51To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 28 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Many thanks to you for your kind packet which I was favoured with by Mr Hartley. As some time was taken up by his writing to me & waiting for my answer it did not arrive here till last thursday night. I tell you this to account for your not having a more speedy reply about your Grandson. I shall be happy to do every thing in my power for him if you trust...
52To Benjamin Franklin from Lewis Boudinot, 29 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have done myself the Honor this Day to Transmitt to London the Dispatches herewith, by the desire of my Brother who ordered me in Case I should not have the honor of delivering them myself in person to transmitt them to the French Ambassador— And as the Weather seems very turbulent And my Passage round like to be long I have sent them Accordingly and hope...
53To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-François-Paul Grand, 29 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : University of Pennsylvania Library I beg leave to acknowledge receipt of the honour of your Esteemed favour from the 26 Int. Covering your remittance of £1900.—.— on Denis Rougemont from the 8th. August at 2/m date. The value of which shall be received by me & for which produce Your particular account shall be Credited agreable to your desire of the abovesaid sum.— With great regard I have...
54To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 30 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I am to acknowlege the Receipt of your Favors of the seventh of March and twenty seventh of July. For both of them accept my Thanks. You express an Apprehension lest the Union between France and America should be diminished by Accounts from your Side of the Water. This Apprehension does you equal Honor as a Statesman and as a Man. Every Principle which ought to...
55To Benjamin Franklin from Maximilien de Robespierre, 1 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Une sentence de proscription rendue par les échevins de st. omer contre Les conducteurs électriques m’a présenté l’occasion de plaider au conseil d’artois la cause d’une découverte sublime, dont le genre humain vous est redevable. Le desir de contribuer a déraciner les préjugés qui s’opposoient à ses progrès dans notre province m’a porté à faire...
56To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 2 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Hobart College Library This Letter will either be delivered or forwarded to you by a most Worthy Gentn. Nathl. Gorham Esqr. of Boston for whose Public & private Character I have the highest respect, This Gentn has served as Member & Speaker of the Massachusetts assembly. & lately he had a pretty long Campaigne in Congress where I had that opportunity of knowing the integrity of his...
57To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 2 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
als: American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer cinquante-trois Exemplaires des Constitutions de l’Amérique in-4°. Papier d’Annonay. Il en reste trois entre les mains du Relieur; ces trois Exemplaires sont avancés à la reliure & prêts à couvrir. Vous en avez reçu déja 42 Ex. Au Relieur 3. Que j’envoye aujourd’hui 53. un Exemplaire imparfait ici 1. Un, que je garde suivant...
58To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Stamitz, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 2 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pardonnez la liberté que je prends de vous Ecrire sans avoir l’honneur d’être Connû de vous; je viens d’apprendre trés positivement que Messieurs les Amériquains, voulant faire refleurir les beaux arts chez Eûx. Sont sur le point d’avoir une troupe française, dont Monsieur Clerval, ancien Comédien de Provinçe doit en être le Regiseur, qui pour cet Effect...
59To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Joseph Ducarne de Blangy, 3 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Je commence par vous avoüer que j’ai presque juré hier contre vous, en voyant La reponse que vous vous contentés de faire à ceux, ou au public qui Demande à quoi bon La Découverte importante De m. mongolfier. C’est, Dites vous, Monsieur, un enfant qui vient de naitre, et qui peut Devenir celebre, ou rester Dans L’obscurité. Et voila Donc, Monsieur, tout...
60To Benjamin Franklin from Edmond-Charles-Edouard Genet, 3 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr de Valnais m’a remis la lettre que vous avés pris la peine de m’écrire. J’ai été on ne peut pas plus flatté de cette marque de votre souvenir et J’ai fait tout ce qui a dépendu de moi pour donner à Mr de Valnais des preuves de l’Interêt qu’une recommandation telle que la votre devoit faire prendre à ses affaires. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec respect...
61To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 3 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania This very morning I had the Pleasure to receive Your Letter of the 27th. past inclosing one for the President of Congress, which was so exactly in Time that I forwarded it along with Lord Norths Dispatches this Evening to Falmouth with Orders for the three several Packet Boats for New York Jamaica and the Lewards Islands to sail immediately. These Boats...
62To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 4 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D., F.R.S., &c. (2nd ed.; 2 vols., London, 1817), II , 440–1. I only write one line to you to let you know that I am not forgetful of you, or of our common concerns. I have not heard any thing from the ministry yet: I believe it is a kind of vacation with them before the meeting of parliament. I...
63To Benjamin Franklin from Madame ——— His, 4 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mde his s’est chargée bien volontier des Comissions de Mde La Comtesse d’houdetot pour monsieur francklin. Elle desire avoir des nouvelles de sa santé, elle veut lui marquer son impatience de Le Voir a sanois, et Lui fait quelques reproches dêtre privée d’une Reponse a la lettre qu’elle a eu lhonneur de lui ecrire touchant un matelot americain. Mde his...
