31To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse de Golowkin, [after 12 April 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Je vous souhaite un tendre bonjour mon cher Papa, et vous prie de me prêter pour quelques instants le recueil des Romances de J.J. Rousseau. La chaleur excessive, des inquiètudes sans nombre, des affaires m’onts empechès tous ces jours ici d’aller vous dire combien je vous aime tendrement, c’est ainsi mon cher Papa, que je vous embrasse. Addressed: à...
32John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Let me request of you, to turn your Attention as soon as possible to the Subject of a Treaty of Commerce between the United States of America and Great Britain, and transmit to me, a Project that you would advise me to propose in the first Instance. For my own Part I like the Plan agreed on with Prussia so well, that I must request you to send me a Copy of it, and with such Changes as you may...
33John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 June 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Westminster, London, 20 June 1785 . Acknowledges their letter of 15 June; agrees “entirely … in sentiment respecting Gratification to be given to Mr. John Baptist Pecquet and the Letter to be written to him.” RC ( DNA : PCC , No. 84, v); 1 p.; at foot of letter: “Their Excellencies Messrs. Franklin & Jefferson.” FC ( MHi : AMT ); in Adams’ hand.
I have now the honour to inform you that having shewn my Commission to the Right Honourable the Marquis of Carmarthen, and left an Authenticated Copy together with a Copy of my Letter of Credence to the King according to the usage. I had the Honour on the first of this month to be introduced by his Lordship to His Majesty, in his Closet with all the Ceremonies, and formalities, practised on...
Our Secretary of State for foreign Affairs, in a Letter of 13. Ap. informs me, that he wrote Us a Letter by Capt. Lamb dated 11. March, inclosing a Variety of Papers respecting the Treaties We are directed to negotiate and conclude with the Barbary Powers. inclosed is a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of 14. Feb. 1785, inclosed to me, in the Secretary’s Letter.— I know nothing of Capt Lambs...
36John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 29 May 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Our Secretary of State for foreign affairs, in a Letter of 13. Ap. informs me, that he wrote Us a Letter by Capt. Lamb dated 11. March, inclosing a Variety of Papers respecting the Treaties we are directed to negotiate and conclude with the Barbary Powers. Inclosed is a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of 14. February 1785, inclosed to me, in the Secretary’s Letter. I know nothing of Capt....
37William Carmichael to Benjamin Franklin, 15 April 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Since I had the honor to write you on the 4th. Instant I have received from the Ct. de Rechteren the inclosed copy of a letter from the Dutch consul in Marocco which I forward for the information of the commissioners. I am also advised by Mr. Harrison that the Spanish Consul to the Emperor, but now at Cadiz preparing Presents for that Prince, informed him that he was instructed by the Ct. de...
38John Adams to Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1785 (Adams Papers)
According to your desire, I went early this Morning to Versailles, and finding the Count de Vergennes unembarassed with Company, and only attended by his private Secretaries, I soon obtained the Honour of a Conference, in which I told him that my Colleagues were very sorry, that Indisposition necessarily prevented their paying their respects to him in Person, & obliged them to request me alone...
39John Adams to Franklin and Jefferson, 20 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
According to your desire I went early this morning to Versailles and finding the Ct. de Vergennes unembarassed with company, and only attended by his private Secretaries, I soon obtained the honour of a conference, in which I told him that my colleagues were very sorry that indisposition necessarily prevented their paying their respects to him in person, and obliged them to request me alone to...
40To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 15 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed Your Excellency will find a Letter from a Canadian who Requests I would Recommend Him to You— While I was with Congress, I wrote a public Letter Stating the Case of the Citizens of that province who Had Assisted us and were not paid— I Hope a Committee was Appointed to Consider the Affair— So far as Respects Mr. Calvet, I need not See the Lady, But...
41To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 15 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In reply to your favor of the 5th: instt. I send you the Extract from the English translation of Kæmpfer’s history of Japan Vol. 2nd. Book 5. c. 6. p. 444–5, as follows. “The candles brought in at night, are hollow in the middle; the wick, which is of paper, being wound about a wooden stick, before the tallow is laid on. For this reason also the...
