1451To Benjamin Franklin from Louis-Julien Garos, 20 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Quil me Soit permis d’implorer votre protection pour un particulier françois d’origine Résidant depuis très Long-tems à philadelphie. Je vais, Monseigneur, vous mettre Sous les yeux les faits tels quils Se Sont passés, afin que vous puissiez Juger Si ce particulier peut tirer de la position où Il Se trouve tous les avantages quil paroit S’en promettre....
1452To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Millet, 20 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai lhonneur de Vous adressér cy joint Le Mémoire des Marchandises d’Epicéries que je Vous ait fournie, jespere que Vous Vouderez bien Employer Votre autorité pour Scavoir ce qu’est devenus Le S. duchemin Votre Me. d’hotel ne le connoissant point jaurais crû Manquer Si jeû refuses crédit Sachant que Les Marchandises etoient pour Votre consommation, et La...
1453To Benjamin Franklin from René-Georges Gastellier, 19 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Recevés, je vous supplie, mes actions de Graces trés humbles de l’honneur que vous voulés bien me faire en recevant la dédicace d’un ouvrage qui vient d’être orné du sceau de la societé royale de médecine à la quelle j’ai l’avantage d’appartenir, votre nom à son frontispice sera un témoignage aussi flatteur qu’honorable pour l’auteur. Mademoiselle de fay...
1454To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 19 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress His Excellency the Governor and the Honorable the Delagates of Virginia have applied to me for my Assistance in obtaining from France certain Arms and Ammunition said to have been furnished by the Court for that State according to an Agreement entered into between Mr. Harrison a special Agent appointed by the Legislature and Monsr....
1455To Benjamin Franklin from Barthélemy Faujas de Saint-Fond, 19 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr vaughan, m’ayant dit que vous seriés Curieux de voir le nouveau métal qu’on vient de proposer au gouvernement, pour doubler les vaisseaux, je m’empresse de vous envoyer avec grand plaisir, le petit echantillon que j’en possède, que mr douët de la Boulaye intendant Géneral des mines a eu la Bonté de me donner, ainsi q’un des cloux qui doivent Servir a...
1456To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 19 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress B V: presents his most affectionate respects to Dr. Franklin, and is unfortunately so engaged to day, as not to be able to accept of his kind welcome. B V’s brother acted for the best, but not being privy to circumstances, misunderstood him.— Tomorrow evening B V will however call at Passy, unless inconvenient to his friend, and directed otherwise. Addressed: A Monsr /...
1457To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 18 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society Il est essentiel, Monsieur, que Je puisse avoir l’honneur de conferer avec vous, avec M. Adams et avec ceux de Mrs. [Messieurs] Vos Collegues qui peuvent se trouver à Paris. Je vous prie en consequence, Monsieur, de vouloir bien inviter ces Mrs. à se rendre a Versailles avec vous Lundi avant dix heures du Matin. Il seroit bon...
1458To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 18 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 423–4. I cannot but in the most earnest manner and from recent circumstances, press your going early to Versailles to-morrow; and I have considerable reason to think, that your appearance there will not displease the person whom you address. I am of opinion...
1459To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 17 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ay Eté Bien affligée de voir hier a ma porte Le nom de Mon Cher Et Respectable Docteur, je le prie D’Estre persuadé de mes Regrets Et Du Desir que j’ay depuis Longtems de le Voir Et de le feliciter De L’heureuse paix qui Va Couronner sy heureusement Et sy Glorieusement ses Voeux Et Ses traveaux; puisqu’il Vient quelques fois a paris je puis me flatter De...
1460To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, 17 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a des siécles Mon Illustre Docteur que je n’ai eu lhonneur et le plaisir de vous voir et je m’en ennuye beaucoup. Tous ces jours cy Jai voulu Aller à Passy mais incertain de vous y trouver j’ai differré Jusqu’a ce que ce tems des visites fut passé. Enfin pour etre plus sur de passer quelques momens avec vous jai cru qu’il etoit mieux de vous demander à...
1461To Benjamin Franklin from Léonard Appée, 16 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Les Bonté que vous faite regallire [rejaillir] Sur un umbre [nombre] infinie De malhureux Et la justice Du congrés donc vous En nette [êtes] le digne réprésentant me fait prendre la liberté de vous adressé la présante pour imploré Votre protections, de plus Monsieur la justice de ma Cause me fait tout Esperé De Votre imtegrittée je reclâme dont monsieur 3...
