6031To Benjamin Franklin from James Turing and Son, 2 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Excellency will we trust pardon Our boldness in adressing you on the present Occasion, And we therefore without further apology for the intrusion, beg leave to acquant you that Our Vessel De Brunetta Cap’n Thomas Griffiey with a cargo of Wine & Fruit from Oporto was Seized upon, on the nineteenth of August in Lat: 49”11 Long: 7”3 from Teneriffe by the...
6032To Benjamin Franklin from James Turing & Son, 20 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We did Ourselves the honor of adressing your Excellency the 28th. October last, requesting Your Excellency would condescend to forward Some Documents to Mr. J. Williams at Boston, tending to Empower him to Sue for & reclaim from Capt Babcock on his Sureties, Our Brigg the Brunetta late commanded by Capn Griffiey, about which your Excellency was pleased to...
6033To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Turini, 28 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a longtems Monsr. que la renommée la plus eclatante à fait retentir votre nom dans toutes les parties du Monde. L’Europe éntiere vous admire, et persone n’est plus vivement penetré, que moi de L’estime, et de la Veneration, qui vous sont dues à tant de titres. Vos Ouvrages, que j’ai devoré avec la plus grande avidité, et dont j’ai tiré les plus utiles...
6034To Benjamin Franklin from Catherine Turner, 7 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Long since designd my self the Pleasure of writing to you, but Certain Circumstances prevented it you will no dout be suprize to have a Line from one you dont know but I hope you will have the Goodness to Exscuse the Liberty I have taken when I tell you that I once had the hapygness to Caul you my dear Uncel Franklin and I hope you will still promit me to...
6035To Benjamin Franklin from Jean François Ubetius, 10 December 1776: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Turin, December 10, 1776, in French: I met you several times in London, some seven years ago, and now take the liberty of writing to recommend the bearer, Thomas Negroni, who has a burning desire to serve the colonies on his own. He comes from a good family in the Duchy of Milan, and his zeal and courage in emigrating to America entitle him to be...
6036To Benjamin Franklin from the Ulster Volunteer Corps Committee of Correspondence, 19 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society At a meeting of the Comittee of Correspondence appointed by the Delagates of Forty five Volunteer Corps, assembled at Lisburn on the 1st. July Inst., held at Belfast 19 July 1783— Present— Leiut. Col. Sharman, in the Chair Major Burden— Captain Cunningham Captain Prentice Captain Moore Captain Crawford Leiut. Tomb and Mr. Robert Thompson, Ordered, that the...
6037To Benjamin Franklin from “une Personne Honneste,” 25 December 1776 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Une personne honneste, et dont le nom ne serait pas connu de Monsieur le docteur franclin, aurait un service a Luy demander, et pour cela le suplie de Luy Mander quel heure dans la matiné, elle pourait parler à monsieur franclin de vendredy ou de samedy, c’est une personne qui demeure a la campagne et qui vousdrait bien ne pas faire un voyage inutile....
6038To Benjamin Franklin from ——— d’Urbainville, 2 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je rends avec plaisir cet hommage à une Nation naissante, qui offre à l’Univers le Modèle d’un des plus beaux gouvernemens politiques qui aient eû lieu. Puisse votre Constitution nationale ne recevoir Jamais aucune atteinte; et accélérer l’heureuse révolution que le progrès des lumières semble annoncer comme prochaine, en faveur du Commerce des Nations! On...
6039To Benjamin Franklin from Louis d’Ussieux, [before 22 January 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Printed invitation: American Philosophical Society La R∴ L∴ des Neuf-Sœurs fera sa rentrée, d’après les Vacances, le Lundi 22 du onzième mois D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ L∴ 5781. Elle commencera ses travaux à onze heures précises, par la Réception du Candidat Ginguené & l’Affiliation du F( Gireau . A midi on fera la distribution des Jettons; ensuite les FF( Comte de Milly, de la Dixmerie, Changeux,...
