1401To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Nathaniel Bancroft, 9 December 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am very sorry to hear that you are affected with the Stone, but I hope you are better. I suppose there is but a little time since you have seen my father, pray give him my duty the next time you will see him. I hope my friend Mr. Bache is well: I would be very much obliged to you if you would give him my Compnts. the first time you will see him, & tell...
1402To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 1 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I calld again this day at the office where a Bill given you was made payable & I could learn no intelligence of mr. J. G——d more than I had before: He was in the Country but where or when He returnd no one could tell. I have no ansr. to the letter wrote to him (& left at the office) wch. containd only an enquiry whether the Bill was good or not. Dr....
1403To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Charles William Blunt, 11 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A very particular & worthy friend of mine Mr Luard having large concerns in the Island of Grenada, his private affairs & those of His family are deeply involved in the late capture of that Island. And its being judged advisable that he should visit Paris I thought it possible I might render my friend an essential service by a letter of recommendation to...
1404To Benjamin Franklin from Leveux, 26 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le 10 de ce Mois J’ay eu l’honneur de vous prevenir que deux americains sauvés des prisons d’angleterre s’etoient presentés chez moy a leur arrivée icy et que je leur avois fourni a chacun quatre Louis d’or pour se rendre a Paris. Le 13 du meme mois Le sieur John Murfey cy devant Commandant le Navire le Swallow pris près du Cap francois par la fregatte...
1405To Benjamin Franklin from Laurent Josselin and Other Applicants for Emigration, [on or before 5 October 1782] (Franklin Papers)
L : University of Pennsylvania Library Many of the applicants for emigration during the period covered by this volume claim solid technical skills or commercial experience which they hope to exploit in some fashion in America. Laurent Josselin, whose letter is printed below, is an expert surveyor and civil architect. On November 27, M. des Rosières writes from the château de Vincennes on...
1406To Benjamin Franklin from John J. Zubly, 9 July 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By a Letter lately received of Mr. Jasper Mauduit I find that Gentleman (whom I have not the Pleasure to know) has applied for your kind assistance to remove Some Greivances imposd in this place on protestant dissenters. I am very happy to learn that Mr. Jones Speaker of our late assembly has accordingly recievd a Letter from You on the Subject. From Your...
1407To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 10 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library; copies: Columbia University Library, Henry E. Huntington Library, National Archives My last to You was of the 20 Day of Augt last by Dupin the F. Embassadors Courier. Major Franks, with dispatches from Congress & from Mr. R Morris, is now with me & will proceed to Passy as soon as I shall be enabled to write by him. He will bring you a Copy of Mr...
1408To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 12 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library The present serves only to inform you that agreable to the permission contained in Billy’s letter of the 23 June I have this day drawn on you for my advances to Prisoners in favour of Mr Grand as per accot on the other side amounting to £1697..10..0 which please to honour I inclose the original Vouchers to each charge.— I am as ever &c &c JW had first requested...
1409To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 12 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Mr: Adams presents his Compliments to his Excellency Dr: Franklin, & requests the honor of his Company to dinner on Monday the 16th. inst. at 3. oClock. Addressed: Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin. / Passy In the hand of Charles Storer. JA issued a nearly identical invitation to WTF ( APS ). Fitzherbert, Oswald, and Laurens attended JA ’s dinner, among...
1410To 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...
1411To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Dana, 31 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society Since my arrival here which was on the 27th. of Augt: N.S. I have taken up one thousand Roubles upon Mr: Grand’s letter of Credit upon Messrs: Strahlborn & Wolff, at different times, and yesterday drew a bill upon you for the same, value in Sterlg: £197. 18. 4 if I have not miscast it. This is the course in which Mr: Grand has proposed this business...
1412To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Charles-Julien Luce de Lancival, 11 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Quoique je n’aye l’avantage de vous connoitre que de nom, avantage dont je ne puis me prévaloir, puisqu’il m’est commun avec tous les peuples de l’Europe, je dirois presque du monde entier, je prends la liberté de vous envoyer le foible essais dune Muse encore au berceau. C’est etre temeraire, je l’avoue, et jai besoin d’indulgence mais c’est a un grand...
1413To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, 2 March 1752 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have received your favour of the 24th. January past, inclosing an Extract from your Letter to Mr. Collinson and Dr. Colden’s Letter to yourself, which I have read with a great deal of pleasure, and am much obliged to you for. Your Extract confirms a correction Mr. Kinnersley made a few days ago of a mistake I was under respecting the polarity given to...
1414To 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...
