1From John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 5 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
The Volume of Dr Franklins Correspondence has Seemed to make me live over again my Life at Passy I rejoice that the Public are to have a compleat Edition of his Works, for there is Scarce a Scratch of his Pen that is not worth preserving. I am pleased to See you, at length appearing on the Stage of human Affairs. I presume, upon the Virtue of old Acquaintance to introduce to you Mr Theodore...
2From Thomas Jefferson to William Temple Franklin, 27 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I am favoured with yours of Oct. 13. The President is not yet arrived. Your general desire being known, I will take care that your special preferences shall also be known should circumstances give place to it. Your grandfather sent me only one sheet of Mitchell’s map, and it makes part of the testimony he was desired to give on the subject of the disputed river of St. Croix, being referred to...
3From George Washington to William Temple Franklin, 25 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
I did not receive your letter of the 13th instant until yesterday on my return from an excursion up the Potowmack, which will apologize for the delay of my answer. I am much obliged by your offer to take charge of my letters for Europe—but, having no communication to make at this time, I shall not be able to profit of your politeness. The reason, which you say has been suggested for your...
4From John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 16 October 1790 (Adams Papers)
Last night I had the pleasure to receive your obliging letter of the 13 of this month, and thank you for your information of your intention to embarke for Europe. The advice of your friends in France and England, to be as early as possible in the publication of your Grandfathers papers, is probably judicious; as a certain ardor of curiosity wears off in such cases commonly, in time. Your...
5From Thomas Jefferson to William Temple Franklin, 25 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
On a review of the houses you are so kind as to propose to me, I have no hesitation to prefer one of Mr. Lieper’s. The part of the town, the price, and the landlord determine me to this: and the latter article is not a small consideration, as you tell me you like the landlord. On my part I can say with truth I never had a pin to cavil with a landlord in my life on quitting a house. I take care...
6From Thomas Jefferson to William Temple Franklin, 16 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
On further reflection it appears to me that the houses you mentioned of Mrs. Buddin’s would suit me so perfectly that I must beg the favor of you to ensure me the refusal of two of them adjoining to each other, on the best terms you can. Houses will doubtless rise in the first moment, but as the residence of Congress really calls for but a very few houses, such as those, (probably not a dozen)...
7From Thomas Jefferson to William Temple Franklin, 6 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Jefferson has the honor to present his compliments to Mr. Franklin. He is here without furniture, without housekeeper and faisant très mauvaise chere. If Mr. Franklin is disengaged to-day, and will do him the favor to partake of his little meal without ceremony, it will be so much the more obliging. He dines at half past three pretty exactly. RC ( PPAmP ). Not recorded in SJL .
8I. Thomas Jefferson to William Temple Franklin, 20 April 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
We are now about making up our minds as to the presents which it would be proper for us to give to diplomatic characters which take leave of us. For this purpose it is important to know what are given by other nations. Not foreseeing that I might ever have any thing to do with the decision of such a question, I did not inform myself of the usage even in the court with which I resided. Perhaps...
9From Thomas Jefferson to William Temple Franklin, 14 February 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I received a month ago your favor of Dec. 17. but it is not till now that I am able to answer it, because it is only now that my undertaking the office to which I have been named has been quite decided on. With respect to the one I quit, the nomination being purely with the President, and his anxiety for the success of his administration doubtless as great as in reason it should be, I scarcely...
10From Thomas Jefferson to William Temple Franklin, 7 May 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
On my return from a two months visit to England I found here your favour of Jan. 18. This contains the latest intelligence I have from America. Your effects not being then arrived gives me anxiety for them, as I think they went in a vessel which sailed from Havre the 11th. of November. In this vessel went also the two Mr. Fitzhughs of Virginia, with the Prussian treaty, our papers relative to...
11From George Washington to William Temple Franklin, 26 September 1785 (Washington Papers)
The last post gave me the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 20th inst: covering, among others, a letter from the Marquis de la Fayette, who speaks of you to me in very advantageous terms. but your own merit Sir, of which I have heard frequent mention, is alone sufficient to impress me with very favourable sentiments of you; of which I should be happy to give you personal assurances at...
12William Vernon, Jr., to William Temple Franklin, 28 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The liberal & friendly manner with which you made me the offer of your services induces me to have recourse to you. You will most essentially oblige me if without any inconvenience you could lend me ten or even five Louïs untill I can dispose of my Carriage. My present situation of which you are well informed will apologize for importunity. Whatever might...
13William 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...
14From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 18 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received yours of the 5th (just after I had sent away mine of the 2d). It inclosed one from the good Bishop to you. I have since receiv’d yours of the 12th. I am glad to hear that Mrs Hewson resolves to come. My Love to her and her Children. I consent to your Staying till the End of the Month, on Condition however of your making a Visit to Chilbolton and...