1462To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Curson, 16 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have some time had in veiw the intention of fixing myself in Lisbon, for the purpose of transacting business for my countrymen,— This seems a favourable moment, if credit is to be given to the report, of that place being lately opend, to American vessels,— Am induced to think your Excellency will be acquainted with the truth of this; my reason for...
1463To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 16 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer la copie d’un Mémoire qui m’a été adressé par les Srs. faure Donneau et Compagnie de Marseille propriétaire du Senaut l’Elégante. Vous avez déjà connoissance de cette affaire, puisque ces Négociants vous ont transmis leurs représentations sur cet objet, et vous avez...
1464Francis Dana to the American Peace Commissioners, 14 January 1783 (Adams Papers)
I was honoured with your favour of the 12 th. of Dec r: by the last post, enclosing a Copy of the preliminary Treaty of Peace between his Britannic Majesty and the United States. I most heartily congratulate with you upon this great event, in which you have had the honour of so distinguished a part. I think that we ought to be, and shall be satisfied with the terms of peace. But we are here...
1465Francis Dana to the American Peace Commissioners, 3/14 January [i.e., 14 January 1783] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I was honoured with your favour of the 12th. of Decr: by the last post, enclosing a Copy of the preliminary Treaty of Peace between his Britannic Majesty and the United-States. I most heartily congratulate with you upon this great event, in which you have had the honour of so distinguished a part. I think that we ought to be, and shall be satisfied with...
1466To Benjamin Franklin from Sidney Lee, 14 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope the enclosed will meet with your Excellency’s approbation, and that I am not guilty of an impropriety in requesting of you the favor of transmitting it to his Excellency General Washington. I am Sr with great respect your most obedient humble Servant Addressed: His Excellency Benjamn Franklin Sister and principal heir of Maj.-Gen. Charles Lee ( XXII...
1467To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Alexis-François Cadet de Vaux, 13 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. Brongniart de l’académie Royale d’architecture a fait tirer Empreinte de la médaille destinée à consacrer l’union des Etats unis avec la france; il desire avoir l’honneur d’en présenter l’Epreuve à monsieur franklin. Je desire de mon coté avoir l’honneur de lui rendre mes devoirs, mais comme M. Brongniart et moi avons beaucoup d’occupations, chacun de...
1468To 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
1469To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Hewson, 13 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received eleven little books for which I thank you. But why was there not one line with them? My poor mother was much disappointed, and I believe imagined that I did not speak truth when I told her there was no letter in the parcel. I know you will pay the tribute of a sigh for the loss of one who loved you with the most ardent affection. She lingered...
1470To Benjamin Franklin from William and R. Macarty, 13 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr & Mrs. Macarty present thier most Respectfull Compliments to Doctr. Franklin, and are Sorry they cannot have the honor of Dining with him to Day, being Engage’d; having only this moment Recieved Doctr Franklins polite Invitation of the 11th. Addressed: Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Passy William Macarty’s wife joined him in Lorient in September, 1781:...
1471To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 13 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society, Independence National Historical Park; copy: Library of Congress I have received, in Addition to those already acknowledged, your Letters of the twelfth of August, twenty sixth of September, and fourteenth of October. I should therefore, regularly, have received two Copies of the Contract entered into on the sixteenth of July between you and the Count de...
1472To Benjamin Franklin from Servin, 13 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je n’ai reçû qu’avant hier La Lettre Que Vous avez bien Voulû m’Ecrire le 16 novembre dernier. Ce retardement etonnant a fait Que mon libraire n’a pû Vous Envoier de Basle l’Exemplaire Que Je Vous ai prié d’Agréer. Mais j’irai a paris dans Quelques Semaines et j’aurai l’honneur de Vous presenter en personne Mon hommage. Je desire d’autant plus Qu’il Vous...
1473To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 11 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Don Galva of and from Salem arrivd at this Port Yesterday he saild from Salem the 1 December Mons De Vaudrieul with the Fleet remaind at Boston and from the report of the Captain would not sail before the later end of the month the french Troops were arrivd at Boston to embark on board the Fleet. The Indians have committed some fresh Crueltys on the...
1474To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 11 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress; copy: Library of Congress On the ninth Instant, from an Investigation of Mr. Grands Accounts, then lately received, I found that after making due Allowance for Loan Office Bills &ca. which might still come upon him, my Drafts (and those which I have directed) would exceed, by Something more than six Millions (exclusive of the Interest...
