121To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington, 24 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This address will be accompanied with an application from Mr Andrew Huntington requesting your Aid in order to obtain a ballance due to him for monies he advanced, to relieve Some French Troops in distress, at the request of Mr Holker, then Consul; The loss is great to Mr Huntington more than he can well Sustain, & he thinks it extreemly hard that he Should...
122To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Moore, 24 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have to Inform you the Printing Press I have sent to M. le Chevr Holker should have sent it sooner but could nod get a ship before this, which is the Adventure John Damon Master the Custom Huse expences &c are 7 s. which you are Indepted to your Most Humbl servant Addressed: Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats-Unis de l’Amerique /...
123Sousa Coutinho to the American Commissioners: Résumé, 22 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: National Archives ⟨Paris, December 22, 1784, in French: I received your letter and the plan of a treaty it enclosed, which I will forward to the court at Lisbon. ⟩ Published in Jefferson Papers, VII , 580. The commissioners’ letter was dated Nov. 30 (above). The Portuguese court returned no answer until the fall of 1785, when it was prodded again by Sousa, himself responding to a...
124To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander John Alexander, 22 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honour to Inform you of the different steps I had taken to bring about an Accomodation with my Adversaries, & as I was long ago fully determined to make great sacrifices for Peace I have been for some time pretty sanguine of Obtaining it. Even last night I have a letter from my Nephew which mentions that the Friends of the parties had met, that my...
125To Benjamin Franklin from André de Tronquoy, 22 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. de tronquoy président tresorier de france, logé hotel de la paix rue de richelieu a paris, a l’honneur d’assurer de Son réspect Monsieur de francklin Ministre plenipotentiaire des etats unis de l’amerique Septentrionale. Il le prie de vouloir bien luy indiquer jour et heure, ou il pourra Se transporter chés Monsieur de francklin, pour y conférer avec luy,...
126To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Pastoret, 19 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La faveur que j’ai d’etre membre comme vous de la loge des neuf sœurs m’enhardit a vous demander une grace. C’est au sujet de la place de vice consul des etats unis à dieppe. Je prens le plus vif interêt à un négotiant de cette ville, plein de talens et d’activité, qu’on nomme M. dupuis. Je desirerois qu’il put mériter de votre part cette marque d’estime,...
127Certificate for Captain Beaulieu, [17 December 1784] (Franklin Papers)
DS : Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, Florence I do hereby certify whom it may concern, that Capt. Lewis Joseph de Beaulieu, late of General Count Pulaski’s Corps, is still living, being with me here at Passy, while this Certificate is writing, December 17. 1784. This certificat de vie was prepared in anticipation of the application of Louis Joseph (Joseph-Louis) d’Escudier de Beaulieu ( XXXII ,...
128To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Joseph Bedtinger, 17 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je n’ai point l’honneur d’être connu particulieremt. de Vre. Exce. Je n’ai d’autre titre auprès d’Elle que celui de frere et de membre de la Loge du Patriotisme où j’ai eu l’honneur de lui faire ma Cour, lors de l’installation de ce Temple. Appuyé de ces titres j’ose prendre la Liberté de recommander aux bontés de Vre. Exce. M. Dupuis négotiant de Dieppe...
129To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Jackson, Nathaniel Tracy, John Donnaldson, and John Temple, 17 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library Mr Jackson Mr Tracy Mr Donnaldson & Mr Temple present their most respectfull Compliments to his Excellency Mr Franklin & request his Passport for themselves & three Servants, or what is necessary for them to obtain full Liberty to quit the Kingdom— They were not ’till this Evening informed that any Application to his Excellency was required or they would...
130To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 17 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d a few days past a Packet of Letters from your Excellency for America, which agreeable to your orders shall be forwarded by the first Packet Boat.— We have frequently occasions from this Port directly to Philada. which are as safe as the Packet Boats, by which we could some times forward your Letters if you gave discretionary orders.— It would...
131To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-François-Paul Grand, [after 17 December 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de prèsenter à Monsieur Le Docteur franklin, mes Sentimens Respectueux. Mon Père me Charge de lui tèmoigner combien il regrette d’être privé d’avoir l’honneur de l’aller voir par une fluxion cruelle qui depuis plusieurs jours le Tourmente, & aussi la nuit. J’ai aussi l’honneur de vous remercier Monsieur de l’interêt que vous avez eu la bonté...
132To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 16 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Jay Des Remercimens a Vous faire, Mon Cher Et Venerable Docteur Du present que Vous M’avés Envoyé; jay Communiqué a Mr. De St. Lambert L’ouvrage Anglais Mais Combien j’ay Eté penetrée De La Lettre qui y Est jointe, Elle m’a arraché Des L’armes D’admiration Et De Regrets pour Le grand homme qui L’a Ecritte; Voila ce que L’humanité a perdû ce qu’on a Voulû...
