2001To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 17 August 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It being rather late when I got to Mr. Duffields and the Road from there to Mr. Galloways being very bad; by the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Duffield I staid that Night and waited on Mr. Galloway in the Morning, and proceeded on my way to this place where I arrived yesterday afternoon with out any accident. Let Mrs. Bache know that her Son William has...
2002To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 11 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Your favour of the 7 June 81 was handed me a few days ago. I understand the Gentleman Mr: Beyerle you recommended Landed at Rhod Island & went to the southward had he Come to Boston your Letter would have intitled him to every Assistance in my power & Given me pleasure. Aunt Mecom paid us a Visit in the Spring & was so fourtunate as to receive your...
2003To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, 5 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This Letter will be delivered to you by Coll. Dubuysson, an Officer of distinguished Merit and who has bled freely in the cause of America and wishes to return to it. I shall be obliged to you for your friendship and Attention to him. Enclosed you have a Letter from me to your old friend & acquaintance Governer Sharpe, which I beg you will Seal and forward...
2004To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de Croÿ, [1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society This undated note, lost in our files under the wrong year, has just come to light. We should otherwise have published it in Volume XXIII under the conjectural date of January 23, 1777, where we believe it belongs. The Duke was curious about Franklin, who he had heard was difficult to see, and took the direct approach of calling at his hotel and announcing...
2005To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Banks, 9 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Tho the difference of our pursuits has for so long a time enstrangd us from Each other I trust if ever peace should return that philosophy & your old Friends would resume that share of your time which when in their possession they so much valued. Not doubting but that if I was within your reach I still should enjoy a part of your time & some share of...
2006To Benjamin Franklin from –– de Gruffy, 29 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je viens de recevoir une Lettre de Me. La Comtesse de Conway d’auxerre, qui est dans les inquietudes les plus cruelles sur le sort de son mari, dont elle n’a aucune nouvelle, et que la Gazette de divers endroits No 61 du 4 7bre dit avoir été blessé dans une affaire qu’il a eu avec le Collonel Cadwallader. Daignés Monsieur au nom de Dieu lui aprendre ce que...
2007To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 29 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I See you do not forgit me tho I have So Long mourned the want of a line from your own hand to convince me of it. March—79 being the date of the Last I have recd. from you, but I have Just now recved a large Package from cousen Jonathan Williams by your order of considerable Valeu but have not yet time to know Exactly, they are things much saught for by our...
2008To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 26 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Captain John Green arrived here the 23d Inst. to which port he had been carried by a privateer that took him on his passage from Philadelphia, he destroy’d all his Letters & papers these miscarriages cruelly suspend the execution of the proposed Operations of our friends on the other side whose disapointments as well as Loss’s come heavy. A Courier from...
2009To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine: Two Letters, 13 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) Copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire par laquelle vous me demandéz un Passeport pour un Batiment Anglois destiné a transporter de Plimouth ou Portsmouth des Prisonniers Americains, qui doivent etre debarqués à Morlaix; Je l’ai fait expedier sur le champ, et j’ai l’honneur de vous l’envoyer ci joint. J’ai l’honneur...
2010To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 2 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer hereof is Mr. Robert Mease of Alexandria in Virginia, Who proposes to visit several Places in France on a mercantile Plan, and to pass some Time in paris. You are so well acquainted with the Devotion of his Family to the great Cause of our Country, That it is unnecessary for me to say,— Mr. Mease has zealously exerted Himself, during the present...
2011To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Jacques Bachelier, 22 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’aurois eu l’honneur de vous Rendre mes devoirs depuis longtems si l’on ne m’avoit pas assuré que vous ne demeuriez plus a passy. Permeté moy de vous demender quel jours nous pourons vous voir. Mr. delaffaye mon amy seroit charmé de vous presenter Le memoire qu’il a fait imprimer sur la maniere de bâtir des Romain et leur facon d’employer la chaux pour en...
2012To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have received your kind Favour of the 9th Inst. and thank you for the Employ you are pleased to give me. I will endeavour by my Conduct to do honour to your obliging preference. I shall conform to your Orders in drawing for Funds, I would observe however that Bills at 15 Days sight lose in general half Per Cent on the...
2013To Benjamin Franklin from the Board of Admiralty, 28 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives By the annex’d list you will perceive the present disposition of the Continental Navy in North america. The detachment of four Ships to gaurd the Harbour of Charles Town has subjected our Coasts to the depredations of the enemys armed vessels from New York who of late have frequently appeared in our Bays and...
2014To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 7 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Cooper having given me Mr. Hancocks Letter to you in his favor for my perusal in virtue and on the strength of the Contents I have and shall advance to the young Gentleman the Nessessaries he stands in need off which I hope will meet with your approbation. I am most respectfully Your honors Most Obedient Servant Addressed: The Honble. Benjamin Franklin...