1415To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 12 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Dans l’espérance que ma derniere, avec les incluses, est bien parvenue, voici No. 44 pour le Congrès, qu’il trouvera sans doute tres interessante. Je la recommande à V. E. pour la fermer & acheminer, comme aussi celle pour Mr. Van Berkel, & celle pour Mr. le D. de la V [Vauguyon]— Je présente mes complimens à Mr. Wm. Franklin, & suis avec grand respect De...
1416To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 7 April 1757 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania The Clerk calls upon me to sign the Indian Trade Bill now sent down by the Governor who adheres to his Amendments and as the House after agreeing to some of the Amendments now adhere to the Bill there is an End of that salutary provision to induce the Indians to come heartily into our Interest by making it their Own. We think it a Strange...
1417To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Galloway, 17 October 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have for Some Time omitted to write to you from an Apprehension that my Letters might not meet you in England. But finding by your Favor of Augt. 13 now before me, that you have alterd your Intention of Seeing America this Fall I again Resume my Pen. The New Assembly of this Province, chiefly composed of the old Members adjournd on Saturday last to the...
1418To Benjamin Franklin from de Reine, 27 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Hier a l’hotel De joui j’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler d’un topique de plus merveillieux pour la reunion des os pour toute les fractures. Cette objet est trop interressant pour l’humanité pour être négligé: autant il paroit extraordinaire vérifié par nombre D’Experiance appuyée de certificat les plus autentique. Cependant je vous Supplie, Monsieur le...
1419To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 12 July 1771 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Cap. Lloyd was to Sail yesterday; I inclos’d a Bill for £100 and put it in the Bag a few oures afterward I Received another Bill for one thousand Gilders £90 Sterling Which I now inclose to you. Please to Credit me for the Net Proceeds. Mr. Foxcroft and Lady Came to town the night before last Well. I am your Dutyfull Nephew and much Oblig’d Humble Servant...
1420To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 25 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society How favourable matters stood here in regard to the American Comodor, we had the honour to mention to your Excellence; we convey however to night to Mr. Dumas a copey of the last resolution taken by the states in this respect during the Absence of the French Ambassador from the Hague; of which however we hope he will prevent the effect; it contains the same...
1421To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Nicholls Colden, 6 April 1774: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <General Post Office, New York, April 6, 1774: Has received Franklin’s letter of January 5 by the Mercury , and assures him he will be diligent in preparing the accounts. Encloses Richard Hanson’s second bill for £50 sterling on Sir Lyonel Lyde & Co.; the first bill was sent of March 2. His father came to town two days ago; he is recovering his strength,...
1422To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 4 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I rec’d your favor of the 24th Octr with the accot of Prisoners Released which I laid before the Board of Sick & Hurt & they are allowed in Acc’t, there remains due from you 41 Prisoners to make up the Number of the last Cartel, & untill that Debt is paid it is in Vain to expect any more exchanges. Inclosed you have an Acc’t of the expenditure of the one...
1423To Benjamin Franklin from Noble Wimberly Jones, 26 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You cannot be a Stranger to the State of Georgia, having been heretofore engaged in public Business on her Behalf. She is now one of the united States, and therefore must particularly claim your Attention. From our Situation as a Barrier State, far from the Center of the Continent, and being destitute of a sufficient Number of Shipping and Seamen, which by...
1424To Benjamin Franklin from R[obert] A[lexander], 8 March 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send my [ sic ] by the Bearer the Portfolio containing my Papers the Key to which you will find here inclosed, I shall send for them back betwixt twelve and one in order to convey them to our other Friend who is so kind as to keep himself disengaged thorough [ sic ] the day in order to give them a serious Perusal. There is a Letter I received from my...
1425To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 12 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You was Kind Enough to honour me with your Protection in Righting to Monr Breteuel to have me sent to america wich has made an Impretion upon my gratitude wich I canot Express, the last line you honoured me with you Say you will Not medle aney farther with my affairs, to Whom Sir Can I adress my self to but you who is our Protecteur Natural, Monr. Beaumont...
1426To Benjamin Franklin from Baron Friedrich Melchior von Grimm, 20 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Dartmouth College Library Le Baron de Grimm, Ministre Plénipe. du Saxe Gotha prend la liberté de recommander aux bontés de Monsieur Franklin le porteur de ce billet, Monsieur Loehr de Leipzig, jeune voyageur très instruit et très aimable. Il ne croirait pas avoir rempli l’objet de son voyage, s’il quitait ce pays ci sans avoir eu l’avantage de voir et de connaitre Monsieur Franklin. Le...
