1451To Benjamin Franklin from William Shirley, 4 February 1756 (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; printed in Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives , 1755–1756 (Philadelphia, 1756), p. 66. On Sept. 29, 1755, the Assembly had authorized a committee to receive up to £10,000 by voluntary subscription “toward Furnishing of Provisions, and Blankets, or other warm Cloathing, to the Troops now at or near Crown Point.” The subscribers, the Assembly added, “ought to be...
1452To Benjamin Franklin from Julien-Pierre de La Faye with a Postscript by ——— de Boisroger, 6 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Un Neveu de Mr. L’abbé Tailhié, si connu dans la Republique des Lettres par d’excellents ouvrages desire ardament de faire un voyage en Amerique. Il s’embarqua l’année derniere pour s’y rendre mais ayant eté pris en Route par les Anglois, Il espere cette année qu’il sera plus heureux. Il desireroit Monsieur avoir de vous un mot de Lettre de recommandation...
1453To Benjamin Franklin from William Robertson, 30 January 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Princeton University Library By some unlucky accident I could find no person to take the charge of Dr. Haven’s Diploma. I have therefore got my Brother to put it into a box which he was sending by the waggon to his correspondents Messrs. Poole & Buckenton Jewellers in Bartholemew Closs. I suppose it will be in London by the time you receive this letter, and if you take the trouble of...
1454To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 27 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress This letter will be delivered to you by Mr. Mason, son to George Mason Esqr. of Virginia, a Gentn. of fortune and influence in that state—a zealous & able supporter of the liberties of this Country—and a particular friend of mine. The young Gentlemans bad health induces him to try some other clime, probably the air of Montpelier,...
1455To Benjamin Franklin from Giambattista Toderini, 15 August 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society En vous soumettant mon petit ouvrage, qui a pour titre Filosofia Frankliniana sopra le Punte preservatrici del fulmine, &c. c’est le mettre entre les mains d’un Philosophe connu dans le Public pour un des plus illustres, dont les heureuses inventions ont fait faire un si grand Progrès à la Physique. Votre grand esprit, propre de la Nation Angloise, et vos...
1456To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 19 August 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania Your Wife has very kindly sent me Notice that if I write by this Post it will reach the Packet from N. York and that She will take care of the conveyance. I write therefore to acknowledge the receipt of yours 9th May and the 13th of June last which came to my Hands the 12th. Instant. I am well pleased...
1457To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 12 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wish you would (in the present Exigence) extend your Confidence in me for the 15 Louis, as it would be of infinitely greater Service; and I hope you will believe I would not forfeit my Esteem with Dr. Franklin for 5 Guineas more or less. No, Sir, be assur’d I will, in the course of a very short time , either come myself to discharge my Pecuniary...
1458To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Milly et al., [before 10 May 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Le Cte. de Milly, Mis. De La Salle, & Cte. de Préaux Vble. Ex vble. & Membres de La Loge des IX soeurs Sont venus pour rendre leurs devoirs a Monsieur Franklin & le prevenir que la fête a L’occasion de La paix qui Se donne le 12. mai a la redoute chinoise fbg. & foire st. laurent Commencera a 6. heures du soir, & qu’il est instemment prié d’y être rendû...
1459To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 2 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
als: American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer cinquante-trois Exemplaires des Constitutions de l’Amérique in-4°. Papier d’Annonay. Il en reste trois entre les mains du Relieur; ces trois Exemplaires sont avancés à la reliure & prêts à couvrir. Vous en avez reçu déja 42 Ex. Au Relieur 3. Que j’envoye aujourd’hui 53. un Exemplaire imparfait ici 1. Un, que je garde suivant...
1460To Benjamin Franklin from George Mitchell, 6 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Excellency will I hope pardon the Libbertey I take in troubiling yough with a letter but As it is of Sum consequence to mee I hope Your Excellency will look over it in a more feavourable light. I have a Brother at Boston who has oft wright for Mee to Gover to him and Except of part of his Fortune which I have often tryd for Since my detention In france...
1461To Benjamin Franklin from Mesny, 14 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library N’ayant pas eu l’honneur de vous trouver chez vous, je vous ay adressé par la poste une lettre de Madame de Pontenet de Besançon, relativement aux objets dont elle vous a parlé chez Mr. de la faye. Comme j’ay fort a coeur d’obliger cette Dame a laquelle M. de la faye s’interresse particulierement, j’ose vous prier Monsieur, de vouloir bien me mettre a...
1462To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin West, 20 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Grandson being on the point to return to France, I cannot deprive myself the pleasure of sending by him this mark of that friendship and esteem I have ever had for you; and at the same time to express the satisfaction Mrs. West and I have had in seeing in England one we ever had much love and reguard for, (Mr. Temple Franklin) his good sence and...
