101To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 7 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Massachusetts Historical Society I have received your several late favors by Mr Jonathan Williams & Mr. Penn, with many thanks.— I cut out such parts of your newspapers as I judged proper to have published here, & was about to send them to some printer, but young Mr H. Laurens coming at the moment, I put them into his hands, as his father was well enough acquainted with the...
102To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 9 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete AL : American Philosophical Society Having heard that you have been told at Paris, that Lord Shelburne had used foul play about the instructions for removing the troops from New York, I have only to state as a fact, that Genl. Gray in a letter I have in my possession addressed to Lord Keppel, requests to know on what means he may depend for removing the troops from New York, which...
103To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 3 October 1771: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Boston, October 3, 1771. Wrote a few days ago to enclose the third set of bills for 1,754 guilders. > See Williams to BF above, Sept. 19.
104To Benjamin Franklin from Jakob Oberleithner, 9 January 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <Vienna, January 9, 1778, in Latin: Jakob Oberleithner, doctor of medicine, sends greetings to the most illustrious Benjamin de Francklin. We understand from the newspapers that you are acting for the Americans with authority and loving solicitude, and you will doubtless be looking for excellent physicians. If you need me, qualified as I am by my degree,...
105To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Faillieux le Jeune, 18 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, August 18, 1778, in French: I delivered a letter to you from one of your correspondents in Amsterdam and have left my address that the answer may be returned to my care.> He signs himself, “Negt. rüe des petis champs St Martin.”
106To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Dartmouth to Franklin, William Bollan, and Arthur Lee, 23 December 1774: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Public Record Office <St. James’s Square, Friday, December 23, 1774: A note in the third person asking them to meet him at his house at ten the following morning. > To learn how the King had received the petition from the Continental Congress; see the following document.
107To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Huck, 15 November 1769: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society [November 15, 1769. An invitation to dine with Sir John Pringle on Friday next.] The noted physician, for whom see above, XV , 172 n. The note is merely dated Wednesday, but the invitation is for Friday, Nov. 17; between the knighting of Pringle and BF ’s departure from England Friday fell on the 17th only in 1769.
108To Benjamin Franklin from Harvard College, 16 June 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William C. Lane, “Harvard College and Franklin,” The Publications of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts , X (1907), 238. <June 16, 1772: The President and Fellows vote to extend their thanks to Franklin for the gift of Dr. Priestley’s History and Present State of the Discoveries Relating to Vision, Light, and Colours (London, 1772), and to request Dr. Winthrop to forward a...
109To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 30 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer l’Exempl. in 40. pour le Grand Duc de Russie. Je vous renvoye aussi l’Ex. in 80. que vous m’aviez fait passer. Je suis avec un respect infini, Monsieur, Votre très humble & très obeissant serviteur Notation: Pierres 30 Août 1783. Grand Duke Paul of Russia, whom BF had met in the summer of 1782: XXXVII , 311–12, 316, 445–6.
110To Benjamin Franklin from Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hartley and John(?) Batley, 4 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr & Mrs Hartley & Mr Batley present their respectfull compliments to Dr Franklin—they will do themselves the honour of accepting his kind invitation on Fryday next. Addressed: To / His Excellency / Dr Franklin / &c &c &c / Passy Notation: Mr. & Mrs. Hartley. Paris 4 Oct. 1780 Possibly John Batley, like Hartley, a London merchant. A lacemaker, he is listed...
111To Benjamin Franklin from ——— and ——— de Monregard, 7 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. et Madame de Monregard, et leur fils acceptent avec le plus grand plaisir la proposition de Monsieur Franklin d’avoir l’honneur de diner chez luy samedy prochain 13. de ce mois, et ils s’y rendront avec grand Empressement. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy. The only year of BF ’s residence at Passy when the seventh of February was a Sunday.
112To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Waterhouse, 16 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The enclosed letters I brought with me from London—several circumstances concurred to detain me in England longer than I wished or expected, or there would not have been so long a space between the date of these letters and their delivery— Dr. Fothergill would have written to you long before, but deferred it, for obvious reasons, untill some safe...
