1501To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 22 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL American Philosophical Society Je ne suis point anguille comme le pretend monsieur votre fils mon aimable papa, et j’avois bien le projét decidé d’aller vous voir ce matin, mais mes enfans sont partis plus tard que je ne comptois, ma fille cadétte et moi avons eté plus sottes que je ne croyois, nous étions attristées, préocupées, et tout uniment nous reméttrons a dimanche le plaisir d’aller...
1502To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, 31 March 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This letter was written, a modern scholar has suggested, at the initiative of the man who is the subject of it, Admiral Lord Howe. The suggestion is plausible: Barclay and Howe were not well acquainted, as far as is known; but in the circumstances their common friendship with Lord Hyde might have been enough to elicit this testimonial. Franklin’s Quaker...
1503To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pownall, [1765–1775] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Govr. Pownall presents his Compliments to Mr. Franklin and shou’d be very glad to the favour of his company to Dinner to Day. If he is engaged Govr. Pownall shou’d be very glad to see him any Part of this Evening if not otherwise engaged. [ Memo in Franklin’s hand: ] Forts. and Indian Expenses. Ministers make an impossible Act and run mad that it will not...
1504To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 12 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I this Instant receiv’d your Letter of the 2d.— It gives me inexpressible Grief to learn that you have been so long without receiving any Letter from me, & that you attribute it to my neglect! I can assure you—you wrong me,—for I have wrote, I think constantly every Week;—some of my Letters went by Private Hands, others by the Post: the former may have been...
1505To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Bruet, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Le cte de Bruet a reçû avec la plus grande sensibilité lexemplaire que Monsieur franklin a eu lattention et lhonnetteté de luÿ adresser il luÿ en fait mile remerciements et il seroit bien flatté de trouver les occasions de luÿ en marquer toute Sa reconoissance. Mde de Bruet fait mille et mille Compliments a messieurs franklin et ne pouvent etre plus...
1506To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Grenville, [8 May 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL and copy: Library of Congress; transcripts: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives Mr Grenville presents his Compliments to Mr Franklin, and will certainly do himself the honour of waiting upon Mr Franklin tomorrow morning at eight o’clock. Endorsed: May 8 the Day of his Arrival Who had just arrived in France bearing Fox’s May 1 letter of introduction, above. Oswald introduced...
1507To Benjamin Franklin from Leslie Grove, 1 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society From the honor I had of your acquaintance at My Lord Le Despencers at W. Wycomb in 73, I am Induced to flatter myself the request I have to make for the Enlargement of a particular Friends Brother now a Prisoner onboard an American Vessel in Brest Road will be comply’d with, the person solicited for is a Brother of Mr. John Trumans an Irish Factor in this...
1508To Benjamin Franklin from Félix Vicq d’Azyr, [before 27 August 1782] (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de Vous adresser quelques Billets d’invitation pour la seance publique de la société Royale de médecine, qui aura lieu le 27 de ce mois et dont elle Vous prie de Vouloir bien disposer. La Compagnie espére que Vous Voudrez bien honorer cette assemblée de Votre présence. Je serai en mon particulier infiniment flatté, si nous avons le bonheur de...
1509To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 2 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I informed you in my last that the Marquis de la Fayette would sail the next day, accordingly on thursday the 29 of March I saw her & the Alliance under Sail and the Wind has since continued exceeding fair, so that I imagine they are now 150 Leagues of. I have the pleasure to assure you that the great ship sails remarkably well & I realy believe the...
1510To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Marin Beaugeard, [before 1 September? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Beaugeard, Tresorier des Etats de Bretagne, prie Messieurs Francklin Pere et fils de lui faire l’honneur de venir diner chez lui lundi prochain premier septembre. Reponse s’il vous plait. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin Maison de / M. Le Ray de Chaumont / A Passy pres Paris The year could alternatively be 1783, but 1777 is more plausible because...
1511To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 25 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je fais de mon mieux pour pallier & exténuer ici le mal de Charlestown; & j’y reussis passablement. Si je pouvois produire un mot de votre part sous les yeux de notre ami là-dessus, ce ne seroit pas mal. Il craint que cela n’ébranle la constance du Congrès: & je m’évertue à le rassurer là-dessus. Je fus avant hier matin chez le Prince de Galitzin Envoyé...
1512To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Kéralio, 10 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je pars demain, Monsieur, pour aller voir celles de nos écoles militaires de province qui n’ont pas été inspectées L’année derniere. Ce sera un voyage de Deux mois. Pendant mon absence j’ai pourvu à ce que vous ayés Les nouvelles que je pourrai recevoir. C’est mon frere qui vous Les fera parvenir. S’il n’y a point d’indiscrétion, je supplie Mr. votre fils...