1427Answers to Franklin’s “Hints,” [before 4 February 1775] (Franklin Papers)
Copy (?) and copy: Library of Congress Barclay and Fothergill, after their long conference with Franklin on December 6, carried copies of his “Hints” to Lord Hyde and Lord Dartmouth respectively. For almost two months no word came from Whitehall, and the rejection of Chatham’s conciliatory plan by the House of Lords on February 1 persuaded Franklin that he would hear no more of negotiation. He...
1428To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte de Rochambeau, 29 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Vcte. De Rochambeau a deja eu l’honneur d’envoyer L’année passée a Monsieur Le Docteur franklin Le premier volume du traité sur Les bois. L’auteur vient de lui addresser Le premier cahier du Second volume en le priant d’en faire passer un exemplaire a Passy. Il est enchanté que cette occasion lui fournisse celle de Le rappeller a son souvenir et de...
1429To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Collins, 29 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As you are the gentleman orethersed to hear and Redress the Complants of those americans who has Bin presners In England I make Bold to Rite to your honer as a Child wold to a father for I hop Sir you wold Be a father to me at this presant time. I wold Informe your honer that I was taken the 9 of September In the yer 1778 In a Contenantle Brig Resestance...
1430To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Mumford, 1 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Conduct of our Late intimate freind Silas Deane Esqr. respecting these States & our worthy allies, Convinces me he must have Left France some time since, this Leaves my agreeable nephew Mr. Gurdon S. Mumford destitute of the advice & assistance his father (my only Brother) & friends depended on to fix & Continue him in business during his Minority, I am...
1431To Benjamin Franklin from Marc-François Gauthier, 5 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Les Grandes ames comme La vôtre Destinée par le ciel au Soutient des malheureux, doivent Toujours etre Touchée des faiblesses humaine; c’est l’Espoir de Votre genereuse sensibilité qui Engage le nommé Marc François Gauthier, de Vous Supplier des larmes aux yeux, de Jetter sur sa situation déplorable un de vos tendre regards de compation, en Daignant Le...
1432To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Yale University Library I am fearfull you will think me too troublesome in so often diverting your attention from other important concerns, but I can’t help requesting your opinion on the inclosed articles before I consent to them, as when I am once engaged I must continue, and it is too important on my side to agree without the necessary...
1433From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 4 November 1780 (Adams Papers)
Mr. De Neufville, this morning brought to me, a number of Bills of Exchange, drawn upon Mr. Laurens, in the Month of July, amounting to seven or eight hundred Pounds Sterling, and informed me that your Excellency had declined becoming responsible for them and referred him to me. I have enquired of Mr. Searle who informs me there are about twenty thousand Pounds in such Bills now on their Way....
1434To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Chalut, 2 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Diné que M. Chalut de Verin se propose de donner demain Samedi à Monsieur Franklin et à Monsieur son fils se fera à Paris place Vendome. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin ministre / plenipotentiaire des Etats-unis d’amerique / A Passy The only year during BF ’s stay in which Feb. 2 fell on a Friday. Farmer general Chalut de Vérin, the abbé’s...
1435To Benjamin Franklin from Archibald Douglas, 12 [July] 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania This comes to let you know, that I am determined to proceed on an other Cruise if your honour will grant me a Commission; as our people are Stagnated at the thoughts of travelling through the Country to other Ports, not being sure that there are any ships there that will take them on board. I hear that Capt. Weeks who lay in St. Maloes was fitted and...
1436To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 13 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Historical Society of Pennsylvania The renewal of our ancient correspondence and the receipt of your letters excited those sensations, which real friends feel on meeting unexpectedly after a long separation. As Mr Jefferson, who I hope is by this time safe arrived will explain matters to you and make you fully acquainted with the state of our...
1437To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 12 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Harvard University Library I Had the Night Before Last the pleasure to See Mr. franklin and Gave Him some Account of the Situation our Affair Was in at that time. I Can for the Present be More Particular, and will Relate What Has Past Respecting the letter of Mr. de Veymerange and the Several Articles a list of which Has Been put into My Hands....
1438To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse de Lameth, 10 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Je ne puis résister, Monsieur, au désir de vous assurer moi meme de ma reconnoissance pour la protection que vous voulés bien accorder à Mr. le chevalier de Bazantin pris par les anglois se rendant à votre armée et détenu aux prisons de st. augustin dans la floride; c’est un gentilhomme de mes voisins auquel il ne manque, pour vous interresser...