113George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 9 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Bergen County [ New Jersey ] October 9, 1780 . States that the idea of a tour of Europe with Franklin after the war would be tempting if domestic affairs were not so urgent. Asserts that the American military and political situation is such that the country can only be saved by either peace or money from America’s allies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
114To Benjamin Franklin from Dr. Joseph Jeffries, 12 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr Jeffries, who saw a letter to a common friend, in wc it was said, I desire to be remembered to the Society wc you know I love & esteem , with pleasure takes this oppertunity of assuring you, in their name & his own,— that their love & esteem of you is not in the least abated since you left them. Notation: [A?] Dr Jeffries to B. F. For this dissenting...
115To Benjamin Franklin from Lords Bessborough and Grantham: Commission to Benjamin Franklin and John Foxcroft, 25 … (Franklin Papers)
Copy: General Post Office, London In the summer of 1765 the British postal service in North America was divided into two jurisdictions: a northern district, stretching from Virginia through Canada, and a southern district, including North Carolina, the continental colonies to the south, and the Bahama Islands. Under this new dispensation Franklin and Foxcroft, hitherto the deputy postmasters...
116To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 19 February 1748 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Historical Society of Pennsylvania My Friend B.F. I wrote to him about the Title page of Euclid and the Lottery now fully drawn and desired his direction concluding his Affectionate friend. See above, p. 219.
117To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, [1765–1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Strahan presents his best Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and begs he would send the Letter by the Bearer. This note might have been written at any time when BF was in London after he had received his honorary doctorate from the University of St. Andrews in February 1759. It is possible that the letter Strahan referred to was one of BF ’s communications to...
118To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 1 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your letter, my dearest sir, was heavenly to me and filled me with the utmost transports. I dare not tell you what I had feared; but I thought your mind must see into every little corner and expectation of my heart, and would acquit me of every thing but the true motive. It has done so, and has only if possible raised you higher in my conceptions. As I know...
119To Benjamin Franklin from Osgood Hanbury & Company, 15 June 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Messrs. Hanbury’s respects to Doctor Franklin and inform him, that upon Captain Bannings coming up this Evening, they find the Ship will not be ready to sail before the 24th. Instant, by which time if the Chariott can be got ready the Captain shall take particular care of it. For Osgood Hanbury, a Quaker merchant with offices at 34 Great Tower Street and...
120To Benjamin Franklin from Laignel Sauvage, 7 August 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Calais, August 7, in French: A local shoemaker offers two thousand pairs of shoes at 3 l.t. 12 sols the pair; do you want them? I advanced four Louis to Mr. Meulens, an officer in the Berwick regiment who wanted to go to Liége and had no money, and who is now in the American service; please repay me if you can. Nowhere are shirts cheaper than here; I offer...
121To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Thibouzet: Poem: résumé, 15 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society <Rue Jean-Robert, hôtel d’Estrées, Paris, October 15, 1781, in French: Thibouzet dedicates to Franklin three pages of rhymed couplets, unequal in length and erratic in spelling. The poet wishes to rally a discouraged America, unhappy victim of more than four centuries of tyrannical oppression. He praises France as America’s courageous defender and Franklin...
122To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Vaughan], 29 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I received your little scrap of paper, and found it more acceptable than volumes from other people. I am sorry however to find that so little can at this moment be recovered, that is suitable to our purpose. But be that as it may, we shall be content to go on with what you have got; and the sooner it comes the better, on account of the season, when the press...
123To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Life, 16 November 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania His Lordship has only heard 2 Exceptions this Evening Your Cause[?] therefore Stands now the Seventh. His Lordship sits again next Friday Evening when it may probably come on. I am Sir Your very humble Servant See the preceding document. BF ’s case advanced toward argument at the pace of a lazy snail, and a month later was second in line: Life to BF...
124To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Sherwood, 11 September 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Joseph Sherwood Presents his Respects to B. Franklyn Esqr. and Informs him, that Sherwood Attended at his Lodgings the beginning of the Week, with the Papers &c. ready to send to Charles Read Esqr. Addressed: For / Benjn. Franklyn Esqr. / at Mrs. Stephensons / Craven Street / Strand See above, p. 217 n.
125To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, [before 7 December 1779] (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): Library of Congress This letter is one of the many fragmentary or undated Vaughan manuscripts which have challenged our editorial skill. Although we include it here, as belonging to the general period before Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces was published, it was most likely written just after Christmastime, 1776, when Vaughan arrived in Paris bearing an early...