1475To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 9 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous ecrire la presente laquelle vous Sera remise par le Sieur Thomas Connoly Americain Lequel a eu le malheur d’Etre pris dans le navire Le Blear Mc Clanaghan a Son Passage de L’orient a Philadelphie par un corsaire de Guernsey auquel endroit il a été conduit prisonnier. Il a trouvé le moyen de S’echaper & de Se rendre ici, & Comme il...
1476To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Please to read the inclosed Letters to Lord shelburne & Mr Vaughan then please to deliver them to Mr Vaughan if with you or forward them to him if not.— The subject appears to me worth a national Claim if you think so please to add a Line to my Letter to Lord shelburne, if you think an official Claim not consistent & you in...
1477To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 8 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself the pleasure of writing you some time ago per a friend in which I informed you how much I was hurt to find that Congress had refused to comply with the agreement made here for the Exchange of Prisoners, I have not since then been favored with any of yours. This day I have been at the Secretarys Office again relative to the Exchange of...
1478To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Yesterday which was your birthday —and which I allways keep in the most festive Manner in my power—Willy & Eliza invited their Friends to a little dance, and made about sixty young folks, as happy as twas possible for People to be in this World. My children quite in an extacy, even little Deby had her share in the beginning of the evening— I have not the least...
1479To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Barney, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recd. your Dispatches last night Accompanied with the Money, which is all onbd & Shall Sail in the Morning if the Wind is fair, as it is at present— I am Sorry I could not carry the News of Peace as expected, But console Myself with its being effected very soon. I cannot help observing as you mention the Curosity of my pasport, the Name of the Ship and...
1480To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Grammont, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous prie instament de maccorder un quart d’heure daudiance particuliere au jour et a l’heure quil vous plaira mindiquer vous obligerez infiniment celui qui a lhonneur detre avec une respectueuse Consideration Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur Notation: Marquis de Grammont Paris 7 Janvier 1783 This Grammont may be the président of...
1481To Benjamin Franklin from James and Charles Hill, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When we were at Paris we took the Freedom to Call on your Excellency at Passe to request your Kind Assistance in giving us a letter of Recommendation to some Friends of yours in Philadelphia or Boston; and your Excellency was Kind Enough to Promise us; Provided you receiv’d a Letter from Doctor Percival of Manchester Certifying that we were the Men we...
1482To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-François Prost de Royer, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je n’ai point oublié le bonheur que J’ai eu de vous voir à Paris et l’accueil que vous m’avez fait. J’ai lu avec transport les premieres loix que vous avez donné à La Pensilvanie, et c’est à ce double titre que j’ai l’honneur de vous faire hommage des deux premiers volumes du Dictionnaire de Jurisprudence et des arrets . Je ne vous propose point, Monsieur,...
1483To Benjamin Franklin from Michael Hillegas, 6 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer hereof Mr. William Wood of a reputable Family connected with your old Friend my Uncle Mr. Thomas Boude and the Newbolds in the Jerseys whom you have frequently heard of if not personally known to you— having an inclination to see the World as well as to do something with reputation to himself by endeavouring in the Commercial Way to increase his...
1484To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 6 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I have before me your Letters of the 25th. & 29th. of June, 12th. August 3d. and 26th. September and 14th. October last — several matters contained in them have already been answered—and some others I am unable to reply to till Congress have decided on such propositions as I...
1485To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, 5 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania La lettre dont vous m’avez honoré me demande mon Opinion sur celle qu’elle renfermoit de Mrs. Lecouteulx &c qui desirent scavoir si vous pouvez vous engager de leur fournir jusqu’à Deux Millions & demi pour les Achats de Piastres quils ont à faire pour M. Morris. Je ne puis ni ne dois avoir d’Opinion à ce sujet, mais pour fixer la vôtre, Monsieur, je...
1486To Benjamin Franklin from Antoinette-Thérèse Melin Dutartre, 4 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Mon papa, voila encore mon abbé, pour qui vous avez eu des bontés; voulez vous en avoir encore? Et à ma consideration, écouter ses demandes? Voulez vous aussi recevoir l’assurance de mon amitié? Et voulez vous bien aussi ne me pas oublier en 83, comme vous avez fait en 82? Car ce pauvre arbaletre ne vous a pas vû! Je ne Suis pas en bonne santé, j’ai été...
1487To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I beg leave to reccommend to your kind Notice Mr Purviance son to a Respectable Merchant in Maryland. This young Gentleman proposes to make a Tour to Ireland with a View of reestablishing his Health & visiting some Relations. I shall be much obliged by your giving him the necessary passport, and whatever Civilities you may think proper to show him you...