1463To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 18 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I recivd your letter of the 30th ulo. [ultimo] & forwarded Mr Peters Letter thro the means of His Bankers Messrs. Fuller, son & Co. The Spectacle glass has also been deliverd by our frd J T—p—e who was the person that applyd for it. He talks of pushing homewards very soon via Holland. A particular friend of mine, left for me about 3 weeks ago, both with...
1464To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédèric Dumas, 16 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je viens de recevoir les deux Lettres, en date des 6 & 7 de ce mois, que Mr. votre P. Fils a eu la bonté de m’écrire. Je prends la part intime que je dois à votre indisposition, & rien ne peut m’en consoler plus efficacement, que ce qu’il ajoute, que vos souffrances sont déjà beaucoup diminuées, & que dans peu de jours vous comptiez de pouvoir, Sans vous...
1465To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier, 11 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society By the second week in September, Etienne Montgolfier was ready to offer members of the Académie des sciences a preview of the balloon he had constructed. He had been aided in this effort by Jean-Baptiste Réveillon, the wallpaper manufacturer, who put his expertise, ingenuity, and workforce at Montgolfier’s disposal. As the Ministry of Finance had now assumed...
1466To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 3 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received the honour of your Excellency’s letter of 28. ultmo. as the Equipment of Capn. Conningham’s vessell required the greatest circomspection at that time, the only person employed in Shipping the French Sailors, who coul’d have confirm’d their claims, was obliged to abscond himself on account of the perquisitions made after him, and he has never been...
1467To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 11 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Library of Congress Before you receive this you will probably have received my last, by a private Conveyance. You will find by that letter, that I have not been successfull in the negotiation in which I was so desirous to give assistance. Let me just ask you; if a truce of ten years be not practicable, what wd you think of a truce for one Year as a foundation for treating. My bias...
1468To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, [23 December 1783?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society My Dear Doctor give me leave to Send you these two petitions The One for The Woman That I talked to you of and who cries night and Day for a Son who She thinks is dead now, having had no news from him These Seven years. The other is for an Officer who fought in America for your good cause and who is the brother-in Law of The young M. Cassini. Accept my Dear...
1469To Benjamin Franklin from Landais, 30 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society I Receiv’d only the 15th Decemr. the copy of a letter from Capt Jones to your Excellency, dated on board the ship of War Serapis, at anchor without the Texel Octor. 3d. 1779 (but not certifyed by your Excellency, as you did me the honor to tell me you wou’d do) of which letter you told me the copy was in a newspaper. I beg to know in which, for I had never...
1470To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Le Baron, 18 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le sr. Job Prince Commandant le Corsaire de Boston la Concorde de 14: Canons 20: pierriers s’est présenté sur notre rade avant hier, et y a délivré un Batteau pêcheur qui étoit tombé au pouvoir de deux Caiches Angloises, il s’est adressé a moy, que vous avez chargé de rendre aux Navires des Colonies unies tous les services qui étoient en mon pouvoir, pour...
1471To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier d’Haudouin, 28 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Si j’avais eté certain de vous trouver a passy, j’aurais eû l’avantage d’aller vous porter le signalement que je vous adresse; s’il peut vous etre utile vous pouvez, Monsieur, disposer de mon amy a qui je feray passer vos intentions, ou si vous voulez en conferer avec moy, je suis a vos ordres que j’attends en vous priant de me croire avec de respectueux...
1472To Benjamin Franklin from Dominique-Louis Ethis de Corny, 8 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je me proposais D’avoir l’honneur de Voir votre Excellençe demain matin, avec Le Deputé De La compagnie De Metz qui fournit a Mr. Robert Morris Des effets Destinés au serviçe de L’honble congrés. Mais un rendés vous D’affaires contrarie mon projet, et m’empechera D’aller a Passy, comme je L’avois Esperé. J’ay L’honneur de vous Envoyer Le nouveau Mémoire que...
1473To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 1 September 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I came to Town with Betsy on Monday last in order to stand for my little Nephew. He is not so fat and lusty as some Children at his Time are, but he is altogether a pretty little Fellow, and improves in his Looks every Day. Mr. Baynton stood as Proxy for you and named him Benjn Franklin, and my Mother and Betsy were the God Mothers. I did not know that...
1474To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The present serves only to hand you a small Dft which Messrs De Segray & Co sent me for a little Balance due to him on the Dolphin Capt Nicholson in Decr 1777, being for some Charges after the Accots were closed, As it is a trifle I paid it & have charged it to the public please therefore to return me the note with your...