64To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 6 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Je Crains que Mon Cher Et Venerable Docteur n’ait pas Reçu une Lettre que j’ay Eû L’honneur De Luy Adresser il y a quelque tems au Sujet D’un Matelot Americain pour Lequel je Luy Demandais Sa protection avec Des papiers Relatifs a Cette Affaire; je Luy Rapelle aussi la promesse qu’il M’avait faitte De me Venir Voir Encore une fois Cet Automne, je Le Suplie...
65To Benjamin Franklin from Dorcas Montgomery, 6 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Montgomery & Son, will have the Honor of Dining with Doctr. Franklin, on Friday next.— Addressed: A Son Excellence. / Monsieur Franklin / en Son Hotel / A Passy Thirteen-year-old Robert: XXXV , 481n. Oct. 10. Decades later, TJ told a story he had heard about a gathering of English and French speakers at BF ’S house at which Dorcas Montgomery made...
66To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pownall, 6 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permitt me thus to address you—for, however I may have been rejected by the Govt of my own Country, I am vain enough to think it will be no dishonor to You—to be known, that We were unchangeable friends for more than twenty Years.— Our Govt Officers are buisy this day at London Proclaiming Peace— I wish, (I hope that it is not a wish in Vain) That events of...
67To Benjamin Franklin from James Jay, 9 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I expect to set out for England in a day or two, and propose to go by the way of Calais. I beg therefore you will send me a passport sometime to morrow by the petit Post. I have the honour, Sir, to be, Your Most Obt: & hble: Servt: Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiare des Etats Unis / de L’Amerique &c.— / a / Passy...
68To Benjamin Franklin from Lorenzo Manini: Résumé, 9 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society ⟨Cremona, October 9, 1783, in Italian: The illustrious name of Doctor Franklin is venerated and held in the highest esteem throughout Italy and especially in Lombardy. In testimony of this admiration, I have dedicated to you a fine work I just printed, the Lettere Americane by the famous President Carli. I humbly submit to you by post two copies of this...
69To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, [9 October 1783?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As an unfortunate Countryman I take the liberty onst more to adress my Self to you Knowing That you have a heart that Sincerly feals the Sorrow of anothers boosom, the Judges of my affair Demands that I prove that I am a Native of Amerique if your Exelency will be Kind Enough as you Know I am Realy a Native of Philadelphia to Certify that I am from Philaa....
70To Benjamin Franklin from Graf von Brühl, 10 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was very much flattered with the Letter I had the pleasure to receive from your Excellency by the Means of the ingenious Mr de Kempelen’s Arrival in this Country. The favourable Opinion you entertain of his talents is alone sufficient to convince me of their Intent & usefullness. I cannot find Words to express the gratitude I feel for the honour of your...
71To Benjamin Franklin from Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, 10 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library J’ai été infiniment sensible à la marque obligeante de souvenir dont vous m’avés honoré en m’envoyant un Exemplaire des Constitutions des Etats unis de l’Amérique. C’est un monument bien curieux & bien intéressant de cette grande & mémorable rèvolution à la quelle vous avés, Monsieur, si puissamment coopéré. Je souhaite pour le bonheur de l’Amérique que...
72To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 10 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your answer to my letter of yesterday has threwn me in the most unhappe Situation,—if you will Not do aney thing for me to Relive me from my Pain—for god Sake have Pitte upon my unhappe Situation I have No bread Even to Eat and Not a farthing in my Pocket if you will Lend me Ever so Small a Sum it will confer the greatest obligations upon me if you Refuse...
73To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 11 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honnor of addressing your Excellency on the 15. ulta. an abstract of the general account of my disbursments for the relief of the american prisonners during the war, ballanced by £.361. 12. 8. [ i.e., l.t. ] in my favour and to inform your Excellency that I remitted a copy of the same to M. Barclay in order to convince him that Since the...
74To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 11 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I beg leave to introduce to you by this letter the Revd Dr Scrope a Gentleman of a very respectable character & family in Wiltshire bordering upon Glo’stershire. He has likewise the honour of being one of his Majesty’s Chaplains. He is in an infirm state of health and is going in to France for change of climate. The State of his health makes it uncertain at what time...
75To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Morel Dufaux, 11 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society For a while past Messieurs Veuve Dque. Morel & Self had the honor of writing to your Highness. Tho’ not honoured with an answer, yet I make it bold Humbly to beg of your Highness to accept my petition with regard to obtaining a prefference for the Consular office in Dunkirk. Thro’ the Channel of Mr Grand Banker in Paris we had occasion to render Important...
