13947To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-Guillaume Le Veillard, Enclosing [Madame Brillon] to Him: Two Notes, [March? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS and (II) AL : American Philosophical Society These notes are the earliest surviving record of Franklin’s relations with neighbors in Passy who came to be close friends. Both lived near his new quarters in the Hôtel de Valentinois and were well acquainted with his host, Le Ray de Chaumont. Le Veillard (1733–94), often referred to as “le grand voisin,” had married a wealthy wife and...
13948To Benjamin Franklin from Woestyn frères, 20 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Les vœux que toutte la france forme pour l’heureux accomplissement des soins qui vous occupent et le desir qui nous anime de contribuer en notre particulier et par nos foibles moiens à reduire nos énnemis Communs, nous à determiné de faire construire au havre de grace, une frégatte pour la Course de 24 canons de 8 lb. de balle et de Suplier Son Excéllence...
13949To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Fichet, 4 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai L’honneur de vous Remettre Incluse la Copie d’une Lettre du Sieur françois C. Rouxel, Commandant mon Navire le prudent de ce port, Expedié en Août dernier pour le grand cabotage; D’abort d’ici a lorient, de ce lieu a St. ander, ou il a chargé pour Londres, et rechargé a ce dernier lieu pour Madere; a l’entrée duquel port, ayant Même un pilot du lieu a...
13950To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Fabre Dubosquet, 2 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il ÿ a Pres de trois ans que Présenté chez Vous Par Mr. paul jones Commodore des états unis de lamérique, Nous Dissértames un peu de temps Sur les qualités D’un Métal pour le Doublage Des Vaisseaux Dont Mr. Paul jones Vous avoit remis un échantillon. Ce nouveau Doublage Monsieur, est aujourdhuÿ a sa perfection; ainsi que les Cloux de fer Vernissés, qui...