2015To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Carloman de Rulhiere, 3 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library Rulhiere est venu pour avoir l’honneur de voir Monsieur franklin. D’après de nouveaux memoires très surs qu’il a recus de turquie, il est forcé de réformer en grande partie ce qu’il a dit de cet empire dans son histoire de l’anarchie de Pologne. Comme il part demain pour la campagne où il passera deux mois dans la solitude, il compte y travailler à...
2016To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, [31 January 1781] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Greene Writes you in the Greatest hurry a Person waiting for his letter and Several Persons waiting to Do Business. I wrote you by Capt Jenkins two letter not expeckting the first to go hope they will both Come Safe and hope you will favor us with a line. When will you Come home we long to See you Exceedingly we have not had a line from you this year...
2017To Benjamin Franklin from Félix António Castrioto, 9 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress To prevent your trouble in writing over the Memorial in vain, I thought proper to let you know that Since I had the honour to speak to you I refected that, tho’ the Secretaire of State for the affaires of the Kingdom is Suppos’d, with us, to be the Prime Minister, all the foreigner applications ought to be made to the Secretaire of State for the foreigner affairs. The...
2018To Benjamin Franklin from Rosamond Sargent, 8 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society There is a Gentleman here who longs to write to you himself, but his Friends forbid it, and tell him, while the American Habeas Corpus bill is in force, it is not safe, and they will not consent to his trusting himself to such wretched Vindictive Animals as our Ministry is chiefly composed of. Wherefore I your Humble Servant, who defy them all to make...
2019To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 6 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous remettre la lettre du Dr. Samuel Cooper que vous avés bien voulu me communiquer et a laquelle je joins quelque gazettes angloises arrivées aujourdhui. Le no. 50. doit paroitre après demain. Je suis avec respect Monsieur Votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur Notation: M Genet 16. Août 1778 We discuss this cahier in Genet’s...
2020To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Nolin, 15 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. De marbois Secretaire de L’ambassade de france en Amerique, me mande que mr Le cher. de La Luzerne désire des Graines potageres et me prie de Luy en envoyer un assortiment de choix. Il m’ajouté que Le Vaisseau le Vashington Caine. Barcley aborde au havre, que Ce navire est à vôtre disposition que Son Séjour ne Sera pas Long. Et que C’est une occasion...
2021To Benjamin Franklin from George Fox, [5 May 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Fox’s most respectful compliments wait upon Dr. Franklin—takes the Liberty of informing him that he leaves Paris for Nantes on Thursday, and will do himself the honor of waiting upon him on the morning of that day to take his leave, & to request to be favored with his Commands for America, for which place he intends to embark in the Hannibal Capt...
2022To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 2 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: United States Naval Academy Museum, National Archives The within paper I have this moment recd.— It comes from some unfortunate Men who were made Prisoners when the Gallant Montgomery fell in his attack on Quebec.— I am so much indisposed to day that I am obliged to write to you in Bed— I have however Sent to ask if the Commandant if he can...
2023To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 1 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Dumas left us last week, as he told us his presence should be required at the Hague from whence we gott his advice how to supply Mr Landay with money for his voyage to Paris, agreable to the orders of Your Excellency. At the same time our homme d’affaires at the Helder mentiond some matters to us we thought best to look into ourSelfs, and have arranged...
2024From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 22 November 1781 (Adams Papers)
Last Evening, was brought to me, the Proposals of the owners of the Ships, in the following Words. “To take from the owners of the Vessells the Liberty and the Aurora, at the Rate they shall be found to amount, not only of purchase Money, but also of all other Expences made thereon till the day of taking over the Said Vessells. Further to pay the half of the Freight Money, that are agreed, and...
2025To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am obliged to you for mentioning the welfare of my Friends which gives me great satisfaction. The many Instances you give me of your friendship demand my warmest gratitude and lay me under indispensable obligations to endeavour to merit your Favour by my conduct, which is the only return I can make. The...
2026To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 18 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives Vous verrez par l’incluse, ce qui s’est passé ici depuis ma derniere de hier 8 jours, que j’avois laissée, pour vous être expédiée, en bonnes mains, mais, à ce que j’ai lieu de craindre, un peu négligentes; & si l’on m’a dit vrai, on doit avoir laissé passer au moins un ordinaire, avant de la mettre à la poste. Je ne fais que de revenir de Leide, où je crois avoir...
2027To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis du Saillant et de Saint-Viance, 14 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je viens De Comettre unne Etourderie Dont je vous prie De Recevoir mes Excuses. Mr. gatellier ma Envoyé trois Exemplaires De son ouvrage pour vous Les faire passer, jay Cru que La Lettre qui Etoit De Dans Etoit pour moy, & dans Cette idee je Lay ouvertte, jespere que vous voudres bien avoir De Lindulgence pour unne fautte involontaire je vous Le Demande Et...
