651To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Grammont, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous prie instament de maccorder un quart d’heure daudiance particuliere au jour et a l’heure quil vous plaira mindiquer vous obligerez infiniment celui qui a lhonneur detre avec une respectueuse Consideration Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur Notation: Marquis de Grammont Paris 7 Janvier 1783 This Grammont may be the président of...
652To Benjamin Franklin from James and Charles Hill, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When we were at Paris we took the Freedom to Call on your Excellency at Passe to request your Kind Assistance in giving us a letter of Recommendation to some Friends of yours in Philadelphia or Boston; and your Excellency was Kind Enough to Promise us; Provided you receiv’d a Letter from Doctor Percival of Manchester Certifying that we were the Men we...
653To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-François Prost de Royer, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je n’ai point oublié le bonheur que J’ai eu de vous voir à Paris et l’accueil que vous m’avez fait. J’ai lu avec transport les premieres loix que vous avez donné à La Pensilvanie, et c’est à ce double titre que j’ai l’honneur de vous faire hommage des deux premiers volumes du Dictionnaire de Jurisprudence et des arrets . Je ne vous propose point, Monsieur,...
654To Benjamin Franklin from Michael Hillegas, 6 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer hereof Mr. William Wood of a reputable Family connected with your old Friend my Uncle Mr. Thomas Boude and the Newbolds in the Jerseys whom you have frequently heard of if not personally known to you— having an inclination to see the World as well as to do something with reputation to himself by endeavouring in the Commercial Way to increase his...
655To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 6 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I have before me your Letters of the 25th. & 29th. of June, 12th. August 3d. and 26th. September and 14th. October last — several matters contained in them have already been answered—and some others I am unable to reply to till Congress have decided on such propositions as I...
656To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, 5 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania La lettre dont vous m’avez honoré me demande mon Opinion sur celle qu’elle renfermoit de Mrs. Lecouteulx &c qui desirent scavoir si vous pouvez vous engager de leur fournir jusqu’à Deux Millions & demi pour les Achats de Piastres quils ont à faire pour M. Morris. Je ne puis ni ne dois avoir d’Opinion à ce sujet, mais pour fixer la vôtre, Monsieur, je...
657To Benjamin Franklin from Antoinette-Thérèse Melin Dutartre, 4 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Mon papa, voila encore mon abbé, pour qui vous avez eu des bontés; voulez vous en avoir encore? Et à ma consideration, écouter ses demandes? Voulez vous aussi recevoir l’assurance de mon amitié? Et voulez vous bien aussi ne me pas oublier en 83, comme vous avez fait en 82? Car ce pauvre arbaletre ne vous a pas vû! Je ne Suis pas en bonne santé, j’ai été...
658To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I beg leave to reccommend to your kind Notice Mr Purviance son to a Respectable Merchant in Maryland. This young Gentleman proposes to make a Tour to Ireland with a View of reestablishing his Health & visiting some Relations. I shall be much obliged by your giving him the necessary passport, and whatever Civilities you may think proper to show him you...
659To Benjamin Franklin from Michel-Guillaume St. John de Crèvecceur, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been Wittness whilst I was in America of a Cir Constance which I think it Imports Your Excellency to Know; my Good Intention will I hope, apologyse for the Liberty I am taking, if your Excellency is acquainted With it; if unknown, it is Certainly my duty as a good Cytysen of that Country to Inform you of what Follows— In the Year 1775 Samuel Bayard...
660To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania L’Idée de Mr. Rt. Morris de se procurer des Piastres de la Havanne est bien bonne, mais je ne puis en dire autant de ses dispositions pour les faire payer ici. Je présume qu’il comptoit allors sur les fonds qu’il esperoit que vous obtiendriez, mais come ils se reduisent à Six Millions qui suffiront à peine pour faire face au courant des payemens...
661To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I arrived at this place a few days ago expecting to have proceeded to Europe in the vessel which carries Count Rochambaud & the Chevalr. de Chastellux; but it sails before I can be ready. I shall follow however in a very few days, & may possibly be with you as soon as this. Conscious that I can add no good to the commission,...
662To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Voulez vous bien Mon Illustre Docteur que J’aye Lhonneur de vous recommander M. Envier de Dunkerque que j’ai deja eu l’honneur de vous présenter L’annee derniere et qui Souhaite prendre vos ordres pour Nantes, et M. Williams qu’il compte voir dans cette Ville sous peu de Jours. Je vous Souhaite, Mon Illustre Docteur, et de grand coeur la meilleure Santé...
663To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; draft: Yale University Library I do myself the Honor to enclose to your Excellency under flying Seal a Letter to Mr Grand which I pray you to peruse. To what is said in that Letter I need add but little. The Bill to Messrs. Wadsworth and Carter is in Payment of what our Army have eaten during the last two Months and an half, and you will see by the...