15From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 2 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have not receiv’d a Line from you since that of Sept. 7. now near a Month. I have waited with impatience the Arrival of every Post.— But not a Word.— All your Acquaintance are continually enquiring what News from you.— I have none. Judge what I must feel, what they must think, and tell me what I am to think of such Neglect. I must suppose it Neglect: for...
16From the Comte de Mirabeau to William Temple Franklin, 19 September 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai passé ce matin chez vous, Monsieur, pour avoir L’honneur de vous voir, et de vous faire de sinceres remercimens de toutes vos honnêtetès. Je comptois vous montrer en même temps une Lettre très obligeante que Mr. Vaughan m’a écrite, après avoir Lû celle de votre illustre ayeul, pour m’offrir tous ses services relativement à L’ouvrage dont il Lui parle....
17From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 13 September 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received last Night yours of the 7th. & am glad to hear you are quit of your Fever. You are well advis’d to continue taking the Bark. There is an English Proverb that says, An Ounce of Prevention is worth a Pound of Cure. It is particularly true with regard to the Bark and an Intermittent.— I consent to your going with your Father, and to your Stay in...
18From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 8 September 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have receiv’d no Line from you since that from Dover. I continue as well as when you left me. M. le Veillard is much better but still weak and cannot yet go abroad.— The rest of our Friends are well, and often enquire after you. I intended to have sent you some more Letters; but my Time has been all devour’d by Business and Visitors. The inclos’d Pacquet...
19From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 29 August] 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Seth Kaller, Inc., White Plains, New York (2006) I received last Night your Letter from Calais, and was glad to hear you were so far safe.— When I liv’d in London, there was a Letter-founder of the Name of Moore who liv’d somewhere near Moorfields. He made Printing-Presses of a new Construction, which I lik’d much, and bought one for Lord le Despencer. I have undertaken to procure one...
20From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 25 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nothing very material has happen’d since you left us. The D. [Duke] of Dorset call’d yesterday, and enquir’d if I had heard from you, supposing you had been gone a Week. Mr Adams & Family, Made D’andelot and other Friends have visited me, & Made Saurin who is return’d from England. We din’d with her yesterday. She says Made. D’hauteville will be glad to see...
21From Thomas Jefferson to William Temple Franklin, 18 August 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I am much obliged to you for the trouble you have been so kind as to take with the bearer, but am under a necessity of giving you a little more. I understand the French so imperfectly as to be incertain whether those to whom I speak and myself mean the same thing. I am also ignorant what should be given to such a person as the bearer. I have therefore taken the liberty of referring him to you...
22Matthew Ridley to William Temple Franklin, 1 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You will oblige me by getting an Order from the Minister to let my Baggage pass a Note of which you have underneath & also for the Furniture I propose sending to America— I shall have the pleasure of seeing you on Wednesday.—Capt: Hughes a Relation of mine is with me, if agreeable I propose bringing him; but should you wish it not so, or that there will be...
23Noël Le Mire to William Temple Franklin, 17 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettés moi de vous presenter un Portrait de, Monsieur, Le Marquis De Lafayette, Et vous Suplie de vouloir bien faire a Gréer a, Monsieur, votre Pere. L’autre, Jaurois déssiré pouvoir men a quitter moi même J’ai l’honneur dêtre avec Respect Monsieur Votre trés humble Et trés obéissant Serviteur Endorsement: Le Mire 17 Juin 1784 This engraver (1724–1801)...
24Morellet to William Temple Franklin, [8 January 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le mauvais tems me prive depuis bien longtems du plaisir de voir et votre respectable papa et vous. J’en attens la fin avec bien de l’impatience. J’ai recû votre reponse au sujet de l’affaire que m’avoit confiée mr. le cardinal de rohan et je la lui ai communiquée. Il remercie Mr. votre pere de cet eclaircissement. J’ai pris cette occasion de lui rappeller...
25From the Abbé André Morellet to William Temple Franklin, 31 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettes Monsieur que je vous addresse un memoire sur lequel Mr. le cardinal de rohan demande l’avis de vôtre respectable papa. La rigueur de la saison m’empeche d’aller le lui demander moi même. Il s’agit je crois de savoir si ces gens sont connus de vous si vous aves entendu parler de leur affaire s’ils meritent les secours qu’ils demandent. Mr. le...
M rs . Jay present her Comp ts . to M r . Franklin & takes the liberty of requesting him to write a few lines to M r . Le Noir, desiring permission for Abbe to quit the place of Confinement where she now is immediately, as is very ill & extremely desirous to return & M rs . Jay fears a delay may be dangerous— If M r . Franklin has leisure at present to write the Servant will wait for the...
