351From Benjamin Franklin to Peter Blake, 22 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress The Congress having judged that the private Trade carried on with England under various Pretences, is prejudicial to the general Interest of the United States, and having lately pass’d several strong Resolutions for preventing it; I cannot presume to give any Countenance to it by the Passport you desire. I have the honour to be Sir, In answer to Blake’s...
352The American Commissioners to Dumas with a Covering Note and a Draft Letter to the Grand Pensionary, 10 April 1778 … (Franklin Papers)
(I) AL (draft): Library of Congress; incomplete LS : New-York Historical Society; copies: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Koninklijk Huisarchief, Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (two); (II) AL (draft): Library of Congress; copies: Koninklijk Huisarchief, Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives (three); (III) AL (draft): Library of Congress;...
353From Benjamin Franklin to Nathan Blodget, 19 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I lately received yours of the 3d inst. I conceive that it is with the Capt. alone to give his Officers Leave of Absence; and that If I had such a Power it would be very improper for me to exercise it, especially at this Distance, unacquainted as I must be with the Persons & Circumstances. For it might be attended with great Inconveniencies to the Service & would...
354From Benjamin Franklin to von Blome, 12 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Reproduced in Charles Hamilton Auction Catalogue No. 49 (May 6, 1971), Lot 162. The Underwritten Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States of America to the Court of France, acknowledges the Receipt of the official Representation sent to him the 21st of November by his Excellency the Baron de Blome, Envoy Extraordinary from his Danish Majesty at the same Court, respecting...
355From Benjamin Franklin to the Baron Otto von Blome, 25 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from American State Papers (38 vols., Washington, 1832–61), XXXVI (Class IX : Claims), 225 I have considered this proposition, and see no objection to it. I will write to the Congress in favor of it, if desired. The Congress, it is to be presumed, will draw no bills of exchange on me without enabling me to pay them. We have paid all their bills hitherto. I have no doubt of Mr....
356From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Hewson with a Postscript to Dorothea Blunt, 25 November 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I came to this Place on Saturday night right well and untir’d with a 70 miles Journey that day. I met with your and my Dolly’s joint Letter which would have refresh’d me with its Kindness if I had been ever so weary. The Account you give of a certain Lady’s having entertain’d a new Gallant in my Absence, did not surprize me: For I have been us’d to Rivals;...
357From Benjamin Franklin to Sir Charles William Blunt, 9 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received your favour by Mr. Luard and I am obliged to you for introducing me to the acquaintance of So agreable a Man. He has settled his affairs here, as I understand, to his satisfaction.— My services were not necessary this Court being well disposed to do what was requested. You may be assured however, that I did him no Injury.— You gave me great Pleasure in the...
358From Benjamin Franklin to the Board of Admiralty, 17 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; AL (draft): Library of Congress; copies: National Archives, Library of Congress; press copies: National Archives (two); transcript: National Archives I received the honour of yours, dated Jan. 2. containing sundry Questions, relating to the Ship Alliance & the Expedition under the Command of John Paul Jones Esquire.— I apprehend that the Letters & Papers sent by the...
359From Benjamin Franklin to Anna Sophia de Bohlen, 21 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress I receiv’d the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 26th of last Month: In answer to which I ought to inform you, that I was born in America now near 76 Years since; that I never was in Ireland till the Year 1773, which was for a few Weeks only, and I did not pass from thence to America with any Person of my Name, but return’d to England, nor had I...
360The American Commissioners to John Bondfield, 11 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; two copies: National Archives <Passy, September 11, 1778: We have received yours of the 5th and wish better health to Captain Ayres. His ship should sail forthwith if it has not already done so. We will honor the draft for the account you enclosed, but you must distinguish the sums advanced to Mr. Adams in a private capacity as well as those...