1475To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Putnam, 30 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having this day negociated to Mr. John Augustus Byrne of this City the four Bills as undermentioned the first & second of which I have heretofore transmitted to you, & not being advisd by your Excellency of their Acceptance or payment I think it proper to mention the 1sts. of sd. Bills are accepted in your hands. Mr Byrne remitts them to his Banker Mr....
1476To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Newenham, 2 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I flatter myself, that your Excellency will readily pardon the freedom of this address, as I trust that my Character is not unknown to You; Your Worthy and Virtuous Countrymen have always met with my Favor, Protection and assistance in Ireland; particularily Collonel Ethan Allen & those who were with him, and my whole Conduct towards the United States has...
1477To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé André Morellet, [24 February 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous m’avez promis que vous me donneriéhés moi avec mr. le chevalier de chatelux. Vous devez cette complaisance (car c’en est une) à son amitié à la mienne et aux desirs de toute ma petite famille. Il faut absolument que vous me donnies ou samedi ou lundi de la semaine prochaine et que vous me fassies savoir votre reponse demain matin en venant à paris, ou...
1478To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbés ——— Chalut and ——— Arnoux, 23 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Les abbés de Chalut et Arnoux assurent de leur attachement respectueux Monsieur franklin, et ils le prient de la part de M. de Chalut fermier general de recevoir ses très humbles Compliments et de lui faire l’honneur de venir diner chez lui vendredi prochain 26 8bre. Si M. Le petit fils est arrivé, M. de Chalut espere qu’il voudra bien accompagner Monsieur...
1479To Benjamin Franklin from Lucas Butot, 3 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Zêlé pour la liberté j’apprends avec satisfaction les progrès que fonts les braves Ameriquains pour la leur et pour ÿ cöoporé autant qu’il m’est possible je prends la respectueuse liberté d’envoÿer à votre Excellence le memoire inclús. Daignez le parcourir, et le trouvant utile m’honorer de vos hautes ordres. Etant prêt d’en donner le secret a votre...
1480To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 23 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives An express just going to Chesapeake gives me an opportunity of sending by the Hermione a resolution passed Yesterday, my Letters by this conveyance are so lengthy that they leave me nothing to add unless it be that we have just received Letters from Mr. Deane (copies are inclosed) which confirm the authenticity of...
1481To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Blagden, 22 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Blagden will do himself the honour of dining with Dr. Franklin next thursday. Addressed: A Monsieur / M. Le Docteur Franklin &c / à Passy. For Blagden’s visit to Paris see Joseph Banks to BF , May 28. According to his journal, the June 26 dinner included WTF , John Jay, Mme Helvétius, and Mrs. Barclay. Blagden commented of BF : “He is become very...
1482To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 28 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum The Court Martial that has been held on board here for the last two Days past has not yet come to a determination respecting the Bon homme Richard and Alliance being run foul of one another—and as the health of Lieutenant Robinson, who commanded the Bon homme Richard Deck, did not...
1483To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 18 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty of inclosing you the Act for the Repeal of the prohibitory acts relative to America the Bill rec’d the Royal assent Yesterday, there is another act in some degree of forwardness for taking away the necessity of certain documents that American Ships were required to bring— I hope it will be all that at present is necessary to remove the...
1484To Benjamin Franklin from D’Açarq, 11 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je Vous offre aujourd’hui L’hommage De Mon ode à L’illustre Corps Dont Vous êtes L’âme Eclairée et Vertueuse. Je Souhaiterois ardemment que Vous trouvassiez Cette ode, et Les Deux précédentes pièces, Dignes D’être présentées en mon nom par Votre Canal à Votre immortelle République. Si Chacune Séparément ne Dit pas tout, il Me Semble que Les trois Réunies...
1485To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 12 July 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I still continue to send you a Line or two on the Presumption you may possibly not have left England before this reaches you, and if you should be set out the Loss of this is not much: As I have little more to say than I have wrote, only that we continue still in the Old Way, rubbing through a World, in which some slide easier then others, but in which none...
1486To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 19 February 1748 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook abstract: Historical Society of Pennsylvania My Friend B.F. I wrote to him about the Title page of Euclid and the Lottery now fully drawn and desired his direction concluding his Affectionate friend. See above, p. 219.
1487To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since writing you the 3d Instant, M Montieu has voluntarily offered to take all my Affairs on himself. He wants no Security he says for my probity, but only in Case of my Death, for which he says he will take my Drafts on you at 18 or 20 months date that you may see him paid from my Effects, these Bills he does not expect you will ever be obliged to pay, if...