42To Benjamin Franklin from Charles de Butré, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 8 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Je viens de lire avec un attendrissement inexprimable les lettres d’un cultivateur américain, elles me confirment dans ce que j’avois toujours pensé Sur la fausse description faite de ce paÿs par l’abbé Raynal historien peu véridique Sur les principaux points de Son histoire politique. C’est une Suite variée des tableaux les plus touchans et les plus...
43To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay: Two Letters, 8 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
(I) LS : Library of Congress; AL (draft) Columbia University Library; copy: National Archives; (II) LS : American Philosophical Society You will perceive from the enclosed Resolution of Congress which passed Yesterday That you are permitted to return to America as soon as convenient. This Circumstance must afford great Pleasure to your Family and Friends here, and I am persuaded you will...
44To Benjamin Franklin from Lorenzo Manini, 8 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai eté tres sensible à l’honneur de vos bontés, Monsieur, et je Vous en marque ma satisfaction par la version, que j’en ai fait moi même. Ce compliment passe la regle ordinaire, il Vous convient, agréez-le, Monsieur; et si j’ai reussi, procurez moi d’autres occasions d’augmenter, s’il se peut, vôtre celebrité en Italie. Vos Constitutions auront leur tour...
45To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 8 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai communiqué M. a M. le Mal. de Castries la nouvelle note que vous m’aviez fait l’honneur de me remettre relativement à la Contestation qui S’etoit elevée a Nantes entre le Contre maitre et le Capne. du navire americain La marianne. Ce ministre vient de me faire la reponse dont je joins icy une copie. Vous y verrez, M. les raisons qui...
46To Benjamin Franklin from James Partridge, 3 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The packet sent me for Mrs Barry shall be taken care of, & this letter for Governor Pownal as it relates to her affairs I shall deliver my self & shall be glad if he can say any thing that may be advantageous to the good little Woman. My Niece & I return you our warmest thanks for your polite wishes on our journey & for the many Civilities shew’d us at your...
47To Benjamin Franklin from Windisch-Grätz, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 3 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society C’est avec le plus grand plaisir du monde, que je vois par l’obligeante reponse dont vous m’honnorez Monsieur, que vous approuvez mon déssein; mais je Suis bien Surpris, que les exemplaires, que j’ai eu lhonneur de vous addresser ne vous Soient point parvennus. Le paquet a été fermé Sous mes yeux, et la ettre, que j’ai eu lhonneur de vous ecrir Se trouvoit...
48Thomas Jefferson to Franklin and John Adams: Résumé, 1 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society ⟨March 1, 1785: Mr. Jefferson sends Mr. Adams and Dr. Franklin his notes on the treaty with Prussia. When Mr. Adams has perused them, he should send them to Dr. Franklin. Mr. Jefferson proposes a meeting at Passy on Thursday [ March 3 ] at 12 o’clock. He sends “the Prussian propositions, mr. Adams’s & Dr. Franklin’s notes, & the former project & observations...
49To Benjamin Franklin from John Coakley Lettsom, 1 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society The enclosed is a rough sketch of a few data, which I mean to enlarge, as soon as I am informed; of the certainty of these data. May I request the favour of a line; which shall be confidential. I have a copy of the enclosed, which need not be returned. I have desired my frd, Des Gesnettes to wait upon thee for any commands; in order to take off any trouble of...
50From Thomas Jefferson to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, 1 March 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Mr. Adams and Doctr. Franklin and sends them his notes on the treaty with Prussia. He prays Mr. Adams, when he shall have perused them to send them to Dr. Franklin and proposes to meet them on the subject at Passy on Thursday at 12. o’clock. He sends the Prussian propositions, Mr. Adams’s and Dr. Franklin’s notes, and the former project and observations which...