664To Benjamin Franklin from John Sargent, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Moment is come when I may safely assure You of my constant Esteem, affection & Veneration for Your Character, & may congratulate You on the Services You have renderd Mankind—! I dared not write You before,—some Officious Sycophants had represented me to the late Ministry as an Active Instrument of America,—&, if I had written You but a single Line, by...
665From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 3 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place a few days ago expecting to have proceeded to Europe in the vessel which carries Count Rochambaud and the Chevalr. de Chastellux; but it sails before I can be ready. I shall follow however in a very few days, and may possibly be with you as soon as this. Conscious that I can add no good to the commission, it shall be my endeavor to do it no injury. I understand that I...
666To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 1[–2] January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: University of Pennsylvania Library I do not know how I could employ myself more agreeably on the beginning of the new Year, than by writing to my dear Papa, wishing him many happy returns of it, and that I may live to begin and end many of them with him is my sincere prayer, who knows what a Peace may produce— In Mr Bache’s letter you desire I would continue my histories of the...
667To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Restiff called to let me know he was going to France, I allways promiss’d him a letter when he return’d: he is an exceeding good Young Man, has been often at our House and can tell you how we all look—as I have just wrote you a long letter, and shall write you again in a few days by Coll Cambray, shall only add the Love and duty of an Afectionate...
668To Benjamin Franklin from Dominique-Louis Ethis de Corny, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Would be acquainted if the Washington american Ship has already sailed for its destination. Mr. De Veimerange Who goes to morrow at versailles desires some Knouledge about it, Before his departure. I Was Disposed to Wait on your Excellency in this after noon, in order of Renewing my Best Wishes for the happiness and good health of your Excellency, during...
669To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I was honored with your Letters by the Danae— I congratulate you upon the promising State of our negotiations, since peace begins to be no less desirable here than elsewhere.— But I will not enter into that subject at present as I mean to write very fully both to Mr Jay &...
670To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Bearer of this Letter is the Chevalier de Chattelleux who sets off to Morrow Morning, for France. There are many Things which I am desirous of communicating to you but which I have not now sufficient Time to commit to Paper and still less to put in Cypher. I have therefore entered very much into the Detail of our Situation with Genl. Chattelleux and requested him...
671Draft of a Declaration to Be Made by the American Peace Commissioners, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Two D : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Nous soussignés Ministres Plenipres. des Etats unis &a. Déclarons qu’en agréant et consentant a fixer par notre signature des articles qui avoient été discutés entre nous et M. Oswald muni de pleins pouvoirs a cet effet par S. M. le R. [Sa Majesté le Roi] de la grande Bretagne pour être inserés dans le futur traite de paix, nous n’avons eu...
672To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 1 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Among your political Occupations I take the Liberty of troubling you with a french Letter wrote in English. Peace has been made this long time in the Mouths of Politicians, tho’ unhappily for Humanity it does not actually exist any where else. We however in this Part of the World have a calm after all our Storms & are pursuing quietly thoug with Ardour our...
673To Benjamin Franklin from Le Couteulx & Cie., 1 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Nous répondons à la lettre que vous nous avez fait l’honneur de nous écrire le 31. Xbre. der. L’opération qui nous avoit été confiée par Monsieur Morris consiste a acheter en Espagne des Piastres fortes livrables à la havanne. Nous avons pu l’exécuter a 33 Pr% de bénéfice en faveur des Etats unis, nous la croyons encore possible dans ce moment quoique...
674To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, [1782?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Before you left America, I believe I mention’d to you the great Losses I had sustain’d from the Enemy, in my Household Furniture, Books, Debts from Persons who took Refuge in Howe’s Army &c. so that take all together, I am perhaps, as large a Sufferer, in Proportion to what I possess’d, as any one in this Town; nor would two thousand Pounds Lawf: Money make...
675To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Favier, [1782?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Mes malheurs ne vous Sont pas connus, et si l’on vous en a dit quelque chose, ce ne peut être que sous un paliatif. J’ai regret de ne vous en avoir rien dit dans le temps où je le pouvois, ou vous l’avoir donné par écrit et bien détaillé, ce tissu de miseres! Aujourd’hui on débite que vous m’avez renvoyé parce que je vous ai fait des torts, et cette...
676To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Catherine de Ligniville Helvétius, [1782?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mon cher, ami je Comte vous avoire adiné mecredi, avec votre enfant, jespere avoire Mr. le Comte destin [d’Estaing] bonjour je vous embrasee de toute mes force, elle sont bien grande pour vous. Proposé a Mr. de chaumon de venire je ne lui donnerai que du rie, et de la gelée. Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur franklin I. Minis Hays catalogued this letter as...
