1051To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 4 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When I had the honor last of waiting on your Excellency at Passy, you were pleas’d to promise to give orders at Nantes for the Release of Captain Kinnear in Exchange for Captn Bell. The Death of Mr: Schweighauser no doubt is the Cause that nothing has hitherto been done in this affair, and unless your Excellency will please to give fresh orders to the...
1052To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 24 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; press copy and transcript: National Archives Vous trouverez ci-joint, M, un office qui m’a été remis de la part de la Cour de Coppenhague; cette piéce est relative à des excès qui doivent avoir été commis près des côtes de Norwège par trois Vx. [Vaisseaux] Americains; je ne doute pas que vous ne vous empressiez à le faire parvenir au...
1053To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 24 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; copies: New-York Historical Society, National Archives; transcript: National Archives Majr Genl Du Portail will have the honor to present this. Congress in consideration of their Long & faithful services in this country have grantd permission to him & Colls. De Laumoy & Gouvion to revisit their friends in Europe for the winter. As the merit of these...
1054To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Le Poole, 12 March 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Amsterdam, March 12, 1778, in English: I have just learned that inquiries have been made of you from here about whether I am a Congressional agent, and that you have answered that I am not but have connections with Virginia merchants. I send copies of two certificates, from the Governors of North Carolina and Virginia, given me before I left Charleston. I...
1055To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 29 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Samuel Andrews, formely of Boston lately of Demarara, is going to Paris upon Business, respecting a Vessell taken by the French and carried into Martinico. He will lay before you his Papers, and hopes for your Countenance, in the Prosecution of his Appeal, altho he claims as a Dutchman. I have the Honour to recommend him to your Excellencys Notice. I...
1056To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 20 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure of writing you a day or two ago by the Shelala Capt. Holmes, on board of whom I have put 2 Barrels of Pippins & one large Barrel of Nuts, I also sent you the 2d. Sets of your Interest Bills; I now inclose you the third. We are just informed that Capt. Smith in the Kensington is arrived at Boston, having been chased in there, by a Frigate,...
1057To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 3 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society Mr Adams has the Honour to inform Dr Franklin that the American Ministers for the Peace, are desired by the British Minister to meet him at the Hotel du Parc Royal, Wednesday, at Eleven, for a Conference concerning the Definitive Treaty. Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis...
1058To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, [on or after 23 February 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society La dame a mille choses à répondre au monsieur, mais elle craint malgré la bonté de sa cause, qu’il ne garde sa prévention contre elle, leur oppinion étant absolument contraire; le monsieur, (grand phillosophe) suit la doctrine d’Anacréon et celle d’épicure; la dame est platoniciénne: l’un veut un amour gras, pottellé, un amour de chair et d’os; gasté choyé...
1059To Benjamin Franklin from François Bernier, 6 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Lorsque j’eus hier l’honneur de rendre mes hommages a votre Excellence, avec Mr. le Marquis de la Salle, en vous engageant a venir voir nos travaux, j’eus celui de vous dire qu’il serait assés tôt sur les unze heures, mais aiant fait reflexions qu’il y a tres peu d’especes a fraper, nos opérations Effigiaires pourraient être finiës dés les huit heures, Jai...
1060To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Richardson, 5 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to write these few lines to let You know a little of my misfortunes Since I left my Native Country I am the Widow and Daughter of Mary Richardson the occasian of my leaving my Native Country was upon the hearing of the famous Doctor Taylor at London by Advertizement in the Paper my Mother being totally blind she was willing to try for her Sight...
1061To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Jean-Paul, Chevalier de Berny, [February 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La protection que vous accordés si généreusement a ceux, qui avec un nom, professent les sciences et les Arts, m’enhardit a prendre la liberté de Vous présenter ce petit Essai sur le Ministére, le fruit de la fréquentation de nombre de Cours ou j’ai résidé depuis la paix d[erniè]re. Connu de Mg. Le Comte De Vergennes , qui daigne m’honorer de sa protection,...
1062To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-François de Boy, 25 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Sr. Montigny, sergent des Grenadiers Dans Luxembourg, et Capitaine d’Armes Sur la fregatte Americaine, ditte, la Caroline du Sud, Sur laquelle il a eté blessé a La Cuisse Se battant Contre deux fregattes Angloises, m’Engage a vous supplier de Lui faire payer Son Du, reconnu par le Certificat ci-inclus a Lui donné, par Le Commandant de la ditte fregatte....
1063To Benjamin Franklin from Isabella Strange, 28 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg once more leave to trouble you with a Letter to my Friend Mr Hunter. I do not yet know any other way of sending a Letter to Him and all I have hitherto are on Business. Mr Strange joins with me in presenting our respectful compliments. I have the honour to be Dear Sir Your very humble Sert Addressed: His excellency / Benjamin Franklin Esqr / Paris...