51To Benjamin Franklin from Baron von Grimm, 28 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Bon. de Grimm, Ministre Plénipe. de Saxe Gotha, prend la liberté de recommander aux bontés de Monsieur Franklin les porteurs de ce billet, M. Landolt de Zurich et Son Mentor, M. le Chanoine Neckerman de Coblence. Ces deux voyageurs ne peuvent Se résoudre à quiter la France, Sans avoir rendu leurs hommages à Monsieur Franklin. Le Bon. de Grimm Supplie...
52To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 27 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: National Archives I have delayed writing to your Excy in Expectation of having it in my power to advise you that the unfortunate Mr Hartwell would be entirely extricated from the Situation to which however as you will see by the inclosed papers, his imprudence exposed him. Much About the Time I recd. your Excys. Letter respecting his confinement at Logroño One written to me from...
53To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir, 25 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’Ecrire, Et J’ai fait Expedier aussitot le Passeport dont a besoin le sr. Vonheinen pour retourner En hollande. J’ai l’honneur d’Etre avec un respectueux attachement Monsieur, Votre trés humble Et trés obeissant Serviteur Not found.
54To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 23 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society It is long since I have heard from you. The present is the first opportunity I have had for writing to you by a private hand, & my ignorance of the party still prevents my being particular. You will receive herewith a parcel of books. I am sorry not to have another copy of the Cincinnati at hand, with one or two other pamphlets, but these shall come by...
55To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 21 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous m’aviez fait l’amitié de me promettre que vous m’avertiriez quand le petit modele de presse que vous attendiez d’Angleterre vous seroit parvenu. Je vous serai infiniment obligé de vouloir bien me le faire savoir, parce que j’irai la visiter jeudi prochain si vous voulez me donner à dîner. Je serai bien enchanté d’avoir le plaisir de passer quelques...
56To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Childs, 17 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is some time since I did myself the honor to Address you, & in the present instance I importune you with this only that my situation in Life demands it,—sensible that your time must be engrossed by your attention to matters of more importance.— I have experienced considerable loss by being as yet disappointed in not receiving the Types which so long has...
57To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Michel, 16 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Votre Excellence est peut être informée que Le Capne Buttler Commandant L’Aréthuse arrivé en ce port e Vingt huit du Mois dernier & Venant de Baltimore auroit amené avec lui dudit Lieu Une jeune fille agée d’environ dix Sept ans qui Se Seroit engagée Sous l’habit D’homme en qualité de Novice. Le Navire étoit bien amaré Dans notre port depuis deux jours...
58To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis and Marquise de Lafayette, 15 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society M et Mde. La Mise. De la Fayette prient Monsieur Franklin de leur faire lhonneur de Venir diner chez eux Lundy prochain. Feb. 21. There are five additional invitations for Monday dinners during the remaining months of BF ’s stay in France. All are engraved forms with MS insertions, issued in the name of the marquis only and written in English, with dates of...
59To Benjamin Franklin from Louis Delacolonge, 14 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Comme plusieurs personnes m’ont proposé de n’achetter de ma fonderie que certains articles, laquelle fonderie j’ai eu l’honneur de vous offrir dans le temps, je me suis decidé de la vendre par parties détachées; cette vente Se fera chés moi, et commencera le 20 ou le 25 avril prochain au plus tard; jj’ai l’honneur de vous en prévenir pour que Si vous êtes...
60To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Laumoy, 13 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Messieurs du Portail Gouvion et moi avons regu dernierement des lettres de Mr. de Marbois Consul Genal. de france à Philadelphie, par lesquelles il nous mande que Mr. Millegan lui a dit vous avoir envoyé les nouveaux certificats des Sommes qui nous Sont dues par le Congrès, et dont l’Interest doit être d’orênavant payé à paris par Mr. Grand.— Oserois-je...