6040To Benjamin Franklin from Louis d’Ussieux, [before 19 March 1781] (Franklin Papers)
Printed invitation: American Philosophical Society L∴R∴L∴ des Neuf Sœurs, Est convoquée pour le Lundi 19 du 1er. mois D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ L∴ 5781. à onze heures précises. Les FF∴ DE Sauvigny, Dezedes & Morel prêteront le serment d’Affiliation. On fera la distribution des Jettons à midi un quart sonnant. Les FF∴ qui arriveront passé cette heure, n’y auront plus de droit. Cet article est de rigueur....
6041To Benjamin Franklin from Louis d’Ussieux, [before 3 July 1780] (Franklin Papers)
Printed invitation with MS insertions: American Philosophical Society L∴ R∴ L∴ des Neuf Sœurs, Est convoquée pour le Lundy 3 du 5 e. mois de D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ 5780. à 6 heures très précises. du Soir. Vous êtes priés d’y venir augmenter les douceurs de l’union fraternelle. On y traitera d’affaires essentielles, Le f. Trésorier rendra Ses Comptes, On prendra des Mesures pour Suppléer à la...
6042To Benjamin Franklin from Jno. Valentz, 26 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When I had the honour last wednesday of paying my Respects to you at Passy, those Gentlemen I met at your house prevented me at first from disclosing to you the principal motive of my Errand. And when afterwards I had an opportunity of doing it perhaps with some degree of more propriety, the delicate nature of the matter caused my heart within to fail me,...
6043To Benjamin Franklin from [Louis Dupas?] de Vallenais, 10 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As you was very busy this morning, when I have been to present my respects to you: I would not be so bold as to disturb you; though I intended confering with you before my departure. Mr. de Chaumont’s Ship in which I was to embark has lately set sail; but I know there are several others ready to sail in two or three weeks time. They are directed to Mr....
6044To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 14 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Apprehensive, by Your Excellency’s Silence to my last Letter, of Augt. 25th., as well as to my three preceding Letters therein mentioned, of their not being as wellcome as heretofore, I shall cease troubling Yr. Excy. with my perhaps impertinent Zeal, For the good Cause which You so gloriously defend; and confine it to my sincere Wishes for its speedy...
6045To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 21 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Republicks of Switzerland have been treated with the same Contempt by the present Rulers of G. Britain as all other States and Républicks in Europe. A private Secretary to Mr. Norton has been these several Years, and during the whole Negotiation of the inclosed Treaty of alliance with France, the only Representative of his Brittish Majesty amongst us,...
6046To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Rodolph Valltravers, 23 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I lose no Time, in transmitting the inclosed Memorial & Proposals to Yr. Excy. They come from a worthy Friend of mine; ill rewarded in England for his long & many Services, not only as a brave officer, but also as an acting Justice, and Deputy Lieutt. of his County. His increasing amiable Family has induced him to seek a cheaper Country. He now lives at...
6047To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Rodolph Valltravers, 13 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Uncertain of the Fate of my several Letters to Your Excellency of Septr. 21t. and 26th. and of 9ber. 9th. from this Place; of 10ber. 4th. from Mannheim; and of Janry. 10th. and 15th. from Lyons in France; (to neither of which I have had the Satisfaction of receiving some answer): I now send this by my Servant who is to deliver it safe into your own hands. I...
6048To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 17 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Uncertain, as I am, of the Fate of my Letters to Your Excellency, particularly of my last of the 14th. of last month: I still venture on the common public Conveÿance, for Want of a better one. Even ÿour own Letters to me, I am afraid, are Subject to the Inspection of Government, when brought by the Postoffice. What confirms me in this apprehension, is my...
6049To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 15 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Letter of the 10th. instant mentioned a Book, which I begged your kind Acceptance of. It was: Simlerus de Rebus publicis Helvetiorum . That Book went off this morning, (without my Letter, brought by Mistake to the Post-Office,) by a Merchant of this Place, Mr. Benoit Charpin; recommended to the care of Monsr. Constant, Rüe de Gesvres, a la Tête noire, à...