1064To Benjamin Franklin from Georgiana Shipley, 12 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You my dear Sir by your most flattering attention have anticipated my very wishes, this moment I have received from Mr Digges your kind letter & valuable present; it would be difficult to express the real pleasure they have both given me, we all are made happy from your account of your own health, my father desires me to say, that a life so precious cannot...
1065To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 13 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives The Passport you gave me being expird & useless; I shall be obligd to you for sending me another. I have the honor to be with great respect, Sir, Yr. most obedt. Humble. Servt. Addressed: The Honble / Doctor Franklin / Minister plenipotentiary / from the United States / at / Passi Notation: A. Lee L’Orient June 13. 1780....
1066To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 11 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As it hath been the favoúr of yoúr Excellency that we have found our Selfs honourd with the providing of the Squadron of Comandore J P. Jones Esqr. we thought it oúr duty again to assure yoúr Excellency that we will pay the utmost attention to this expedition; and obey his orders in every respect. We were informed that Sr. Joseph York made private...
1067To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Guillaume-Thomas-François Raynal, 2 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Jeudi 4 du mois, vers les onze heures du matin, une societè tres aimable doit prendre du thè de Russi chès l’abbè Raynal. Monsieur franklin est suppliè par toute la compagnie d’honnorer ce petit dejeunê de sa presence. On demande la meme faveur a monsieur Adams. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le docteur franklin / ministre plenipotentiaire des etats unis /...
1068To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Harford, [before 7 June 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Being as your Excellency must know, very deeply interested in the welfare of America, permit me to congratulace the Congress in General and the state of Maryland in particular, thro your Excellency on the approaching acknowledgement of that independance that has been so Gloriously Struggled for, which cannot fail giving to the United States the wished for...
1069To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 9 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I return the american paper with many Thanks. Inclosed, you have the London packet, containing part of Mr. Galloway’s extraordinary Evidence. A Gentleman, a Native of the united States, writes July 2d,— That Sir Charles Hardy sailed out of the Channel with thirty One Sail of the Line, and if the Wind continued Easterly a few Days, several more Ships would...
1070To Benjamin Franklin from George Ross, 10 December 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Amherst College Library I am told that the Congress have determined to raise four more Battalians in the Province. And as a member of the committee of Safety have been applyed to by several Gent who will be glad to enter into the Service. Among others Mr: Thomas Hartly of York Town a Gent of the Law of distinguished Zeal in the Cause he is generally known to the Genl: [Gentlemen] who are...
1071To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 29 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Vous vous rapellez, Monsieur, que sur votre demande le Roi a ordonné la Main-levée de la saisie faite à la requête des Srs forsters, freres, de tous les deniers qui pouvoient être dus à la frégate américaine l’Alliance. Ces négociants se sont conformés aux intentions de Sa Mte. à cet égard; mais vous...
1072To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Compagnoni, 30 November 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Lugo in the Romagna, November 30, 1777, in French: I wrote you on September 21 to the following effect: Your literary merit and your patriotism move me to dedicate to you a small rhymed work on a war that has brought Europe the good fortune of having you back. The poem, entitled “Il Washington,” will not offend reason or virtue and, though most favorable...
1073To Benjamin Franklin from Dorcas Montgomery, [5 November 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Montgomery’s Respectful Compts. Attend Doctr. Franklin, with many thanks for all attentions—will with pleasure deliver the inclos’d for Mastr. Ben —Mastr. Bob’s Compts with a Thousand thanks,— Mrs. Montgomery wish’s the Doctr. a continuance of Health, and every Happiness. Addressed: His Excellency / Benjn. Franklin Esqr. / Passy The day BF recommended...
1074To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 14 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society I Am sorry to have Occasion to write you on the Subject of all the Letters, which are addressed to you by this Courier. Captain Jones, Messrs. Moylan and Nesbit will inform you of the particulars of the outrageous Behaviour of Captain Launday, and the (original) Officers, and Crew of the Alliance, in taking Possession of Her. I will take the Liberty...
1075To Benjamin Franklin from Vicq d’Azyr, 7 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society La société Royale de Médecine Connaissant les talens et Les Lumieres des différens Médecins Résidens dans l’Etendue de Votre Pays, s’est fait un devoir de leur Conférer Le titre de Correspondans; Elle a Crû que Ce témoignage du juste hommage qu’elle Rend à leur Capacité, leur deviendrait plus précieux en passant par Vos mains et elle Vous prie instamment de...
1076To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 12 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives Mr. Gerard having been particularly applied to relative to the Affairs of M. Du Coudray by the Heirs has the original Certificate of which this is the Triple; but Doctr. Franklin will mark out for himself a Line of Conduct referring properly to the Civility due to Mr. Gerard and the Interest of Mr. Du Coudray’s...