61To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Ponçins, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 12 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Lannée derniere il vous fût adréssé par le chevalier De montorcier De Sugny, ancien Capitaine au régiment de flandre, de la ville de montbrison, un projet pour lever un Corps de militaires et douvriers, pour lutilité des états unis de lamerique. Ce cher. de Sugny montorcier, est mon Cousin germain; son age de Séxagenaire, et la goutte dont il est possedé,...
62To Benjamin Franklin from Simon-Pierre Fournier le jeune, 10 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay L’honneur de vous prier de m’indiquer Par Le Nomé dupui macçon Le moyen d’empecher La fumé de Ces nouvelles Cheminé de votre invention: ma Cheminée servait pour un Poële en Niche: on na mis pardevant une Languette et La Cheminée fait Cecy. Je Crains quil ny est Pas assez de renfoncement vu La niche qui monte droite et La fumé se trouve arrété par Les...
63To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Vernier, 10 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous Supplie d’excuser la liberté que je prends de m’addresser à vous, pour vous prier de me faire la grace de m’instruire Sur ce que je dois faire à l’égard de trois Contrats ou obligations du Congrès des Etats de Pensilvanie de 1000. Dollars chacun qui m’ont été Cédés par les Sieurs Lavabre Doerner et Compe. de Paris, par acte du 9. Janvier 1781....
64To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Williamos, 9 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M: Williamos has the honor to present his Most respectfull Compliments to Doctor Franklin, will wait on his Excellency with Much pleasure on Monday Next. After his return from America, bearing recommendations from Horatio Gates (see Gates to BF , Aug. 16), Williamos deepened his friendship with TJ and greatly impressed the Adams family. A former British...
65To Benjamin Franklin from Reichsgraf Windisch-Grätz, 9 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Sátní oblastní archiv v Plzni, pracovištěe Klášter Vous avez fait tant de bien a votre patrie, et vous avez rendu de Si grands Services a l’humanité en général par les lumieres, que vous avez répandues; que tout homme, qui croit avoir des vuës utiles, peut Se flatter, que vous voudrez bien concourrir a les propager. C’est là Monsieur ce qui me...
66To Benjamin Franklin from Simon-Pierre Fournier le jeune, 8 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jay l’honneur de vous Ecrire pour vous prier de me rendre Le service de mêtre utile Concernant des Caracteres ou frappe des matrices justifié que je desirerais sur vos auspices envoyer dans La nouvelle amérique ou Boston. Permetteriés vous que J’alla vous demander demain a diner. Me L’ayant offert L’année Passé avec ma femme: qui est Partit Pour prende...
67To Benjamin Franklin from Esprit-Antoine Gibelin, 7 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Augustin Dupré began making sketches for a Benjamin Franklin medal in 1783. The obverse was straightforward: it would show Franklin in profile, with his undressed hair falling about his shoulders. One preliminary sketch ringed the portrait with a legend identifying him as minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America. The final version, struck in...
68To Benjamin Franklin from Madame ——— Düeil, 6 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Les bonté dont Madame adelaide honnore ma familles mayant atire a versalles pour luy faire des remercimant jesperé profitté de Ce momant pour avoir lhonneur de vous faire ma Cours et vous demandé vos hordre [ordres] pour du vin de chanpangne ayant lieux desperé que vous avés esttes Contans de Celuy que jay heut lhonneur de vous fournir au moy daout quatre...
69To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 28 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Doctr. Franklin & sends him some newspapers received from America, which when he shall have perused he will beg the favor of him to send to mr. Adams. Addressed: A Monsr. / Monsr. Franklin / Ministre plenip. / des etats unis d’Amerique / á Passy
70From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 28 January 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson’s compliments to Doctr. Franklin and sends him some newspapers received from America, which when he shall have perused he will beg the favor of him to send to Mr. Adams. RC ( PPAP ); addressed: “A Monsr. Monsr. Franklin Ministre plenip. des etats unis d’Amerique à Passy.” Not recorded in SJL . The papers sent have not been identified.