1513To Benjamin Franklin from Chalut and Arnoux, 6 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Les abbés de Chalut et Arnoux ont lhonneur d’assurer Monsieur franklin de leur attachement respectueux, et de lui demander s’il n’y auroit point d’indiscretion de le prier de leur preter les deux premiers Volumes des memoires de la Chine. Si leur respectable ami peut leur rendre ce Service, les deux abbés Le prient de le leur faire sçavoir, et ils feront...
1514To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine La Sablière de La Condamine, 8 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’avois envoyé la petite rapsodie cy-jointe à l’auteur du journal général de france pour l’insérer dans une de ses feuilles pèriodiques, ce qu’il n’a pas jugé à propos de faire, je ne sçais pour qu’elle raison, ce refus me détermine à prendre la Liberté de vous l’addresser: ce n’est pas, monsieur, que j’attache la moindre prétention, ni la moindre...
1515To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 14 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Apprehensive, by Your Excellency’s Silence to my last Letter, of Augt. 25th., as well as to my three preceding Letters therein mentioned, of their not being as wellcome as heretofore, I shall cease troubling Yr. Excy. with my perhaps impertinent Zeal, For the good Cause which You so gloriously defend; and confine it to my sincere Wishes for its speedy...
1516To Benjamin Franklin from Conte Giovanni Baptista Carburi, 27 March 1765 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Comte Carburi fait mille compliments à Mr. le Doc[teu]r Franklin, et lui fait savoir que le Duc de Marlborough seroit charmé de l’avoir chez lui à Marlborough house vendredi prochain, environ à midi, et de le voir faire les experiences Electriques. Ainsi le Dr. Franklin est prié de dire s’il pourra y être, et s’il à besoin de voir auparavant la machine...
1517To Benjamin Franklin from James Bowdoin, [March 1753?] (Franklin Papers)
MS not found; reprinted from extract in Sparks, Works , VI , 161 n. By the post I received your favor, enclosing several printed letters relating to the transit of Mercury over the sun. A gentleman here, who is provided with the proper instruments, and well skilled in astronomy, intends to make the necessary observations; to whom, as well as to several others, I shall communicate said letters....
1518To Benjamin Franklin from George Croghan, 12 February 1768 (Franklin Papers)
Copy in Historical Society of Pennsylvania; fragment, lacking first five paragraphs, in American Philosophical Society. I did myself the pleasure of writing to you on the 2d of October from Lancaster; And since my Return from meeting the Western Nations, I have had the Favor of your Letter of the 5th. August 1767. I am much gratified, That the Elephant’s Bones were acceptable to you; and with...
1519To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, [1765–1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Strahan presents his best Compliments to Dr. Franklin, and begs he would send the Letter by the Bearer. This note might have been written at any time when BF was in London after he had received his honorary doctorate from the University of St. Andrews in February 1759. It is possible that the letter Strahan referred to was one of BF ’s communications to...
1520To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 1 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your letter, my dearest sir, was heavenly to me and filled me with the utmost transports. I dare not tell you what I had feared; but I thought your mind must see into every little corner and expectation of my heart, and would acquit me of every thing but the true motive. It has done so, and has only if possible raised you higher in my conceptions. As I know...
1521To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 6 November 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): British Museum My State of Health, and Excursions upon that Account into the Country must be my Excuse for not taking an earlier Notice of your very obliging Packet of 8th June, for which I return you my particular Thanks. Your Letter and Replies to Mr. Strahan’s Questions gave me great Pleasure, tho the closing and prophetic Part coming from one so capable of discerning amidst...
1522To Benjamin Franklin from Girardot, Haller & Cie., 4 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Messieurs Girardot, Haller & Co’s best Compliments to Dr. Bn. Franklin, and desire he wil be so good as to forward th’ in Clos’d letter to The Rt. Honble S. Deane Esqr. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur le Docteur Frankelin / près du Couvent de la Visitation / de Ste. Marie / Chaillot / hotel Colbert The firm which, in its former guise of Germany, Girardot &...
1523To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Sowden], [1 September 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Last post I had the honour to write and forward you a Letter to the care of that Young Gentleman who was charged about ten weeks since with the delivery of my Large packet for Messrs. Rumsey and Gordon jointly, and who, in a Line that accompanied it to Yourself, I told You had lived many Years with me. As it is of importance You should have that Letter, I...
1524To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 8 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je continue de profiter des bontés de S.E.M. l’Ambassadeur, en vous faisant parvenir la présente par le Courier qu’il expédie ce soir. L’Escadre du Texel est sortie enfin, & sera maîtresse à son tour dans les mers du Nord, à moins que les Anglois ne détachent une portion de la leur, suffisante pour faire rentrer dans la coquille les Hollandois. Dans ce cas...