133To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 16 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Jonas Hartwell of Lincoln in this State merchant Capt. & owner of the Brig Remittance being at St. Sabastin a port in Spain for Some reason was taken & put into Goal & from thence transported into the internal part of the Country & it Seemes his friends Cant find him they hear that he is in the Inquisition as the Officers of that Department have taken...
134William Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 16 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Dr Jeffries has informd me that he is to set off for Dover early Tomorrow Morning, in order to embark in Blanchard’s Balloon for France. I dare say you will like to be one of the first who gets a Letter across the British Channel by this kind of aerial Conveyance: I have therefore availed myself of the Opportunity, to acknowledge the Receipt of your Letters...
135The American Commissioners to [Richard Henry Lee]: Résumé, 15 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives ⟨Paris, December 15, 1784: In our letter of November 11 we outlined to Congress what we had done up to that date, which included sending all our letters. We can now only add the answers we have received, and our replies. Enclosures 1 and 2 are our exchange with the ambassador of Portugal, enclosure 3 being the draft treaty we enclosed. Enclosures 4 and 5 are the...
136Pamphili to the American Commissioners: Résumé, 15 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: National Archives ⟨Paris, December 15, 1784, in French: I communicated to my court the overture contained in your letter of September 22. His Holiness orders me to tell you that all vessels flying the flag of the United States of America will be welcomed in the ports of Civitavecchia, on the Mediterranean, and Ancona, on the Adriatic, with the reciprocal understanding that ships...
137To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Henry Lee, 14 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency a resolve of Congress passed this Day, the arrival of which in due season to prevent the signing of the convention alluded to, until an Opportunity of reconsidering it in full Congress may be had, will be very agreeable to that Body— I have the honor to be with the highest esteem and regard, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most...
138To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 14 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society There dwells an uneasiness in mine & Lady Newenham’s mind, which you ( only ) can relieve—we wish for a letter in answer to our many troublesome Epistles—but I most Earnestly request, that in answer to this, you or your amiable Grandson will acquaint us of Your Excellencys health—perhaps the Post office Villains may have Kept back our Letters— If they are...
139To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 13 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and AL (draft): Columbia University Library The Marqs. de la Fayette is so obliging as to take Charge of this Letter. He has seen much of our Country since his Arrival, and, having had many Opportunities of knowing our true Situation, will be able to give you full Information on the Subject. I think he is (and has Reason to be) convinced that the Attachment of America to him, has not been...
140To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquess of Lansdowne, 11 [December] 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I am sorry that your Grandson did not stay long enough for me to shew him all the civility I wish’d in consequence of your recommendation. If he should ever find it desireable to settle in this Country, I shall be glad to do him any service, which lyes in my power. I am oblig’d to you for your account of Mr. Mesmer— We have many such Gentry, but unhappily we have no...
141To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Henry Lee, 11 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; ALS (draft): Yale University Library; copy: National Archives I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency a packet for his most Christian Majesty containing a letter from Congress to that Monarch recommending our able and active friend the Marquis la Fayette to his royal favor. The Marquis’s former and recent services to America deserve, and have...
142Thulemeier to the American Commissioners: Résumé, 10 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: National Archives ⟨The Hague, December 10, 1784, in French: Your letter of November 10, conveyed by a Dutch courier, did not reach me until the 26th. I transmitted to the king a French translation of your draft treaty, to which the recent instructions of Congress obliged you to make a few changes that differ from the proposal I gave to Mr. Adams on April 9. I will notify you of...
143To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 10 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure of addressing a letter to you the 8th. of October since which I remain without any of your Commands. I purpose leaving this on Monday and passing to Bordeaux where I shall remain a few days, and return to Paris. Shou’d you have occasion for wine or any other articles from the places through which I am to pass, it will make me happy to be...
144To Benjamin Franklin from Amelia Barry, 10 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot my Dear & Honored Sir, find words expressive of the joy I felt upon the receipt of your favor of the 20th Sepr. which did not reach till last tuesday. The honor you did me in the attentions you shewed to Messrs. Partridge & Mallack I had been made acquainted with long since; but forbore making you my acknowledgments from an unwillingness to molest...
145To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Lafontaine, 10 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Aïant apris que Votre Exce. avoit le projet de Louer un hôtel à Versailles Je prends la Liberté d’avoir l’honneur de lui proposer une Maison Située Avenûes de paris, composée de trois appartements boisés et Ornés de glaces aïant un grand jardin, deux remises Ecurie &a. Elle m’apartient et je Serois flatté qu’elle pût convenir à votre Exce. Je Suis avec...