677To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy: Two Letters, [1782?] (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai vu hier Mon Illustre Docteur a Versailles de belles Dames qui s’ont desoleès d’avoir èté Si Long-tems Sans avoir eu lhonneur de vous voir ce sont Made. Dangiviller et Made. De Flahaut cette jolie personne qui parle si Joliment anglois. Elles ont fait la partie d’aller vous demander du Thé Vendredy prochain à cinq heures du soir Et comme...
678To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Gabriel Bonnot de Mably, [1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society La personne dont l’abbé de Mably a eu l’honneur de parler à Monsieur jay, et qu’il vouloit aussi avoir l’honneur de recommander à monsieur franklyn, s’appelle Rochas, c’est un jeune homme âgé de vingt quatre ans, il est bien né d’une famille de riches marchands de Romans en dauphiné. Il y a trois ans qu’il est à Marseille pour s’instruire et se former au...
679To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbesse Marie du Saint Esprit, 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le respect et La reconnoissance nous font également un Devoir de vous offrir nos vœux fasse Le Ciel que vous Jouissiez D’une santé aussy parfaite que nous Le Desirons. Nous Le Demandons avec ardeur. Daigné monsieur être persuadé De L’interest que nous y prenons. La Confiance que nous avons en votre Charité nous fait espérer La Continuation de vos bienfaits....
680To Benjamin Franklin from Balthazar-Georges Sage, [c. 1782?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Sage salue et Embrasse Monsieur francklin, auquel il envoye un ouvrage D’un de ses amis qui l’a prié de Lui offrir. La personne qui lui remettra Ce Billet est un medecin de ses amis qui accompagne Les princes de Carlath qui desirent avoir Lhonneur De Voir Monsieur francklin. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur francklin / De Lacademie des / sciences It is...
681Enclosure I: Abel James to Benjamin Franklin, [1782] (Jefferson Papers)
I have often been desirous of writing to thee, but could not be reconciled to the Thoughts that the Letter might fall into the Hands of the British, lest some Printer or busy Body should publish some Part of the Contents & give our Friends Pain and myself Censure. Some Time since there fell into my Hands to my great joy about 23 sheets in thy own hand-writing containing an Account of the...
682To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [after August? 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Arrivé hier au Soir Mon Illustre Docteur J’envoye Savoir de vos nouvelles. J’espere bien que vos douleurs de Goutte Se Sont bien calmées. J’ai recu un billet du Musée de M. Court de Gébelin où l’on me presse fort de vous engager à y venir aujourdhui où il y aura une assemblèe publique et des choses qui pourront vous interesser. Je Serois bien enchanté Si...
683To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron Samuel Gustaf Hermelin, [after 7 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Baron de Hermelin pour prendre congé de son Excellce, devant partir demain l’Apres diné, et il aura l’honneur demain au matin de faire sa visite chez son Excellence. Whom BF recommended to Robert R. Livingston on Nov. 7, above. BF was not at home when he called. WTF penned an apology below Hermelin’s note: “M. Franklin est bien faché d’etre obligé d’aller...
684To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 31 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I inclose you an extract of a letter from Dr. Priestley to my brother William, on the subject of his late supposed discovery. At the same time I inform you that I have procured a small glass jar, for the purpose of observing the cause of the phœnomenon of the small bits of tea-leaves, which you find whirled to the centre of the bottom of your breakfast cup,...
685To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 30 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress M. de Vergennes prie Monsieur francklin si sa santé peut le Lui permettre de vouloir bien se rendre demain mardi a Versailles a lheure qui Lui sera la plus Commode, si Ce pouvoit Etre a neuf heures du matin, il y auroit moins de risque dEtre interrompû. M. de Vergennes auroit a entretenir Monsieur francklin dun objet tres interressant pour la Cause Commune. M. de...
686To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 30 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this, Mr. Benjamin Morris, is the youngest Son of your old Friend Mr. Samuel Morris, lately deceased; he visits Europe upon a plan of Business; I believe him to be a deserving young Man; as such, and from the regard I have for his Family Connections here, I beg leave to introduce him to your Friendship & Civilities,—I am ever Dear Sir Your...
687To Benjamin Franklin from John Dickinson, 30 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot deny Myself the Pleasure of introducing to the Honor of your Acquaintance Mr. Benjamin Morris, the youngest son of your Friend Mr. Samuel Morris. Your Regard for the Memory of his Father, and his own Merit, will, I am persuaded, place him before You in that Light, which his Relations desire. I am with perfect Esteem sir, your most obedient & hble...