27From John Jay to William Temple Franklin, 11 November 1783 (Jay Papers)
Accept my Thanks for your obliging Letter of the 27 Ult. which I should have answered last post, but was then much indisposed—unfortunately I have not had a well Day since my arrival—for I had no sooner recovered of a Dysentery, than a sore Throat succeeded. I suspect that abby’s Elopem t . was not resolved upon in a sober moment—it was a Measure for which I cannot concieve of a Motive— I had...
28Le Veillard to William Temple Franklin, 16 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Sérieusement, Monsieur, vous avez cru que jallois faire imprimer ces nottes comme elles sont? Sans doute il faut les etendre et les mettre en style, mais ce n’est pas mon affaire, cette besogne regarde mr. de Villars amy de mr. de Condorcét qui ma vivement sollicité pour avoir ces renseignements; mon intention est d’éxiger qu’il ne fasse rien imprimer sans...
29Rose-Aimée Du Buc d’Enneville, the Comtesse de Choiseul-Meuse, and Jean-Baptiste Du Buc to William Temple Franklin, [c. … (Franklin Papers)
Printed announcement: American Philosophical Society Madame D’enneville , Madame la Comtesse DE Choisëul , & M. DU Buc , Intendant Général des Colonies, sont venus pour avoir l’honneur de vous faire part du Mariage de M. DU Buc-Saint-Olympe , leur Cousin-Germain, avec Madame DE Longpré
30William Alexander to Franklin and William Temple Franklin, 8 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Betsey wrote you last week to ask a day when you & your son Can dine wt Madme de la Marke any time before the 20th— We have no Answer— You will oblige me by desiring your son to write— On recolection I address this to Him & beg He will drop me a line to st Germains— I am most faithfully Your & His Most obt hble s Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin...
31Crèvecœur to William Temple Franklin, [7 April? 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Agreable To your Grand Father’s Promises, I beg you’d Send me by the bearer some Copies of the Interesting Map you Gave me the other Day which has been given to & has Singularly pleased the Mis. de Castries. I Remain very Respectfully, sir, Your Very Humble Servant Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin Junior / Passy The first Monday after April 2, when...
32Benjamin Vaughan to William Temple Franklin, 5 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mrs: Vaughan has ordered your glasses, and we will engage Major White or some earlier passenger, to take care of them as far as Calais. Major White has for some time past had your damping cases from Woodmason, and other articles; so that no censure will fix upon myself for delay. The gout has lately seized him, but I think he will soon be getting abroad...
33Jonathan Williams, Jr., to William Temple Franklin, 15 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The americans here do not understand the 23d Article of the Treaty, & I request you will as soon as may be do me the Favour to explain, whether, By the Canary Islands is meant only the Latitude of those Islands, & thus on a line of Latitude, Ships may in one month be in Safety in any Longitude if not to the Southard of the Canaries; or whether it is meant...
34Elkanah Watson, Jr., to William Temple Franklin, 25 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I write this principally to acquaint you that I find the Unfortunate Captn. Hardy sick in my Appartments—but is determined if possible to go out with Captn. All who waits the Event of Peace or War. His Situation is really distressing; & I beg you’ll make a little Exertion to accomplish what I assured him last Septr. would be done through your Influence. If...
35Charles-Etienne Gaucher to William Temple Franklin, [before 23 December 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Printed invitation, signed, with MS insertions: American Philosophical Society L∴ R∴ L∴ des Neuf Sœurs, Est convoquée pour le Lundi 23 du 10e mois D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ L∴ 5782, en son local, rue Coquéron, à 5 heures précises. On traitera des Lectures et autres objets relatifs à la solemnité de la fête St. jean et à celle de la prochaine loge de rentrée qui, aura lieu le même jour . Vous êtes prié...
36Madame F. Pechigny to Franklin or William Temple Franklin, 13 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mde. Pechigny supplie monsieur franklin de vouloir bien lui permettre le 26. du present, de lui presenter lhommage de sa vive reconnoissance en lui remettant les 300 l.t. que noblement il lui a preté et dagréer les regret de limpossibilité ou elle a èté de ne les lui avoir pas remis plûtot. Si monsieur franklin a un protegé qui enseigne langlois mde....
37Bettally & Noseda to William Temple Franklin, 1 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This document concerns an invention that Jean-François Pilatre de Rozier had described and announced for sale in the previous day’s Journal de Paris: bougies phosphoriques , or self-igniting candles. A precursor to matches, bougies phosphoriques were the first instruments capable of generating a flame without the arduous use of flint and tinder. The public...
38Achille-Guillaume Lebegue de Presle to William Temple Franklin, 2 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A la reception de votre lettre, Monsieur, je me suïs assuré d’un Exemplaire de L’ouvrage de m Cavallo sur les Airs, que j’avois conseillé a un libraire de faire venir. Il est chez moi et vous pourrez le faire prendre quand vous souhaiteres. Jai aussi recu dernierement les planches qui manquoient a un magnifique ouvrage qu’on vend 25 guinées a Londres que mr...