1439To Benjamin Franklin from Nogaret, 18 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous avés poussé l’honneteté bien loin. Si un bon tableau peut se passer de bordure, un ouvrage comme le votre n’a pas besoin d’être bien couvert. En me l’annonçant, vous m’avés mandé que vous desiriés qu’il parût avec la décence convenable à la Cour. Je ne Suis pas heureux, si vous me croyés homme de Cour parce que je vis dans ce païs là. J’ai peutêtre...
1440To Benjamin Franklin from Stephano, Baron de Bissy, 14 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a environ deux mois, que j’ay eu l’honneur de passer trois fois chez vous, sans avoir eu celuis de vous y trouver, et depuis ce tems je suis a la cour, pour solisiter Mr. le Comte De st. jermain de me rendre quelque justice sur me servises pasé et sur tout pour avoir fait fontion de general en chef, a la Revolution de gene, dont la france en a tiré...
1441To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 9 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives We have yet had no information from you subsequent to the signature of the Preliminary Articles by France, Spain and Britain, tho’ we have seen a declaration for the cessation of Hostilities signed by you, Mr. Adams, and Mr Jay— We grow every day more anxious for the definitive...
1442To Benjamin Franklin from [Jean-François-Paul] Grand, 4 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Le Colonel Hope, a ècrit & est venu on ne peut pas plus obligeament lui même, pour vous demander les dèpêches que vous lui aviez annoncé pour la hollande. Il ne seroit pas possible de rencontrer une occasion plus sure ni plus d’emprèssement à vous servir. C’est ce qui fait Monsieur que je vous envoye un èxprès, parce que Mr. Hope part après souper &...
1443To Benjamin Franklin from Maximilien de Robespierre, 1 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Une sentence de proscription rendue par les échevins de st. omer contre Les conducteurs électriques m’a présenté l’occasion de plaider au conseil d’artois la cause d’une découverte sublime, dont le genre humain vous est redevable. Le desir de contribuer a déraciner les préjugés qui s’opposoient à ses progrès dans notre province m’a porté à faire...
1444To Benjamin Franklin from William R. Boyd, 5 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I who is Confind here send these few lines to inform you how I came to be Confin’d. On the 18th. Octr. I Desartd from a Merchantman in Loriont call’d the Breton after sarving four months in the said ship. When I came to Nantz I ship’d with Capt. Smith being in hopes to get to my Natural Country. Likewise 4 more came with me from the said Ship and having a...
1445To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Norbert d’Artus, 17 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS : American Philosophical Society Je prends la liberté de vous adresser un memoire Relatif au Sr Penet. Linteret que je prends à ce jeune homme depuis sa plus tendre enfance et mon attachement pour son honnette famille me font ressentir l’amertume de son malheur. Instruit des Causes qui ÿ ont donné lieu, j’ose m’adresser à votre Excellence dans une pleine conviction de sa justice et de...
1446To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 9 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer la Copie du Traité, la Composition est faite & l’Epreuve est à moitié lüe. Je vous fais passer par le porteur Bezout { 1. arithmetique … 2. l.t. 15. 1. Géométrie … 3. 15. 1 algébre … 4. 15. 1. Mécanique 2 vol. 9. 10. 20.
1447To Benjamin Franklin from John Dickinson, 22 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library Mr. Vernon proposing to return from a Visit to America thro France, and earnestly desiring to have the Honor of your Acquaintance, I cannot forbear complying with the Wishes of a Gentleman recommended by his Politeness and his favorable Dispositions towards this Country. I am with the sincerest Esteem Sir, your most obedient & hble servant Notation: John...
1448To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, [after 26 May 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I catch up my pen in haste: but, it is not that circumstance which makes me omit prefatorial apology, in this attempt to draw You into a literary correspondence. Difference of age and other differences vastly more important vanish, when I consider our relationship as “Friends to America.” And, I am conscious that the service of these United States is the...
1449To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Franklin, 14 March 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your kind present and am very Glad to hear you and My Daughter and Mrs. Stevenson are well and give you humble thanks for your very Great favours. I have sent this Week by Mrs. Biggs the Welford Carrier that Inns att the Windmill in St: Johns Street and Will be in London on Wensday next ten pounds of Butter a Couple of Chickins a Sage Cheese...
1450To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Johnson, [November 1750] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from Smyth, Writings , III , 29–30. As I could not make a tour to Philadelphia this Fall I have lately taken a Car’g [carriage] ride to several parts of this Colony and being absent when your kind letter arrived, this must be my apology for not answering last [ illegible ]. Nobody would imagine that the draught you have made for an English education was done by a...