1077To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Wyld, 8 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library We have all got our Bonds discharged, but with a great deal of trouble and expence, we still wish to persevere in the first design, but our Circumstances being greatly impared we shall not be able to proceed directly, yet as there are hopes of a more free passage through a Peace which we conclude by our Prints not to be far off we wish early to arrive...
1078To Benjamin Franklin from Griffith Williams, 2 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Captn. T. Barnard has been very liberal to the Unfortunate. You will readily Conceive my meaning without Mentioning particulars. His attachment to the Rights of Mankind Keeps Pace with his Benevolence. Whatever favour he may require (which I dare say will be not unreasonable) grant it if Possible. The Papers by Mr. Channing you Safely Received as...
1079To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 12 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis chargé de vous demander, mon cher Maitre, ce qui vous a fait manquer a la parole que vous aviez donnée de diner hier 11e chez Mesdes. les Princesses de Sapieha et de Sangusko où nous vous attendimes jusqu’a trois heures et un quart; et quand vous comptez pouvoir reparer cela et consoler ces Dames que vous avez désolées, et qui sont charmantes. Voicy...
1080To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 20 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Je vais répondre a votre lettre mon bon papa avéc franchise et amitié: il auroit été doux à mon coeur et trés agréable a monsieur Brillon de pouvoir formér une liaison qui ne fit de nous qu’une mesme famille, nous aimons monsieur votre fils et nous croyons qu’il à tout ce qu’il faut pour faire un sujét distingué et rendre une femme heureuse; mais il ne peut...
1081To Benjamin Franklin from Le Maire, 3 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Suivant les conditions que Mr. gruel a fait de son Navire sont arretées, je vous en ai envoyé cidevant copie, je vous enverrai par le courrier de mardi le Marché. J’ai enfin décidé M. L’ée a prendre ce parti, c’est à mon avis le plus sur moyen de reussir a faire parvenir tous les objets en Virginie que le gouvernement a demandés. J’ai recours a vous,...
1082To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Coder, 27 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je prends la liberté de vous envoiér le surplus des modeles que m. dubourg, avoit cru pouvoir vous portér hier a passi, ainsi que la notte si jointe; vous verés Monsieur par le billet que je vients de rescevoir, le facheux etat de mdme. dubourg, que je crois sans ressoursse. Je verai M. bayar cet apres midi, et comme il seroit apropos de l’abouchér avec...
1083To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, 7 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote you a lettre some weaks ago containing an account of some experiments done according to your direction with wires of various metals. I hope you will have recieved it. I did begg the favour of inquiring about a lettre, which Mr. Wharton has sent me and which I never recieved, tho it is of great concern for me. As I have this oportunity, I take the...
1084To Benjamin Franklin from William Brailsford, 8 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Agreeable to promise, I take the liberty of informing your Excellency, that the Crew of the South Carolina being happily compleated, and every difficulty removed, that we shall in the Course of a few Days be ready to put to Sea— Should you have any Commands, I should esteem myself particularly favord, to be honor’d with them, when your Excellency may rely...
1085To Benjamin Franklin from John Kearsley Read, 25 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty to introduce to your particular regards, Mr. Joseph Mayo a gentleman of the first character & fortune in this country— I have not a doubt but his Situation in France, will be extremely elegible when patronized by you,—& shall consider yr. favours to him as done to myself.— I wrote you by the fair [Fier] Rodrigue, enclosing letters to my...
1086To Benjamin Franklin from C.-J. Le Roux, 12 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Tandis que vous travaillez avec autant d’ardeur que de succès au bonheur des hommes je m’occupe essentiellement de celui des enfans. Puisse cet Ecrit mériter votre suffrage! Il est digne de votre approbation, au moins quant aux vues que je m’y propose, qui sont: de diminuer le temps, les peines et les dépenses qu’exige le mauvais système d’Education. J’ai...
1087To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have seen the Comissary relative to a ship.— There is some misunderstanding between Mr de Castries and you for the Minister gives no other directions to the Commissary than to give me his assistance, while it appears by your Letter that the whole Transaction is to be his and I am only to inform him of any Vessell I may know....
1088To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Petrie, [after 18 September 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Petrie with respectfull Compliments to Dr. Franklin, Sends by the Bearer a small Paper Parcell, which he received this Morning from Mr. Wilkes, with that Gentleman’s Request to hand it to the Doctor, with his best Compliments. Addressed: Dr. Franklin. / Passy. A London merchant of Scottish descent, who was an ardent supporter of John Wilkes and had...
1089To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Thorogood, [c. 10 May 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I do not know with what foundation, that it is here generaly reported; that this Citty, will shortly be visited by You great Sr. Every one glow with pleasure at the thought of it, and Certainly I Should think it, one of the happyest period of my life, that moment in which I shall have the happiness, to know You personaly. In Jully eighty one, when I was on...
