1William 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...
2Arthur 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.
3From 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 .
4The American Commissioners to William Temple Franklin, 27 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: University of Virginia Library As an acknowledgement for your services as Secretary to us, we desire you will accept one hundred Louis-dores which Mr. Grand will be so good as to pay you on receipt of this. We are, Sir, Your most Obedient Servants In Arthur Lee’s hand. 2,400 l.t. Designating WTF as the commissioners’ secretary, it should be noted, did not secure him the position; the...
5William 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...
6Jonathan 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...
7William 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...
8Jonathan 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...
9William 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...
10William 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...
11Charles-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...
12Joseph 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...
13Abbé 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...
14From 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...
15Le 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...
16From 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...
17From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 10 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Bruce Gimelson, Chalfont, Pa. (1978) It is possible that a Line from Lord Howe may be left for me at your good Mother’s, as I have appointed to be there to morrow Morning, in order to meet a Notice from his Lordship relating to the Time and Place of a proposed Interview. If it should come there to night, or very early in the Morning I could wish you would set out with it on horseback so...
18From 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...
19From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 19 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received yours of the 16th, in which you propose going to your Father, if I have no Objection. I have consider’d the matter, and cannot approve of your taking such a Journey at this time, especially alone, for many reasons which I have not time to write. I am persuaded, that if your Mother should write a sealed Letter to her Husband, and enclose it under...
20From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 26 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d yours last Evening, with the Copies enclos’d, and am now more certain than before that the whole is a piece of Roguery. As when you receive this, it will be 10 Days since his quitting the Road of Dieppe, if he has not return’d in that time, it is probable he will not return at all; so we would have you return hither without waiting longer for...
21From 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,...
22From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 22 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You are mistaken in imagining that I am apprehensive of your carrying dangerous Intelligence to your Father; for while he remains where he is, he could make no use of it were you to know and acquaint him with all that passes. You would have been more in the right if you could have suspected me of a little tender Concern for your Welfare, on Account of the...
23From 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)...
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...
25Lewis (or Louis) Fevre (or Favre) to William Temple Franklin, 3 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The eagerness of gratitude to match at every means of shewing itself, will I hope plead my excuse for not missing so fair an opportunity of presenting to you this humble remembrance of my most attachful respects. My dutiful sense of Dr. Franklin’s beneficence to me has never been one moment out of my mind. How much and how impatiently do I long to hear of...
26Richard Bennett Lloyd to William Temple Franklin, 23 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your agreeable favour of the 17th came by the yesterday’s mail it gives me much pleasure to find that our affairs are going on so well, and I have very little doubt but in a short time we shall be in a situation we wish for— Be pleased to present my best respects to yr. Grandfather and let him know Mr. David Hartley comes to Town this day and I am desired...
27From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 28 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you will return hither immediately, and that your Mother will make no Objection to it, something offering here that will be much to your Advantage if you are not out of the Way. I am so hurried that I can only add Ever your affectionate Grandfather Addressed: To / Mr William Temple Franklin / at Mrs Franklins / Perth Amboy / B Free Franklin Notation:...
28M. and Mme. Jean-Jacques de Lafreté to Franklin and William Temple Franklin, 14 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. et Mad. De Lafreté ont l’honneur de faire mille complimens à Messieurs Francklin; ils se flattent que ces Messieurs n’ont pas oublié l’engagement qu’ils ont pris, de venir diner avec eux jeudi prochain 16. de ce mois. He was a businessman and a former high official in the postal service; see J.F. Bosher, French Finances, 1770–1795 . . . (Cambridge,...
29Théodore Jauge to William Temple Franklin, 4 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, July 4, 1778, in French: I have sent no news since my return, but what I have now will win your and your grandfather’s attention. For the past year and more we have been sending ships to North America. Many of them have been captured through the fault of your pilots, and we have now learned of a shocking example. A vessel of ours anchored in...
30From 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...
31From 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,...
32Edward Bancroft to William Temple Franklin, 20 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Bousie whose Husband is in London, has sent to desire me to apply to Dr. Franklin for a Passport for a Vessell called the London Packet Capt Mariton of 70 Tons Burthen, with 6 men, bound from Calais to London. It seems the French & English Governments have consented to Let this Vessel carry a cargo of French Wines from Calais to England, & Mr. Sartine...
33From 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...
34From 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...
35Rose-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
36Crèvecœur 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...
37From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 27 August 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Haverford College Library Your Letter acquainting us with your safe Arrival was very agreable to us all. But as you are near the Scene of Action, we wish to hear from you by every Post, and to have all the News. It will cost you but little Trouble to write, and will give us much Satisfaction. This Family has been in great Grief, from the Loss of our dear little Girl. She suffer’d much:...
38Jean-Jacques Caffiéri to William Temple Franklin, 17 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai fait encaisser Le Buste de M. franklin, vous pouve Monsieur qu’ant il vous plairat faire enlevée cette Caisse dans mon atelier du Louvres, j’ai fait Durcir ce buste avec de La Cire Comme vous Le Désiries, je Compte qu’il arrivera à bon port: Permettes que M. franklin trouve icy Les assurance de mon Respect. J’ai Lhonneur d’etres tres parfaitement...
39From 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...
40Edward Bancroft to William Temple Franklin, [between 21 March and 24 March 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recd. the inclosed Lettres from Mrs. Bousie respecting the Passport— I have some Knowledge of Mr. Audibert Captain of the Port of Calais, & from his Letter have no doubt of Mr. Sartines having given the Pass port mention’d; however if the Doctor thinks it expedient he can make his Pass port conditional as suggested by Mrs. Bousie. I am Dr. Sir truly...
41Madame Brillon to William Temple Franklin, [23 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Je suis on ne peut pas plus faché de ce que votre bon papa a du monde le jour de noël qui l’empesche de me faire l’amitié de venir disnér avéc moi; je me faisois la plus grande féste de passér cétte journée avéc lui, j’esperois qu’il seroit libre: il me fera le plus grand plaisir de venir a 6 heures aprés midi jouér aux échécs avéc moi, je lui promést de la...
42Madame 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....
43From 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...
44To 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...
45From 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...
46From John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 24 March 1779 (Adams Papers)
I have just received your favour of the 17. inclosing a Paper from M. Le Roy, for which I thank you and Mr. Le Roy, to whom be so good as to present my Compliments. The Alliance, will be ready to go to Nantes, in the opinion of C. Landais in 8 days. But he thinks she must stay there 3 or 4 Weeks. My Respects to his Excellency; from whom I received a line at Nantes which I will answer, as soon...
47Achille-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...
48I. 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...
49From 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...
50Abbé 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...