71To Benjamin Franklin from Ann Ourry, 27 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I did myself the Honor of Writing to You by a Similar opportunity about two Years ago, but am certain that letter never reach’d you, for exclusive of the long friendship that subsisted between You & my Dear Father, & the kind attention You were so good to shew my Mother, & me in my Childhood, I know the Unfortunate have a claim on Your humanity that...
72To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Archambault, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 25 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. Mottin de la Balme, aprés s’estre retiré de l’Etat Major de la Gendarmerie avec rang de Capitaine de Cavalerie, avec l’agrément du Ministere passa en amérique pendant la Guerre qu’elle á Soutenue contre l’Angleterre, avec titre de Colonel, et la permission d’emmener avec lui vingt cinq volontaires. Le General Wasingthon le fit inspecteur Général de toute...
73To Benjamin Franklin from John Walter, 23 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By your Grandson I had the Honor to transmit you a Copy of the first Letter in the Alphabet in the Mode I pursue in printing, which I hope came safe to Hand, though the Rect I am not honor’d with an Acknowledgemt. of. Several Books having been issued from my Press on various Subjects among the rest Adams on Electricity & the first Volume of a Series of...
74To Benjamin Franklin from Gioanni Francesco Viglione: Résumé, 22 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania ⟨Turin, January 22, 1785, in Italian: Most illustrious and honorable Professor, I send you my work in the fervent hope that you will enjoy such a first effort, and forgive the many mistakes in printing. Drawing on the fundamental principles of your theory, I have dared to slightly disagree with you and Professor Beccaria in my own experiments and...
75To Benjamin Franklin from Henri Fizeaux & Cie., 20 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Pott & Cie. de Lausanne nous ont fait parvenir Suivant vos ordres un ballot de Livres, en nous en recommandant l’expedition ulterieure à M Thompson à Philadelphie, ce que nous ne differerons pas d’executer, si vous ne nous en ordonnés pas autrement, nous prierons ensuite M. Grand de nous rembourser de nos frais, présumant que telles Sont vos...
76To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Beyer, 17 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Les bontés dont vous daignés m’honorer m’enhardissent à prendre la liberté de vous informer que MM. de l’académie m’ont fait dire de me rendre à leur assemblée de mercredi prochain, avec l’instrument dont je Suis l’inventeur. Comme je ne fais aucun doute, Monsieur, du plaisir que vous aurés à apprendre le Jugement que ces Mrs. auront porté Sur la...
77To Benjamin Franklin from James Erwin, 17 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Tis with the utmost Grief I acqt. you the Accident which as befallen me at my Departure from Cadix bound to Tereniffe but unfortunately taken by one of the Emperor of Morroccos Cruizers and carried to Tangier were my Vessel lays. Obliged afterwards myself & people with many fatigues to proceed to Morrocco to the Emperor with whom I spoke to and...
78To Benjamin Franklin from [Fortunato Bartolomeo de Felice], 15 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Permettez qu’un admirateur depuis 35 ans aumoins de vos grands talens vous adresse la lettre ci jointe, elle servira de preface a quelques idées que j’ai mises par écrit ces jours passes et que je viens de donner à l’imprimerie. Un personnage distingué de la Haye m’envoya il y a 6 semaines les Observations de M. l’Abbé de Mably, sur les differentes...
79To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de La Rouërie, 15 January 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The ponctuality of america in her engagement with us having impressed our hearts with gratitude & respect, we have wished to communicate and fire theses sentiments in every honest Breast in our Country—we have thought that, by publishing the inclosed paper—we would, in some measure, attain our purpose—I send it to your Exellency for your approbation, and as...
80To Benjamin Franklin from Tronquoy, [after 15 January 1785] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress J’ai ecrit a Bordeaux dans votre intêret comme j’ai eu l’honneur d’en convenir avec vous. Ci joint les copies de mes lettres, ensemble la reponce que j’ai reçu. Par le courier de demain j’ecrirai encore pour qu’on employe la voye la plus prompte pour l’expédition qu’on doit me faire. Je m’emprésserai de vous faire passer le Remede des que je l’aurai reçu avec...