1090To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [4 or 11 May 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On aime à se parer de votre nom Mon Illustre confrère et on croit qu’il ne peut qu’être accompagné de la fortune et des succes. En conséquence Un Négociant de Dunkerque qui fait construire au Havre une frégate qu’il veut armer en course dèsireroit lui donner votre nom et qu’elle s’appellat Le Franklin . Mais il n’a point voulu la baptiser de votre nom sans...
1091To Benjamin Franklin from Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, 8 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai eu l’honneur de recevoir le paquet que Vous m’avez expedié le 26 Sept.; mais je Vous Supplie d’avoir la bonté de m’envoier a l’avenir de telles Depeches Sous quelque addresse, Soit de Mr. Dumas, ou de quelqu’autre; du moins de ne plus les Signer de votre nom ouvertement Sur l’enveloppe, puisque cela ne peut qu’exciter la curiosité de ceux, par les...
1092To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 15 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I recieved your kind lettre dated juin 8 and thank you hartely for it. Our friend was very happy to hear from you and to be informed you are happy. I will bring over a propre quantity of the ingredients necessary for the preparation of the prescription and desire much to meet you again in your actual residence. I will not be able to set of before july,...
1093To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, 20 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jay lhonneur de joindre icy suivant vos desirs, l’Etat de Situation du Compte de Mr. Morris, dicy à la fin de l’année; Vous y verrés monsieur, que les Gros payements faits & à faire absorbent les fonds qu’il à en france, & qu’au lieu de pouvoir contracter de nouveaux Engagements, il faut S’occuper des actuellement des moyens de pourvoir aux anciens qui...
1094To Benjamin Franklin from ––– Christin, 19 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Carlsruhe, at the residence of the Margrave of Baden-Durlach, September 19, 1778, in French: Born in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, I have traveled through France, Holland, and Germany and devoted myself to clock-making and other works of precision. My ambition now is to submit to your judgment some of my inventions. One of them is an oar for high...
1095To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Pierre de Chaumont, [December 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library J’étois venu pour avoir l’honneur de vous presenter un memoire qui ma été adresse De la part D’un Prince D’allemagne qui Desire ne Se Nommer qu’apres que vous aurés bien voulu me faire passer Votre réponse à Ce Mémoire; ou me permettre D’avoir l’honneur de venir prendre vos ordres à ce Sujet. Je Suis avec Respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres...
1096To Benjamin Franklin from Marie-Nicole Grossart de Virly Gérard, 30 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je me suis adressée a vous, Monsieur, pour vous prier de faire rachetter une boëte que j’avois envoyée a M. Gerard, vous avez eu la bonté de me promettre de faire faire les démarches necessaires pour cet objet. Comme il y a déjà un peu de tems que je vous ai importunée, permettez moi de vous en demander des nouvelles, je sçais Combien les affaires...
1097To Benjamin Franklin from Chaumont, 21 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M de Chaumont a l’honneur de prévenir Monsieur franklin qu’il a fait Venir de Bordeaux par M Grignon une petite Caisse de quina à l’adresse de M de Chalut fermier général pour être remise à Monsieur franklin cette caisse a été apportée par le Nommé Lemaille Courier de Bordeaux. Monsieur franklin voudra bien la faire demander à M de Chalut le fermier général...
1098To Benjamin Franklin from the Baronne d’Ahax, with Franklin’s Draft of a Reply, 12 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Monsieur apres avoir eu le bonheur de vous voir je desir de le renouveller et vous demande votre heurs la plus Comode ou je puis avoir la bonheur de vous revoir Seul car jai besoin dun Confidant et jesper de le trouver dans L’etre que je revere le plus au monde. Jai l’honneur d’etre avec la plus grand veneration monsieur votre tres humble et tres obeisante...
1099To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 6 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Le Ray de Chaumont, will by this time, have heard, at my request, from Mrs J. De Neufville & fils, that the Vessels are all safe on this road, which I am happy to confirm to yr. Excellency; & that they entered viz. the 4th. in the Evening 1.o te Vengeance, Ricot; 2.o the Scarborough prize Ship of 20 or 22 pds., 3.o the Alliance, Landais; & the 6th. 4.o...
1100To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Christophe Valmont de Bomare, 20 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a bien longtemps que je n’ai eu l’avantage de vous rendre mes devoirs. Depuis que nous avons diné ensemble chez Made. de chaumont, c’étoit dans les premiers jours de mai, j’ai été à chantilly, où j’ai passè tout mon été à faire un cours de physique et d’histoire naturelle à S.A.S. mademoiselle de Bourbon-condé. Me voilà de retour à Paris, je voudrois...