2028To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de La Roche-Guyon et de La Rochefoucauld, 26 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Dartmouth College Library Le Duc de la Rochefoucauld ignoroit, en faisant à Monsieur franklyn des propositions de diner pour Mercredi que Me. sa mere envoioit ce jour là sa maison à la campagne; elle est bien fâchée d’être privée par ce contretems du plaisir et de l’honneur de recevoir Monsieur franklyn; elle espere être plus heureuse à son retour de la campagne; le Duc de la...
2029To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Thomas du Rouzeau, [16 August 1779] (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Extraordinairement convoqué ce jourdhuy 16. du Courant a arreté 1º. que Le Venerable F franklin Lui ayant fait present de Son Buste, L’inauguration S’en fera dans Son assemblée academique du Dix huit. 2º. que Comme cette Ceremonie ne Sauroit être trop Solemnelle il est de La dignité de L.L. que Chacun de Ses Membres y Vienne et y Contribue. 3º. que Le prix...
2030To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Court de Gébelin, 2 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Dartmouth College Library J’esperois trouver le moment de vous rendre mes devoirs et de vous porter le 6e. vole. du Monde Prim. pour lequel vous m’avez fait l’honneur de souscrire, lorsque j’en ai toujours été empeché par une suite d’evenemens de toute espece. Je prens donc la liberté de vous l’envoyer, avec une reconnoissance pour le volume suivant. J’y joins egalement un exemplaire...
2031To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 8 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society On November 4 the commissioners learned that the King of Spain, enraged by an American capture of goods belonging to his subjects, had canceled a loan to the United States. Vergennes suggested, according to Arthur Lee’s journal, that a letter to Madrid from the commissioners would doubtless be effective; the King was as quick to forgive as he was to take...
2032To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., [21?] January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed is for the Deputies. I propose to expedite Monsieur Le Chevalier de mauduit du plessis in the mercury, for I know of no better way and the warmth of his Reccommendation requires the best. Altho’ I can say nothing in alteration of what I have written to the Deputies about Mr. P, yet I confess it creates an uneasy Reflection, for I hope it is no...
2033To Benjamin Franklin from Anna Maria Shipley, 1 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I have this Moment heard of a conveyance for a letter I cannot omit intruding a few lines on you to say how much & gratefully I felt your goodness in writing to me by Mr Jones. & at the same time to tell you of the welfare of a Family that esteems your friendship amongst their most valuable blessing & wishes & prays with the greatest sincerty for yr...
2034To Benjamin Franklin from Philippe-Denis Pierres, 18 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser un Exemplaire du Manuel d’Epictete en Grec que je viens d’Imprimer. Cet Exemplaire est tiré Sur le Papier que vous avez bien voulu me donner. J’aurois desiré pouvoir vous le présenter relié; mais j’aurois craint que l’Impression n’eut maculé. J’y joins, Monsieur, 4 Exemplaires imprimés Sur papier ordinaire. Je vous prie d’en...
2035To Benjamin Franklin from Charlotte Amiel, [15 November? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Most assuredly my good Sir you will look upon me extremely importunate in again troubling you with a Letter, I will allow, and acknowledge ’tis very presumptious in me a poor weak Woman to take the liberty of writing to such a sensible Man as Doctor Franklin; but alas the Subject is too interesting for me to forbear taking up my Pen, as my timidity prevents...
2036To Benjamin Franklin from James Hunter, Jr., 23 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Strange requesting me to forward to your Care, any Letters from hence, I have to entreat your Pardon for the Trouble of the enclosed; being very respectfully Sir Your mo. Obt. hble Servt. Notation: Hunter. 23. August 1781. Hunter (1746–1788) was a merchant, planter, and owner of a ferry: Donald Jackson et al. , eds., The Diaries of George Washington (6...
2037To Benjamin Franklin from Chaumont: Two Letters, 9 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society Je prie Monsieur franklin de me donner un mandat sur M. grand payable au quinze Novembre prochain Sur M. grand pour me Servir de valeur a mes acceptations des traittes de William pour Compte du Congrès. Endorsed: Demand from M. de Chaumont of an Order on Mr Grand, for Money to pay his Acceptations of Mr Williams’s Bills. Oct. 9. 1780 Je prie M....
2038To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth: Two Notes, [1 February? 1778] (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society Having an opportunity, without expence, of seeing the Procession of the Cordon Bleau to morrow Morning at Versailles, we are tempted to comply with an Invitation, and are just setting off for that Place; but it is impossible anything should, on our part, prevent our happy addition at the Teatable to morrow afternoon. I am, with the warmest Sensibility,...