126To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 4 March 1769: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society [March 4, 1769. Repeats the substance of his letters of February 17 and March 1, printed above. Adds that he has received another bill of exchange from Postmaster Hubbart for £100, drawn by Nathaniel Rogers on a London merchant. The worst of the winter was in February, which is unusual. He hopes his gout will not lose him his place.] For Rogers see BF to...
127To Benjamin Franklin from [Jonathan Shipley, 1771–75]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <Jermyn Street, Wednesday morning, in the third person. Invites Franklin to dinner next Monday. > BF ’s friendship with the Shipleys appears to have begun in 1771, and we are therefore printing the invitation under the earliest likely date.
128To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Hellfriedt, 11 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Marseilles, February 11, 1778, in English: Letters from unknown persons must arouse your skepticism; please inquire about me, therefore, from the bearer. I have commercial proposals of great importance to lay before you in person, and am ready to come to Paris as agent for a powerful merchant in Denmark, who has at his disposal a secure harbour,...
129To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Duffy, 26 January 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <St. Malo, January 26, 1777, in English: The writer, an Irishman and Recollect friar, addresses his letter to Franklin as “Irish Gentle-Man” and informs him that he has a needy relative named Geene, Ginny, or Jeanne Franklin, the widow of “your Brother Robin Francklin” of Limerick. The letter is endorsed, apparently by Temple, “Jane Franklin pretended.”>
130To Benjamin Franklin from Paulze, 27 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. Paulze fait mille complimens à M. Le Docteur franklin, il a l’honneur de le prevenir que la Biblioteque du Roy lui sera ouverte Jeudi prochain 30. depuis onze heures jusques à deux, que MM. les Bibliotequaires s’empresseront de l’y recevoir et lui montrer tout ce qu’il est de rare. Il est à propos que M. franklin et sa compagnie se trouvent a onze heures...
131To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 25 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The return of Mr White enables me to send you some of the articles you asked of me to procure. You will find the list inclosed, and in my next I will try to send you a bill of my disbursements, both now & formerly.— Mr Franklin’s glasses will be forwarded by Mr Storer, or earlier, if an opportunity offers. They would have gone now by Mr White, had I...
132To Benjamin Franklin from Pio, 20 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. de Pio a reçu avec le plus grand plaisir La Medaille, dont Monsieur Franklin a bien voulu lui faire le genéreux present. Il a l’honneur de Lui en faire tous ses remercimens, et de lui temoigner toute sa reconnaissance./. The Libertas Americana medal that he requested on March 20, above.
133To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pownall, [1765–1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Govr. Pownall presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin finds he shall necessarily be detained at home here to too late an hour for breakfasting with Dr. Franklin. But will if not inconvenient call upon him about eleven. Addressed: Dr Franklin / at Mrs Stevenson’s / Craven Street/ Strand
134To Benjamin Franklin from John MacMahon, 13 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Doctor Mac Mahon presents his sincere respects to Dr. Franklin, and thanks for his obliging invitation. He is very sorry not to have had it in his power to wait upon him these three or four weeks past, but will break off a previous engagement to have that honour next sunday. Addressed: A son Excellence / Monsieur le Docteur Franklin / Ministre...
135To Benjamin Franklin from the Conde de Aranda, 20 September 1784 (Franklin Papers)
L : Library of Congress L’Ambassadeur d’Espagne a l’honneur de remettre à Monsieur Franklin Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de l’Amerique Septentrionale la Léttre ci-jointe, qu’il vient de recevoir de Madrid, et il saisit cette occasion pour lui reiterer les assurances de son fidele attachement. Undoubtedly Carmichael’s letter of Sept. 13 (misdated as August), above.
136To Benjamin Franklin from Mademoiselle Juppin, 12 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society je suis arrivée hier de la campagne, il y a deux mois que je ne vous ai vue, jai le plus grand désir de vous voir, voulez me donner a dinér aujourdhuy, jyrai savoir par moi meme de vos nouvelles, et vous embrasser de tout mon coeur. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / a passy The only Sunday, Sept. 12, during BF ’s stay.
137To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Gale, 5 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Important Affairs In which You have been Engaged, Since Your Residence at the Court of France, I have Esteemed a Sufficient Bar to prevent my Writing You, on Matters which Relate to my Private Affairs, But must now beg Leave to Sollicit Your Assistance, on a Subject which may be an Advantage to me, and our Family, and perhaps Eventually to This Whole...