146To Benjamin Franklin from ——— de Saint Paul, 10 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Choix que le Conseil du roy a fait de vous, pour etre un des Commissaires, dans la recherche du Magnetisme animal, fait honneur à la sagacité de leur jugement, et n’ajoutte rien à l’immense, et hautte réputation, dont vous jouïssés dans les deux Emispheres; mais vous avés bien voulu ettre l’un des Commissaires, et en cette qualitté, pourriés vous éttre...
147To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, [after 10 December?] 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M houdon Sculpteur a demandé á M Grand de le presenter á Monsieur Franklin relativement a la Statue de M Wasington. M Grand á cru devoir au prealable Scavoir Si Monsieur Franklin le juge á propos, en ce Cas M Grand le prie de vouloir bien lui donner Son Jour & heure— Based on the assumption that Houdon would have visited BF after having discussed the GW...
148The American Commissioners to the Duke of Dorset: Résumé, 9 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: National Archives (Passy, December 9, 1784: We received your letter of November 24, and are greatly satisfied with your ministers’ assurances. As to the previous stipulation proposed by your Court, we can only say that if by this proposition it is intended that the United States should appoint a minister to reside at your court, we,...
149The American Commissioners to Favi: Résumé, 9 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives ⟨Passy, December 9, 1784: We received your letter of November 16, informing us that His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Tuscany would receive with pleasure our propositions for a treaty. We now enclose a plan of such a treaty of amity and commerce, and are ready to sign it if it should meet with approbation. It is founded on principles of equal right and is calculated...
150To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Nathaniel Bancroft, 9 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am very sorry to hear that you are affected with the Stone, but I hope you are better. I suppose there is but a little time since you have seen my father, pray give him my duty the next time you will see him. I hope my friend Mr. Bache is well: I would be very much obliged to you if you would give him my Compnts. the first time you will see him, & tell...
151To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Canier, 9 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Major Canier (of Dublin) presents his Respects to his Excellency B: Franklin; he is just arrived from Dublin and is bearer of a Letter from Sir Edwd Newinham to his Excellency; he requests to know on what Day and at what hour he can have the honor of Delivering the Letter to his Excellency.— Notation: Canier Dec. 9. 1784. Nov. 6, above.
152To Benjamin Franklin from Bailly, 7 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Bailly présente ses respects à Monsieur Franklin. Il a l’honneur de lui envoyer le regître auquel les Commissaires ont apposé leur derniere Signature. Monsieur Franklin voudra bien y joindre la sienne. Il peut relire depuis la page 87 où est sa derniere Signature; mais à l’exception des deux ou trois derniers articles, M. Franklin a deja pris lecture du...
153To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Tabb Bolling, [7 December?] 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Bolling’s compliments to Doctor Franklin and is sorry it is out of his power to wait upon him before he leaves Paris, which will be on Friday: but has taken the liberty to request him to send by the bearer the letter of recommendation he has been good enough to promise to procure him for Orleans. [ In a different hand. ] hotel de Montgomerie Rue du...
154To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Besse, 5 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Depuis que la crainte de vous fatiguer par mes Lettres m’a empêché de continuer à vous écrire, j’ai pris le parti de me procurer indirectement de vos nouvelles, et j’apprends aujourd’hui que vous n’êtes pas Loin de votre retour pour l’amérique; si l’on m’a dit vrai, Monsieur, et que vous ayez besoin d’un typographe Selon toute la force du terme, j’ose de...
155To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Feriet, 5 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous m’aviés fait espérer, Monsieur, que quand mr. votre petit fils serait de retour, il viendrait voir Les différens appartemens que je vous ai cherché ici; depuis que j’ay eu L’honneur de vous voir, j’ay Sû que mr. de cabre 1er. commis de la Marine, devait quitter une maison fort belle, et dans le voisinage de mr. de reynneval; en conséquence, je lui ai...
156To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 4 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai L’honneur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer un mémoire par Lequel le Sr. Jean Jacques delvard expose qu’il n’a rien reçu ni de Ses gages ni de Sa part des prises qui ont été faites pendant Six mois qu’il a fait partie de L’équipage du Cutter Corsaire la Revanche, Capitaine Gustave Cunnigham armé en...
157To Benjamin Franklin from Abigail Adams, 3 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library Mrs Adams’es Respectfull Compliments to Dr Franklin, is much obliged to him for the oil he was so kind as to send her, and is very sorry that his indisposition deprived her of the Honour of his company to dinner. Mrs Adams takes the Liberty of recommending a Sedan Chair, by which the inconvenience arrising from a Carriage might be avoided— Addressed: To...
158To Benjamin Franklin from Limozin, 3 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Honore to inclose you the Annexed packet arrivd this day under my Cover by the american Ship the Friendship John Freeman Master come from Alexandria consignd to me. I have the honor to subscribe my self with the highest regard Your Excellency’s Most obedient & very Humble Servant Notation: Limozin 3 Decr. 1784. Freeman had sailed from Alexandria,...