2039To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have only time before the departure of the Post to inform you of the Arrival of the Brig Betsey from Philadelphia & to forward the inclosed for you.— I am as ever most dutifully & affectionately Notation: Jona. Williams Nantes. 19. Janr. 1782. Commanded by Bernard Gallagher (b. c. 1751), the ship had eight guns and twenty-seven men. Gallagher had received...
2040To Benjamin Franklin from Emmanuel-Pierre de La Plaigne, 16 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society La lettre que votre Excellence a écrit à Monsieur Coffyn à mon sujet, eut déterminé mon départ, sans un violent mal de gorge & un gros rhume, qui m’y retiennent jusqu’a demain avec mon frère et mon domestique; mon beaufrère, mon néveu & deux de mes alliés étant déjà partis pour paris. Voilà, Monseigneur, quelle est la famille dont j’avois eu l’honneur de...
2041To Benjamin Franklin from the Duchesse de Deux-Ponts, [27 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Accablée d’affaire Monsieur, et obligée d’aller a Versaille, il ne m’a pas ete possible de trouver un instent de libre pour avoir l’honeur et le plaisir de vous aller voir cette semaine. Je me dédomagerez de cette privation. Mais en attendent je vient vous rapellér la promesse que vous m’avéz fait de m’accorder un jour dans la semaine prochaine pour venir...
2042To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Dana, 17/28 November [i.e., 28 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Massachusetts Historical Society I wrote to Mr: Livingston in Augt: last: to advise Congress of a custom established at this Court by order of Her Majesty, That every Power entering into any Treaty with her, shou’d pay Six Thousand Roubles to Four of her Ministers (making in the whole Twenty four Thousand) upon the signing of the Treaty: And that if any occasion shou’d offer for me to...
2043To Benjamin Franklin from Charles B. Cochran, [c. 1 January 1779?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Si lexpression fait perdre aux sentimens il nest pas moins vrai que ceux dont je suis penetre pour vous ne peuvent varier ni augmenter. Je saisis avec bien de l’empressement le renouvellement de cette année pour en mettre lhommage a vos pieds et celui des voeux sincers et ardens que ma reconnoissance m’engage a faire pour la conservation de vos precieux...
2044To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 15 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I expect this will be handed to you, in the course of a few weeks, by a particular Friend of mine, Mr Willm Burn of the house of Messieurs Burn & sons of Lisbon: He is the Gentleman, whom in two late letters I solicited the favour of You to procure a Passport for (to be sent under cover to Messrs. Freres Aubert Tollot & Co. Turin) that would enable Him...
2045To Benjamin Franklin from Rudolph Erich Raspe, 27 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society At my return from a four months Tour through the best parts of the Kingdom I have had the honour of receiving yesterday Your Excellency’s favour of May 4th. Your Excellency’s favoured disposition towards Baron Waiz, whose worthy Grandfather You have been pleased to remember on my account, and Your good opinion of some of my publications have convinced me,...
2046To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Condorcet, 20 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’academie m’a chargé de vous exprimer toute sa reconnaissance pour le beau present que vous lui avez fait. Elle verra avec plaisir dans sa biblioteque ce premier monument de L’histoire d’un peuple auquel les sciences auront un jour tant d’obligation, et cet ouvrage lui rappelera La part distinguée qu’un des membres a eue, à la plus grande revolution...
2047To Benjamin Franklin from Matthew Ridley, 6 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Monsieur Midy de la Grainerais of Rouen being desirous of seeing you to ask some Questions relative to a deed of a Mr. Shaffre’s for Lands in Pensylvania, has begd of me to give him a Letter to you for the purpose.— I have told him I doubted much your power of giving him any Information: but he still wishes to see you— Monsieur de la Grainerais has been...
2048To Benjamin Franklin from Margaret Stewart, 23 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was honored with Your Excellency’s; Letter of June 13; which I shou’d; have enswered, imidiatly but waited to Send You the doz; Copies, of My Brothers wrok, You did me, the honor to write for; but I have been so distressed by an expencive Law Suit; & a long illness that I have Not have it in my power to get them printed; as I am no Stranger to You...
2049To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 28 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I arrived here last Evening & agreeable to my Expectation found every thing that I had to do relative to the Marquis de la Fayette very well executed by my Clerk & the ship in the Stream all ready for Sea, as she has been some Days. I have no Instructions relative to the final Departure of this ship & I should suppose your Dispatches necessary, it is for...
2050To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 21 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copies: National Archives, Historical Society of Pennsylvania; transcript: National Archives It does not appear that the Resolutions of June 26. affecting yourself & Colleagues as well as Mr. Dana have been transmitted. Mr. Presidt. McKean will take other Opportunities of Writing. I think it essential however in the mean time to forward duplicates...