76To Benjamin Franklin from Graf von Schönfeld, 13 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Baron de Schönfeld a l’honneur d’assurer de ses hommages Monsieur Franklin et de Le prier de vouloir bien faire passer par son Paquet à Philadelphie, la lettre ci jointe pour le Sr. Thieriot. Il Le prie d’agréer ses excuses et ses remercimens. The Saxon minister, who roughly a month earlier had sent BF an undated invitation to dinner on Thursday, Sept. 18...
77To Benjamin Franklin from Nicolas Albert, 14 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous m’avez fait L’honneur de me faire Entrévoir que l’appartement audessus de mes Bains pouroit Vous Convenir; si Je pouvois compter être assès hureux de Vous avoir dans ma maison, n’importe dans quelque tems que ce fut, Je me hâterai de le mêtre en Etât de Vous recevoir. J’ai L’honneur dêtre avec respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et trés Obeissant...
78To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Dessin, 14 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Conformement à la lettre dont vous m’avés honoré le 9 court: [courrant] J’ai pris note de la paire de roues de Carosse qui doivent me venir de Londres sous votre adresse pour vous les expédier du moment de leur arrivée. En vous priant de vous reposer entierement sur mes soins à cet Egard, Permettés moi de vous faire mon remerciment de la confiance dont vous...
79To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 14 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’aprend avec Bien Du Chagrin que Mon Respectable Amy a Eté Malade il Est plus triste Encore D’Estre privée De Le Voir pour une Si fascheuse Raison, je le Remercie De la Lettre qu’il m’a Envoyée pour Le Malheureux Matelot il a dû Voir par Les papiers que j’avais Envoyé qu’on avait pris touttes Les precautions possibles pour n’estre pas trompés sur L’objet De...
80To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 14 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The few lines that your Exelency was Kind Enough to honour me with you Reproch me in Saing that if I had my liberty I would do Somthing that would bring me to the weelle or gallos— No Sir Notwith Standing my unhappy Situation I Niver diviated from the presinplas of honour. No doubt but your Exelency has bean informed that I have Contracted a Numbre of Depts...
81To Benjamin Franklin from ———, [on or after 14 October 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Je crois devoir vous prévenir que Confiér les affaires de Mr Chaffert a de Baumont C’est a proprement dire donner la Brebis a garder au Loup ce dernier ayant fait cent Coquinneries dont quatre l’ont conduit en prison la derniére a la fin de juillet sans compter le courant Et notament des billets quil s’est fait faire par Chaffert soit disant pour Nouriture....
82To Benjamin Franklin from John Baynes, [15 October 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Hôtel de Luxembourg—Ruë des Petits Augustins. Wedn. Morning. [October 15, 1783] Sir I take the liberty of informing your Excellency, that I shall sett off for England either tomorrow Evening or Friday. Not having my own servant with me just now, I send this by a Messenger who will either wait for any letters with which you may wish to favor me, or will call...
83To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 16 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Consul General of France kindly informing me that a Vessel was on the Point of sailing for Brest, I have only a Moment to inform you that the House of Representatives for this State have this Moment passed an Act for a Duty of 5 pr Cent on all Goods imported for paying the Interest of our National Debt, according to the Requisition of Congress. This...
84To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-Pierre Dufourny de Villiers, 16 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’Ingénieur françois qui a commandé au siége d’York-town, pour lequel je vous avois demandé audience, n’a pu profitter de la faveur que vous luy avies accordeé, les lettres par lesquelles je luy en faisois part ne luy etant point parvenües, soit qu’il m’aie mal indiqué sa demeure, soit qu’il soit parti de Paris dans le même tems, ce qui me paroit le plus...
85To Benjamin Franklin from Hope & Co., 16 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We presume on the Strength of the personal Acquaintance we have the honour of & the Sentiments of Esteem inseperable from this advantage to present to You our estimable friend William French Esqr., prior of the Firm of French Crawford & Co. one of the most opulent & respectable Houses at Glasgow, who with Peter Spiers Esqr. a Young Gentlemen of Family there...
86To Benjamin Franklin from John Baynes, 17 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I waited on M. l’Abbé Morellet both yesterday & today, but he was in the country—therefore I cod. not get the list which your Excellency was so kind as to write to him about—perhaps he will be obliging enough to favor me with it by the post to England. I shall certainly with great pleasure on my arrival in London communicate your message to the bishop of St...
87To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Ann Davies, 17 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I took the liberty of writing You a Letter last April to enquire after your Health. At the same time (not doubting the continuation of your friendship) I made so free as to trouble You with some account of my present Situation, entreating your Advice, but I am so unfortunate as never to have had any Answer. I have been and am still in the greatest Anxiety...
88To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 17 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Royal Mail Archive I received on Tuesday Night last at 12. the Letter you were pleased to write me the 9th: Instant, and consequently too late to thank you for it by that Post. My Lord Foley and Mr Carteret are both in the Country at present, but I have not a doubt of their approving the plan d’Arrangement which you have put into French, exactly as...