159To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 3 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was so uneasy least Mariamne Should lay in, that I could not return again to Passy yesterday, I might however have done so for she Still keeps up.— I called at a Coachmakers to enquire about a proper Carriage for you, & I found one ready made belonging to the Marquis du Duc; one like it I think would fully answer your Purpose.— It is ingeniously contrived...
160From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 2 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : New York Public Library Mr Franklin presents his respectful Compliments to Mr Adams, with Thanks for his obliging Invitation, which he should accept with Pleasure, but that he finds himself oblig’d to renounce dining abroad, his Malady rendring it on many accounts extreamly inconvenient to him. Mr F. has receiv’d a Letter & some Papers from Mr Grand, on which he wishes to confer with Mr...
161To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 2 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Votre léttre mon aimable papa m’a fait un sensible plaisir, mais si vous voulés m’en faire un plus grand restés en france jusqu’au moment ou vous verrés ma sixiéme génération, je ne vous demande que quinse ou seise ans, ma petite fille sera mariable de bonne héure elle est belle et forte: je goutte un nouveau sentiment mon bon papa auqu’el mon coeur se livre...
162To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-François Fournier, 2 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettez-moi d’avoir l’honneur de vous écrire pour m’informer de létat de vôtre santé, et en même temps vous proposer mes services ayant appris que vous aviez deissein de faire apprendre la Gravure à Mr votre petit fils. Comme la gravure est l’ame et le premier principe de létat de la fonte des Caractères d’imprimerie, parce que pour être véritablement bon...
163To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 1 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Charles E. Feinberg, Detroit, Michigan (1957); copy: William L. Clements Library I write to you from Bath where I am with my Sister who goes on slowly in her recovery but I hope in a fair way towards recovery. She desires to be remembered to you.— As to any matters of American negotiation I am not at present in any state of information. I am at present drawing up such opinions as occur...
164To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 1 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Knowing little of Mr. Chevallié’s claim as detached from that of Monsr. de Beaumarchais, & supposing it must stand on the same bottom being originally a part of it, I shall give you what information I can on the general subject. The contract for the supplies was made by Mr. de Francy, agent for Beaumarchais, with mr. Henry then governor of Virginia. He...
165To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph-Jérôme Le Français de Lalande, 1 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Je suis bien reconnoissant de la peine que votre excellence a bien voulu prendre de m’envoyer la Brochure de m. Torcia avec les reflections instructives que vous y avez jointes je le feliciterai d’avoir pû mettre sous vos yeux un fait de Physique qui meritat un instant votre attention et je me felicite moi meme d’avoir cette occasion de me rappeller a votre...
166To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte, Comtesse, and Vicomte de Vergennes, 1 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
L : Library of Congress M. le Cte. Made. la Csse. et M. le Vte. Louis De Vergennes ont l’honneur de faire part à Monsieur francklin, que Made. la Vsse. Louis De Vergennes est heureusement accouchée aujourd’hui d’une fille. Claire-Charlotte-Louise was the daughter of Vergennes’ younger son, Louis-Charles-Joseph Gravier de Vergennes (1765–1821), an army officer. He had married Claire-Gabrielle...
167The American Commissioners to Sousa Coutinho: Résumé, 30 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives ⟨Passy, November 30, 1784: We received from your secretary the extract of the letter from Monsieur de Sa of October 24. Conformable to the desires of Her Majesty, we enclose a draft of a project of a treaty of amity and commerce to be concluded between our two countries. If this project is acceptable and Her Majesty sends you power to conclude, we are ready to sign such...
168To Benjamin Franklin from George Whatley, 30 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This may be deliver’d to you by Dr. Brogden, an old Acquaintance of my Friend Dr Rowley, who has determin’d, for his Health, to take a Tour into a Country where the Climate is diferent from his own. I heartily wish him Success; & beg the Honor of your Favor & Protection in case of need; for which I shall always esteem my self greatly obliged.— I have the...
169From Benjamin Franklin to Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy, 29 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University; press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous felicite trés cordialement, ma trés chere amie, de l’heureux Accouchement de notre Fille. Puisse l’Enfante être aussi bonne & aussi aimable que sa mere, sa grandemere, sa grandegrandemere, &c. Je me souviens d’avoir un jour rencontré chez vous quatre de vos Generations, quand vos Enfans etoient tres jeunes; & que...
170To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 27 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society After various Delays we are at length arrived here, all well, and very anxious to embrace you at Passy; where we hope to be Wednesday or Thursday next.— We might have cross’d the Water to Night in the Packet, by which this goes,—but none of us like to pass the Night at Sea—& particularly in a Public Vessel: we have therefore freighted a Boat entirely for...