138To Benjamin Franklin from John Allen, 24 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honnor of writing the 29th. of Last Month to your Excellence, beging, you would be so good as to grant me a Register for the Brign Lovely Aglaé that I Purcheas’d at this Port, being without any Answer, I take the Liberty to request of your Excellence not to forget my just Demand, as my Brig is all Ready, and am only waiting for a favourable...
139To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 11 June 1749 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Historical Society of Pennsylvania Wrote to B. Franklin to come up and See my Books.
140To Benjamin Franklin from William and Mary Hewson, 22 March [1771–74]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library <March 22, [1771–74 ]: a note in the third person, in Polly Hewson’s hand. Reminds Franklin that he has promised to dine with them next Thursday.> The Hewsons were married in July, 1770, and he died suddenly in May, 1774. The invitation could have been in any March between those dates, and according to our practice we are assigning it to the earliest...
141To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Grubb, 13 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Grubb presents his respectful Compliments to his Excellency Dr. Franklin, & requests him to grant him a passport for England via Callais. Mr. G. ill state of Health is the cause of the demand, & hopes his Excellency will in consequence, order one to be made out Addressed: His Excellency / Benjamin Franklin. / Passy Notation: Mr. Grubb Paris 13th. Jany. 1783
142To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 25 April 1768: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society [New York, April 25, 1768. Franklin will probably have left before this reaches London. Wrote him a week ago, enclosing some papers (for which see his letter above, April 18); has heard nothing from him since December, but the February packet has not yet arrived. Wishes him a safe and speedy return home.]
143To Benjamin Franklin from Louis Tardy, 4 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Louis Tardy presents his respects to Mr Franklin begs the favour that he will be so obliging as to give him the address, in town, of the purser of the ship of war, the Alliance. If you have any thing Bulky to send to Nantes I shall deliver it safe thither. I set out for that place in one day or two. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / a Passy...
144To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Dunbar, 21 May 1755 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; extract printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1755 (Philadelphia, 1755), p. 175. May 21, 1755 Two sentences from this unlocated letter are printed in the Pennsylvania Assembly’s reply, Sept. 29, 1755, to Governor Morris’ charge, September 24, that the Assembly had done little to support Braddock’s expedition (see below, pp. 208–9).
145To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 2 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : Library of Congress M le Cte. de Vergennes a l’honneur d’envoyer à Monsieur franklin deux exemplaires des articles preliminaires de paix convenus entre le Roi et le Roi de la Grande Bretagne. Signed on Jan. 20; see XXXVIII , 605n. Those preliminary articles had in fact been ratified by both governments, as Vergennes may have known; he and Fitzherbert exchanged ratified treaties the...
146To Benjamin Franklin from [Samuel Wharton], 3 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I have sent you two other Parcels of News papers by Mr. Thornton. I am with the Sincerst Regard dear Sir Yours most affectionately. Identified by the handwriting.
147To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Jackson, 20 May 1771: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library <General Post Office, May 20, 1771, a note in the third person. Sends a piece of elastic gum with a thousand good wishes.> Identified by the handwriting and place of origin. For Jackson see above, XIV , 301 n. In November BF sent Jonathan Williams, Sr., six “vessels” of elastic gum, costing £1 16 s. Jour., p. 37.
148To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Brancas, 21 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. le Mis. de brancas prie Mr. franclin de lui faire dire a qu’elle heure il pouroit avoir l’honneur de le voir le matin et quel jour lui conviendroit il s’interesse beaucoup a un jeune homme qui est a philadelphie et dont il voudroit lui parler. Louis-Paul de Brancas, marquis de Brancas (1718–after 1791), son of Louis, maréchal de France , was a...
149To Benjamin Franklin from Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, [after 22 May 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. De Veymerange demeure rüe neuve des maturins— Jai fait Ecrire chez lui monsieur Franklin ainsy que moy, cest Sans doutte par un retour de Politesse qu’il est venu icy. Mr Grand prie monsieur Franklin fils de vouloir bien lui envoyer Les Etats des payements quil a Laissé hier Sur son Bureau. Il à besoin de faire un nouveau travail dessus. See the...
150George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 15 January 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] January 15, 1781 . Introduces and commends Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens. Explains reasons for sending Laurens to France. Df , in the writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.