39Joseph Wright to William Temple Franklin, [c. 29 August 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I found at my return to Paris yesterday, that I am oblidged to be detained a Week longer, as every place was taken both in the Dilligence and Cabriole and there being no other Conveyance before then—and as I receiv’d your Packet this Morning perhaps your letter to Mr. Williams may require an immediate conveyance.— I return my sincere thanks for this...
40Abbé Morellet to William Temple Franklin, [15 January 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous remercie de votre complaisance à me donner le choix d’un autre jour que lundi. J’avois en effet pensé comme vous qu’il ne falloit pas choisir le jour des fêtes de la ville que vous voudries voir et dont je serois bien eloigné de vous priver moi qui voudrois que les spectacles agreables se multipliassent pour vos plaisirs. Je m’arrete donc d’après la...
41Abbé Morellet to William Temple Franklin, [13 January 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le cher papa m’a dit hier qu’il me feroit l’honneur de venir diner chès moi avec Made helvetius et vous. Je vous prie de voir dans son album s’il est engagé pour lundi de la semaine qui suivra celle où nous allons entrer c’est à dire de demain en huit et s’il n’a point d’engagement de lui faire contracter celui là. Vous saves avec quel empressement je vous...
42From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 23 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d your Letter from Orleans, and another since from Chaumont. The Major has got his Pistols. Inclos’d I send you the last Paper from London by which you will see there has been an Action between the French & English Fleets off Chesapeak. It appears even by their own Account that the English have been drubb’d, and oblig’d to leave the French in...
43William Robeson to William Temple Frankin, 15 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Honor of Receiving your Second and friendly favour upon the Subject of Mr. Montague, some days since I answerd your first, and thinking it might Intefere with your more Important Business, I Requested my friend Mr. Mason to Carve out for this young Gentleman— I am now happy to find he has attended to your Councel—and seems to think proper to...
44William Robeson to William Temple Franklin, 11 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am Honored with your kind favour of the 3 Instant informing me of the Arrival of Mr. Montague. I can but Express my Surprize at his Extraordinary Request from a Master Who has been to a fault both Bountiful and kind, I cannot think of Troubling you with a Business of this Nature have therefore Written to Mr. Mason who has much less to do and on the spott...
45Jonathan Williams, Jr., to William Temple Franklin, 24 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send you inclosed a Specimen of an Improvement I have made in copying. When you write for more english Papers pray order an equal quantity for me. I forgot to pay for my hat when I came away, please to pay the Man when he calls. I also forgot to give you Mr Austins Draft for what he owed the Doctor, please to tell me how much it is & send me down Austins...
46From John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 18 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Letter of the Eleventh, came to my Hand Yesterday. I am much obliged to you Sir, for the News, you were So good as to communicate: but as I think with you, there are Circumstances in it, which are very suspicious, I shall not dare to make much Use of it, at present. There is however authentick Intelligence which is very comfortable. I take this hand Bill &c to be pure, Fabrication,...
47From John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 7 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
I duly recieved your favour of the 6th of November, and ought to have acknowledged it before. I am glad to find by his Excellency’s late Letter, that his Health has returned. The Gout I fancy has done the Business of a Physician, and laid the foundation for fine Health and Spirits, for the ensuing dull Winter. I could wish for the Gout too, or any thing else, to make the Scene agreable to me,...
48To William Temple Franklin from the Abbé Thomas du Rouzeau [before 1 May 1780] (Franklin Papers)
Printed invitation: American Philosophical Society L∴ R∴ L∴ des Neuf Sœurs, Est convoquée pour le Lundy 1er . du 3e . mois de D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ 5780. à 11 heures précises. Le très cher et très Illustre f ∴ Paul Jones y assistera. Vous êtes priés d’y venir augmenter les douceurs de l’union fraternelle. Il y aura Lectures, Banquet et Concert . Je suis, par les N∴ C∴ D∴ F∴ M∴ V∴ T∴ H∴ & affectionné...
49Sarah Bache to William Temple Franklin, 16 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society There is nothing you could have sent me that would have been half so acceptable as the Bust of my dear Father, I am in hourly expectation of seeing it, and long as anxiously for its coming as if I could converse with it, Mr Hopkinson has made me promise to send for him when it comes, and I promise you every ceremony shall be performed on the opening of the...
50Arthur Lee to [William Temple Franklin], 9 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): National Archives Mr. L. thanks Mr. Franklin for the Pacquets he was so good as to forward to him. They contain only the Journals of Congress & old Newspapers without any Letter. Mr. L. will be obligd to Mr. F. for letting him know if he can have it, by what vessel they came, to what Port & when She saild.