1525To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Chalut, [11 September 1778] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society L’Abbé Chalut présente ses civilités à Monsieur le Docteur Franklin: il le prie de lui faire l’honneur de venir manger sa soupe demain samedi 12 7bre. avec M. L’Abbé de Mably qui doit être de la partie. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / ministre plenipotentiaire des / Etats unis d’Amerique / A Passy For this jolly abbé see XXV , p. 382. Gabriel...
1526To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 16 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Phillip Mazzei Esqr is lately arrived here from Ireland after having been captured on his passage from Virginia hither, and long confined by the Enemy. He tells me he is charged with public Business of an important Nature on the Subject of which he is ordered to consult with you. Being under some Embarrasement on accot of the Refusal of the Merchant on whom...
1527To Benjamin Franklin from Edmund Quincy, Junior, 5 November 1764 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had not deferrd doing myself the Pleasure of writing you for some time past on the Subject I mentiond to you when here, but the Loss of my Wife, besides several Avocations has prevented, nor should I have troubled you now, but to inform you that I publish’d in Edes & Gills paper last Post Day a Letter from my Bro’ Huske to the Committee of Merchants here;...
1528To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 10 March 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Rien n’est plus Vray, Mon Cher Et Venerable Docteur que la Guerison De Mr De Breget a Laquelle il Est impossible D’attribuer aucunne cause aparente que L’application Du Magnetisme. J’ay Eû ce Matin une Conversation a fond Sur Son traitement avec un De Ses amis qui n’a pas quitté Son Chevet Depuis le Commencement De Sa Maladie, Et qui m’a Confirmé, que...
1529To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Count Sarsfield having obligingly offered to take Charge of a Packet for you, I embrace the Opportunity to send you ten of your Cards which I found among my Papers. Capt. Le Maire the officer appointed by the State of Virginia for the Inspection of military Stores, is frequently complaining to me of his hard treatment, and requests me to represent his...
1530To Benjamin Franklin from Lambert Wickes, 7 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I should be much obliged if you would send the inclosed letter forward by the first undoubted safe Conveyance. I should not give your honour the Trouble if Could have an Oppertunity of a Safe Conveyance from this. As that is impractacable shall be much obliged for your Care of the Same. It Contains matters of Importance both to me and Mr. Johnston. From...
1531To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 28 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty for your Excellencys information to annex a Copy of a letter I receiv’d from Ostend mentioning the arrival there of the London Gazette which contains the King of Englands manifesto, against the Dutch, & his proclamation ordering Commissions to be issued to his subjets to take and bring in all Dutch ships, with orders to his Courts of...
1532To Benjamin Franklin from Achille-Guillaume Lebègue de Presle, 13 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Lorsque j’ai eu l’honneur jeudi de vous presenter l’ouvrage du P. Beccaria que je venois de recevoir de Londres, vous m’avez demandé quelles nouvelles litteraires m’étoient parvenues en meme tems: je me crois authorisé par cette question a vous communiquer une notice d’un fait interessant arrivé je crois samedi ou lundi. Voici les termes de la lettre que...
1533To Benjamin Franklin from Osgood Hanbury & Company, 15 June 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Messrs. Hanbury’s respects to Doctor Franklin and inform him, that upon Captain Bannings coming up this Evening, they find the Ship will not be ready to sail before the 24th. Instant, by which time if the Chariott can be got ready the Captain shall take particular care of it. For Osgood Hanbury, a Quaker merchant with offices at 34 Great Tower Street and...
1534To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 12 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress; copy: Archives de la Marine On the 23d. day of September 1779 in Sight of Flamborough Head on the East Coast of England I discovered a Fleet under British Colours and made the Signal for Chase with the necessary preparation for Battle.— The Bon Homme Richard of 40 Guns which I then commanded in Person came up with and Hailed the largest Ship of the fleet. The...
1535To Benjamin Franklin from William Livingston, 10 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty of recommending to you Colonel Clarkson who is appointed by the Directors of the University of New York to solicit donations in some parts of Europe, for that Institution. In this capacity I do not recommend him to your notice; because my feelings as an American are really hurt by our turning mendicants in Europe, where I think our...
1536To Benjamin Franklin from Franz Ulrich Theodor Aepinus, 1 [i.e., 12] February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Vous pardonnerez sans doute, à l’empressement, que je montre, à l’occasion de la grande nouvelle, qui nous est arrivée, ces jours-ci, de me rappeller à Votre souvenir, qui me sera aussi precieux, que me l’a été dans le tems, l’approbation, que Vous avez crû pouvoir accorder autrefois, à mes travaux pour l’avancement des sciences. J’ai l’honneur de Vous...
1537To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Vaughan, Jr., with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 6 March [i.e., April] 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you will have the goodness to excuse my not communicating in person the following extract of a letter from my Brother Ben, which I should do with a great deal of pleasure, was it not entirely out of my power from the Business I have at present; &, as the latter part should be communicated early. “Tell Dr Franklin, with my most affectionate respects,...