688To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 30 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
L : University of Pennsylvania Library Mr. Laurens presents his Compliments to Doctor Franklin and requests the honor of his company at dinner on thursday next at 3 oClock. In the hand of Henry Laurens, Jr. Laurens sent a separate invitation to WTF on the same day ( APS ). He was still in ill health, and on Jan. 9 he asked WTF to procure passports for himself, his son, and a servant to return...
689To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, 28 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having been informed of the intention of Lady Juliana Penn to go to Paris, as an Advocate for the Representatives of the Founder of Pensilvania, I feel my self impress’d with a desire to cast in my Mite, unsolicited, & I trust, unnecessary, because that family have better Advocates— Justice , on their side, & my honourable Friend so large a share in the...
690To Benjamin Franklin from Le Couteulx & Cie., 28 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Nous avons Eu L’honneur de vous écrire le 6 novembre pour vous communiquer la Lettre que nous avions reçu de Monsieur Morris portant ordre de vous demander Si vous aviez la possibilité de remettre en nos mains une somme de 2,500,000. l.t. tournois pour en Suivre les dispositions que le dit sieur Morris nous avoit ordonné pour Compte des Etats unis de...
691To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Putnam, 28 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I feel hurt at the thought of troubling you so immediately— my forgetfulness of yesterday & Engagements today, must be my Appology for the Occasion & Mode. I am bound for North Carolina; in my Passage, I shall take the Circuit of New-Providence from Expectations of procuring by Purchase, or Address a Clearance of a Cargo of Tobacco from that Island to...
692To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, 27 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Had it pleased the wise disposer of Events to have permited our inestimable Friend & Colleague, to have lived until this day; I should have been spared the melancholy , ’tho pleasing reflections of that good man’s multiplied great Actions— Doctor Lyttsom a physician of London, has undertaken, & I think has well executed, the Biography of our late dear...
693To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, 26 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I did my Self the Pleasure to write you A few days Since by Count Segar by his Request, was exceedingly Pleasd with him and wisht him to Spend a good deal of time with us but they are So attentive to there Duty that they allow them Selves but little time to Ramble he Says his wife is Neighbour to you and She Visets you often you Play Chex with her but...
694To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 26 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I wrot to you two months ago From Warwick, which cousen Williams has yet to carry, Afterwards I concluded to come Hither & spend the Winter as most agreable by being more Retiered, & Less Exposed to Doers opening on me which in cold wether Increeces my cough & is very Tedious to me, but on my Arival at Boston I had the maloncholy acount of a Distressing...
695To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte d’Albon, 25 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society C’est avec empressement, Monsieur, que jai l’honneur de vous envoier mon ouvrage. L’hommage que je vous en fais vous est dû mieux qu’à toute autre personne. Je m’y suis attaché à défendre Les intêréts d’un peuple opprimé dont vous êtes aujourdhui le representant, comme vous en fûtes le créateur, car, le vrai créateur d’un peuple est celui qui lui donne de...
696To Benjamin Franklin from James Carr, 25 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I James carr Late Second mate & carpenter of the Brigantine active Capt John Hodge in the Service of the united States was taken Prisoner on our Passage from Philadelphia to the Havana by one of his Britanick Majestys Ships & sent to England where with a Large number of others I have Lain some time & haveing with five others made our escape in a small sloop...
697To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 25 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society; transcript: National Archives J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer, Monsieur, mes Depeches pour Mr. le Chevr de la Luzerne. Le pacquet est volumineux mais il renferme beaucoup de Duplicata. Je voudrois pouvoir lui mander que notre Negociation est au meme point que la Votre, mais elle en est encore fort eloignée. Je ne...
698To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 24 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; copy: South Carolina Historical Society Mr. Laurens presents his Compliments to Doctor Franklin & requests him to give a place to the Inclosed Letter for Robt. R. Livingston Esqr among his dispatches for the Ship Washington & to inform him whether he will be in time for saving the Courier with other Letters any time to day. Addressed: His Excellency /...
699To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 24 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I don’t know Mr Ls: particular address I take the Liberty to inclose a Letter for him to your care and at the same time to embrace this opportunity to return you my best thanks for the attention you were so good to pay to the proposal he was so kind to charge himself with he accquainted me with the reception it met with from the concerned to whom also I...
700To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Hirigoyen, 24 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Comme super Cargue du navire Le Camberwell cape. Silas Ewers armé de dix Canons & pret a partir pour le dit lieu au premier tems favorable, j’ai crû devoir retarder mon depart de quelques jours dans l’espoir d’une heureuse paix prochaine & ne pas exposer les interets de ceux qui m’ont accordé leur Confiance avant d’en avoir la Certitude; Nous trouvant...