6050To Benjamin Franklin from Rodolphe Valltravers, 2 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Rodh. Valltravers has called, to pay his Respects to the Doctor, and to enjoy a few minutes Interview, on several interesting Matters. Will do himself the Honor, to call again, as soon as the Doctor shall be pleased to signify by a Line, what Time may Suite his Convenience best to receive him? directed to his Lodgings in Town. Vs. Rüe et Hôtel de Berry, au...
6051To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 4 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society These Lines will be conveyed to you by the Elector Palatine’s secretary of the ambassy, Mr. David, who setts out for Paris to morrow, and will, I hope, come safe to Hand. What has been the Fate of my 3. last Letters from my House, at Rockhau, near Bienne in Switzerland, written September 21t. and 26. and another the 9th. of last Month, I don’t know. If...
6052To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Rodolph Valltravers, 10 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Just returned from a Tour thro’ the principal of our Cantons, I found all my Countrymen concerned for the Misfortunes of England and N. America. Is there no Means to prevent the Destruction of both? Yes, there is, please God! Let but a just, equitable, pacifying Mediator step between both, and reconcile them upon liberal, safe, and honorable Principles....
6053To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 14 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Rockhall, at Bienne, in Switzerland, Ap. 14th. 1778. Dear Sir! My truely Venerable, and much respected Patron! The Joy I feel on the Reception of your kind Favor of March 27th., which has finally reached me this Morning, no Words can express. Your long Silence began to raise in my Mind, dreadfull apprehensions of the Loss of your Excellency’s inestimable...
6054To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 10 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am not surprized, if my Letters, of Septr. 21t. and 26th. from my Seat at Roccall, near Bienne in Switzerland; of Novr. 9th. from Berne and Decr. 4th. from Mannheim have hitherto remained unanswered. I could not inform Your Excellency, how to direct to me; having been continually moving from Switzerland to Mannheim and from Mannheim to this City. From...
6055To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 24 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Still ignorant of the Fate of mÿ several Letters to Your Excellency, written in the Year 1778; and lately, on the 2d. of Octr., conveÿed by Monsr. Lieutaud, a french Man of Letters, who had visited this Capital; And not conscious of ever having forfeited the Honor of your invaluable Esteem, and antient Friendship: I still attribute your Silence, rather to...
6056To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 8 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Rodh. Valltravers presents his best Respects to Messieurs Franklin, and is requested by his Excellency Count d’Eyk, the Envoy of the Elector of Bavaria, who lives in the Rüe St. Anthoine Hôtel de Beauvais, not far from R.Vs., to intreat the Favor of their Company at Dinner, either on Friday, or Saturday next, at two o’Clock, if not otherwaÿs engaged. RVs.,...
6057To Benjamin Franklin from Rodolphe Valltravers, 25 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Our predecessors’ introduction of Valltravers, at the time when he and Franklin were acquainted in London, called him “a shadowy, though well-meaning, figure.” Although he is still somewhat shadowy, we now know more about him. He was born in Berne in 1723 and died in 1814 or 1815. He came to England in 1750, was naturalized in 1757, and the next year married...
6058To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 25 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since no Letter is dispatched from the Post-office at Paris, to any Part of Switzerland, except Genève, which has not been Free’d to the Frontier-Town of Pontarlier; and I may very possibly have forgot, to inform Yr. Eycy. of this Circumstance: I now beginn to attribute my Misfortune in not hearing from You, in Answer to my 3. last Letters, of april 14th....
6059To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Rodolph Valltravers, 2 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society None of the five Letters, which I had the Honor to write to Your Excellency in the Year 1778, from Switzerland, having been so happy, to meet with the Favor of a Reply: I could not know, how to account for My Misfortune.— Having since that Time left my native Country, to sollicit in person in Germany, several Sums due to me, from several Courts, as well as...
6060To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Rodolph Valltravers, 26 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Being ignorant of the Fate of my 2. last Letters, of April 14th. and May 17th., directed from this Place to yr. Exccy. by the Poste: I am at a Loss, to learn, whether they were received at all, in due Time? and, if come safe to Hand, whether they have been welcome, or no? This Uncertainty, and Fear of being indiscretly troublesome, whilst I sincerily wish...