1538To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bennett Lloyd, 10 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your obliging favour of the 18th of March came safe to hand, for which I beg you will accept my best thanks. I must apologize to you for the liberty I am about to take but as I have much reason to be assured of your Friendship and as there is no Gentleman who’s advice I would so soon follow as your’s—permit me therefore, to ask your opinion on the following...
1539To Benjamin Franklin from La Blancherie, 19 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library C’est demain que vous devez prononcer mon jugement à l’Académie. Permettez que je vous supplie de vous y trouver et de vouloir bien y être mon Mecène. Je suis dejà bien dédomagé du travail immense que j’ai fait par les témoignages de Protection dont vous avez eu la bonté de m’honnorer jusqu’à cette heure. Ils me font espérer que vous acheverez votre...
1540To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 15 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I never was more pleased with the Spirit of my Country than upon a late general Apprehension that Sr. Guy Carleton had come from the Court of London with a Design to create Divisions in these States and sow Jealousies between us and our great and good Ally, by Propositions particularly for some separate Negotiations. The Indignity and Contempt with which...
1541To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Jacques Caffiéri, 29 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society En Lisant La Gazette Dernier j’ay vû que Les Etats Unis de Lamerique etoit dans Lintention de faire Elevé une Statue au General De Wanchinton et quel Doit se faire a Paris. Si La chose est vraie je vous prie Monsieur de vouloir bien vous Resouvenire de moy, j’ay quel que Droit pour obtenire votre chois, L’ancienté sur Les personnes qui peuve vous faire La...
1542To Benjamin Franklin from Poreau, Mackenzie & Co., 27 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society By a Letter from Mr. Peter Amiel of the 23. instant, we find he was to have that day the Commission in pocket, and to sett out immediately for this place; in Consequence our Mr. Poreau would give him to morrow a meeting at Lille agréable to his desire (and with our Chaise). We remark that the Bond which we are to sign would be presented to us by Mr. Coffyn...
1543To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel Cheston, 2 August 1747 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your Favour of the 23d Ulto With Mr. Thos Fayerweathers order on Mr. Edward Scott in favour of Mr. Jeremiah Osborn Inclosed and Immediately Applyed to Mr. Edwd Scott for the Money who promised Me to pay It before the Return of our Mercury. But being Gone Down to Talbott County am afraid Shall not see him time Enough to Send It per this next...
1544To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 27 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Virginia Historical Society By the Letter you did me the Honor to write to me the 17th. instant, I perceive you are still under a mistake relative to the Contract made with D’Acosta & Co.— There never was to my knowlege any Contract made with that house for the same things that I requested you to apply for to the French Ministry on account of the...
1545To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Bond, 7 June 1769 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d your Letter of the 9th of March with William Cowell’s inclosed, at which I was much surprised, as his last to Bond & Byrn was in a very different Strain, it being only dubious Whether a Bill of Three hundred Pounds then in his Hands would be paid or not. That Bill was founded on a large Estate in his Neighbourhood, and on the Drawers Sister, who...
1546To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste-Jacques Elie de Beaumont, 8 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous presenter Monsieur dufourny de villiers l’un de nos dignes Membres de la societé d’Emulation dont j’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler. Consacré aux arts par goût il ne croit pouvoïr faire un plus noble et plus patriotique usage de ses talens que de consacrer a sa patrie le buste de l’illustre franklin qu’un autre hemisphere menace de...
1547To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 29 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I communicated what you desird in a letter of Octor. 18th. to the friend who has of late been often the subject of my letters. His reply was abundance of thanks to you, desiring His best wishes & respects &ca &ca. I have been out of the line of communicating with Him since about the 25th of last month, but I often hear from him by message of a Friend....
1548To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, 13 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania J’ai l’honneur de vous renvoyer la lettre de Mr. Le Comte de Vergennes et le projet d’Acte qu’elle renfermait, que l’on a omis d’insérer dans celle que j’ai eu celui de vous écrire hier. Je n’ai rien a ajouter a ce que j’ai eu l’honneur de vous marquer au Sujet de ces piéces. Mais je dois vous observer encore que le Traité du 16. Juillet 1782. n’ayant...
1549To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Mante, 12 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope that you will not think me importunate in soliciting an answer to the letter that I had the honour of writing to you some few days past. Though I would wish to avoid asking of you pecuniary aid yet the distress of my situation orleaps the barrier of delicacy and again compels me to address myself to your humanity. A short time I hope will enable me...
1550To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Rogers, [20 February 1772] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Major Rogers presents his most respectful Compliments to Doctr. Franklin, informs him that his Petition for a Tour thro’ the North American Continent, comes on before the Committee of Council on Tuesday next, when he hopes for the Doctrs. Interest on that affair. At the same time requests the Doctr. will inform him where Govr. Pomlin lives. Addressed: To...