89To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer: Two Letters, 18 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) LS : American Philosophical Society Mr. L’avocat qui a eu la bonté d’aller voir votre Excellence pour moi, m’a dit que vous vouliez bien avoir la bonté de m’avancer quelques secours pour mes alimens en attendant l’arrivée de Monsieur Barkely. Les obligations que je vous ai deja pour pareil service que vous avez bien voulu me rendre précedement, me fait espérer que vous ne me...
90To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Alexis-François Cadet de Vaux, 19 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. le lieutenant Général de Police fera mercredi 22 l’Installation du traitement Electrique, au couvent des célestins, près l’arsenal. Je l’ai flatté du plaisir de S’y rencontrer avec vous, et ce magistrat Jouira de la double Satisfaction de réunir la cause et les effets c’est a dire l’auteur immortel de la découverte de l’Electricité et les Infortunés qui...
91To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 19 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I am informed by Col Wadsworth, and others lately from Paris, that it was currently reported of Me that I was intimate with Genl Arnold, and that a Pamphlet, lately published by Lord Sheffeild, owed to Me most of the Facts and Observations contained in it. I have found by experience that from the Moment a Man becomes unpopular, every report which any...
92To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [19 October 1783?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society J’ai lhonneur de vous souhaiter le bon Jour mon Illustre Docteur et de vous demander votre Ultimatum et celui de Monsieur votre petit-Fils au sujet de Lexperience de M De Montgolfier. Le tems ne s’annonce pas d’une manière trop favorable mais comme Le Brouillard tombe il pourra faire beau vers les midy. Si Monsieur votre petit fils vous mene il faudra partir...
93To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy, [after 20 October 1783?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Adieu mon bon papa, en Vérité il m’en coutte presqu’autant d’aller á paris que d’aller a Nice; pourtant je viendrai vous voir, le coeur me dit que vous pourrés venir aussi; pourqu’oi donc estre si beste? C’est que j’aime beaucoup le bon papa et que quand on aime Si fort, on est toujours un peu beste au moment de se quittés: Mille tendrésses de tous les...
94To Benjamin Franklin from Cadet de Vaux, 20 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Monsieur Brunier premier Médecin de Monseigneur le dauphin est Venu avec M. Cadet de Vaux pour Se procurer l’honneur de Voir Monsieur franklin. M. Brunier desirant connaitre la maniere d’Electriser de M. Comus Se dispose à y Venir Mercredi. Je lui ai proposé d’accompagner Monsieur franklin, dans le cas où cet arrangement pourait lui convenir. En consequence...
95To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Childs, 20 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In addition to that Happiness which resulted from being honored with a Letter from Mr. Jay was that of perceiving myself noticed by you— Permit me to return you my most sincere thanks for your generosity shewn to me— I feel a pleasure in informing you that by application of Col. Smith to Sir Guy Carleton the Press alluded to in Mr. Jay’s Letter—your...
96To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, [20 October 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The famous William Pitt is just Arrived in Paris, and is just Returning to London— He Has Expressed a warm desire to Get Acquainted with You, and As I Hoped You would Come to day to the American dinner, I Have invited Him together with Lord Camden’s, duke of Grafton’s Sons, and two other of His friends—it is Possible You will be Glad to know a Young Man...
97To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt & Co., 20 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society In consequence of orders received last winter from Philadelphia we desired our Correspondents at Nantes Messrs. David Gallwey & Co. to make Insurance on the Ship Nancy: Capt. Shewell to the Amount of One hundred and Seventy thousand Livres. They not being able to compleat the whole Sum, gave orders to Mr. Richard Gallwey of Brodeaux to Insure the residue,...
98To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 20 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Every hour of my Life induces me most Gratefully to commemorate the Æra, that first made me acquainted with the Virtuous Heir of ancient Roman Patriotism; this day I had the honor of your Excellencys of the 2d Inst: at the same time that I had one from Philadelphia, mentioning a hope that this Independant Kingdom would be included in the Commercial Treaty—...
99To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [21 October 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society J’ai passe hier chez vous et j’ai èté bien fache de ne vous y avoir pas trouvé car malheureusement J’ai poussé de là Jusqu’à Paris d’ou je suis revenu trop tard pour vous aller défier aux èchecs. M. Argand m’a dit hier que M. De Montgolfier avoit appris que vous désiriez voir une Expérience de Son ballon tout à votre aise et avec peu de monde et m’a chargé...
100To Benjamin Franklin from Geneviève-Elisabeth Belamy Le Veillard, 22 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Me. Le Veillard souhaite le bonjour a monsieur franklin et le prie de venir ce soir prendre le Thé avéc elle. In her husband’s hand.