1488To Benjamin Franklin from Michel-Guillaume St. John de Crèvecceur, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been Wittness whilst I was in America of a Cir Constance which I think it Imports Your Excellency to Know; my Good Intention will I hope, apologyse for the Liberty I am taking, if your Excellency is acquainted With it; if unknown, it is Certainly my duty as a good Cytysen of that Country to Inform you of what Follows— In the Year 1775 Samuel Bayard...
1489To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania L’Idée de Mr. Rt. Morris de se procurer des Piastres de la Havanne est bien bonne, mais je ne puis en dire autant de ses dispositions pour les faire payer ici. Je présume qu’il comptoit allors sur les fonds qu’il esperoit que vous obtiendriez, mais come ils se reduisent à Six Millions qui suffiront à peine pour faire face au courant des payemens...
1490To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I arrived at this place a few days ago expecting to have proceeded to Europe in the vessel which carries Count Rochambaud & the Chevalr. de Chastellux; but it sails before I can be ready. I shall follow however in a very few days, & may possibly be with you as soon as this. Conscious that I can add no good to the commission,...
1491To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Voulez vous bien Mon Illustre Docteur que J’aye Lhonneur de vous recommander M. Envier de Dunkerque que j’ai deja eu l’honneur de vous présenter L’annee derniere et qui Souhaite prendre vos ordres pour Nantes, et M. Williams qu’il compte voir dans cette Ville sous peu de Jours. Je vous Souhaite, Mon Illustre Docteur, et de grand coeur la meilleure Santé...
1492To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; draft: Yale University Library I do myself the Honor to enclose to your Excellency under flying Seal a Letter to Mr Grand which I pray you to peruse. To what is said in that Letter I need add but little. The Bill to Messrs. Wadsworth and Carter is in Payment of what our Army have eaten during the last two Months and an half, and you will see by the...
1493To Benjamin Franklin from John Sargent, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Moment is come when I may safely assure You of my constant Esteem, affection & Veneration for Your Character, & may congratulate You on the Services You have renderd Mankind—! I dared not write You before,—some Officious Sycophants had represented me to the late Ministry as an Active Instrument of America,—&, if I had written You but a single Line, by...
1494From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, 3 January 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place a few days ago expecting to have proceeded to Europe in the vessel which carries Count Rochambaud and the Chevalr. de Chastellux; but it sails before I can be ready. I shall follow however in a very few days, and may possibly be with you as soon as this. Conscious that I can add no good to the commission, it shall be my endeavor to do it no injury. I understand that I...
1495To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 1[–2] January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: University of Pennsylvania Library I do not know how I could employ myself more agreeably on the beginning of the new Year, than by writing to my dear Papa, wishing him many happy returns of it, and that I may live to begin and end many of them with him is my sincere prayer, who knows what a Peace may produce— In Mr Bache’s letter you desire I would continue my histories of the...
1496To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Restiff called to let me know he was going to France, I allways promiss’d him a letter when he return’d: he is an exceeding good Young Man, has been often at our House and can tell you how we all look—as I have just wrote you a long letter, and shall write you again in a few days by Coll Cambray, shall only add the Love and duty of an Afectionate...
1497To Benjamin Franklin from Dominique-Louis Ethis de Corny, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Would be acquainted if the Washington american Ship has already sailed for its destination. Mr. De Veimerange Who goes to morrow at versailles desires some Knouledge about it, Before his departure. I Was Disposed to Wait on your Excellency in this after noon, in order of Renewing my Best Wishes for the happiness and good health of your Excellency, during...
1498To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I was honored with your Letters by the Danae— I congratulate you upon the promising State of our negotiations, since peace begins to be no less desirable here than elsewhere.— But I will not enter into that subject at present as I mean to write very fully both to Mr Jay &...
1499To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Bearer of this Letter is the Chevalier de Chattelleux who sets off to Morrow Morning, for France. There are many Things which I am desirous of communicating to you but which I have not now sufficient Time to commit to Paper and still less to put in Cypher. I have therefore entered very much into the Detail of our Situation with Genl. Chattelleux and requested him...
1500Draft of a Declaration to Be Made by the American Peace Commissioners, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Two D : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Nous soussignés Ministres Plenipres. des Etats unis &a. Déclarons qu’en agréant et consentant a fixer par notre signature des articles qui avoient été discutés entre nous et M. Oswald muni de pleins pouvoirs a cet effet par S. M. le R. [Sa Majesté le Roi] de la grande Bretagne pour être inserés dans le futur traite de paix, nous n’avons eu...