1488To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand John Paris, [1–7 December? 1758] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania This undated, unsigned document, in the hand of Thomas Penn’s clerk, is undoubtedly a copy of the “words in writing to prevent mistakes” Paris gave to Franklin in the interview described above, p. 187 n and mentioned as “No. 5” in Franklin’s letter to Norris, Jan. 19, 1759 (see below, p. 233). Since that interview took place “a few Days after”...
1489To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de La Rochefoucauld, 27 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Enfin Monsieur voilà donc votre Nation et la nôtre amies déclarées, et le liberateur de l’Amérique Plenipotentiaire public en france; on pourroit maintenant en sureté vous prier à un concert, et Milord stormont vous a cédé la place. Puisse cette union durer longtems et faire réciproquement le bonheur des deux pais. Je regrette bien de n’avoir pas assisté au...
1490To Benjamin Franklin from John Alleyne, 5 September 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I should not have broken in upon your Time in this Manner, if my Health wo’d have permitted Me, to have address’d You personally, but Confin’d, as I have been, and much weaken’d by the Gout I trust your Goodness will Excuse Me, if I ask the Favor of a Line from You, in Answer to the following Questions. A Reverend Friend of Mine had an Offer, some few...
1491To Benjamin Franklin from George Walker, 1 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society An old friend will excuse this familiarity of address to the Minister. I found by Mr. Wharton of Philadelphia, when he did me the honour of a visit at Calais, that I was still alive in your memory and good opinion; and that you were content with the excuses I had made you thorough him for my silence. Circumstances however seem now to be approaching, which...
1492To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 3 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Three LS : American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives, Library of Congress I have the Honor of transmitting to you the enclosed Copy of an Act of Congress of the 23rd. Ulto: Being ignorant of the Gentlemen mentioned in it, and all Information respecting them having been received by Congress prior to my Arrival, I applied to the Secretary for the necessary Intelligence— He this...
1493To Benjamin Franklin from Georgiana Shipley, 17 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is long very long since I had the happiness of receiving a line from my dear Doctor Franklin; how often have I regreted the necessary interruption of a correspondence, from whence I derived so much pleasure & advantage; an opportunity now offers of conveying a letter to you which I have not prudence sufficient to resist, particularly as I have lately...
1494To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 24 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy and transcript: National Archives; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer, Monsieur, un memoire qui m’a été adressé par les Srs. Lamarque et fabre; vous y verrez que ces deux particuliers ont fait des fournitures à M. Gillon et que ce Commodore est parti sans les payer. J’ignore si vous avèz des fonds appartenants ou à M. Gillon ou à l’Etat...
1495To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Santoux, 3 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, February 3, 1778, in French: I have seen in our journals that you recommend tobacco ash against dropsy. Please tell me for what sort of dropsy, how the ash is prepared and administered, what kind of tobacco is used, and whether it is burned in the open or in a closed container. The region in which I practice has a large incidence of dropsy, both...
1496To Benjamin Franklin from Wilhem & Jan Willink, Nicolaas & Jacob van Staphorst, and De la Lande & Fynje, 15 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress We take the liberty to inform your Excellency that in consequence of the Success of the new Loan, his Excellency John Adams Esqr authorised us to open for acct of Congress, we have become in the Situation to pay due honor to every disposal, we have hitherto advice, his Excellency Robt. Morris Esqr. Super Intendant of Finance has been pleased to make on us. We have the...
1497To Benjamin Franklin from Cadwalader Evans, 15 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A Vessel from Ireland to New York brought us the most agreeable news of your safe arrival in London the 13th. of Decemr., which occassion’d as great and general a Joy in Pensylvania, among those, whose esteem an honest man woud value most, and as much to the confusion of the rest, as ever I saw; The Bells rang, on that Account till near midnight, Libations...
1498To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 13 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Le S. Cher. [Sieur Chevalier] Bernard de Marigny, Monsieur, qui vous a écrit la lettre que vous me renvoyez est un Officier qui jouit d’une tres bonne Reputation et votre recommandation en sa faveur ne peut qu’ajouter au desir que j’ai de lui procurer les graces dont ses services sont susceptibles. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec une parfaite consideration, Monsieur, Votre...
1499To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 23 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This is only to accompany the adjoin’d lettre of mr. Weinbrenner, who, as you see, does not loose time to make use of your kind proposition of giving some introductory letters to his agent, who is mr. Donath . This gentleman will set out in a few weeks for Philadelphia New york & Boston, where he will spend two years. He will carry with him various...
1500To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 19 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have the Honour to inform you, that I yesterday drew Bills of Exchange upon your Excellency, in favour of the House of Fizeaux & Grand to the amount of Twenty Seven Thousand Crowns of three Livres Each, to enable them to discharge the Bills of Congress which I have accepted and which are now or will be in a few days payable. The following is the List I...