31To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Rush, 18 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I profitted so much by your kindness and conversation while I was abroad that I cannot refuse an Application from a young Student for a letter of introduction to you in order that he may assist in obtaining your Mantle and transporting it to your Native country before you leave our world.— The bearer Dr Saml Griffitts has genius and an insatiable desire for...
32To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 26 March 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous ecris cette lettre pour vous dire combien je m’amuse a Geneve parceque Mr Marignac a loué une petite campagne près de la ville d’ou nous venons tous les matins pour aller au college et nous nous en retournons tous les soirs et nous y couchons mais une chose qui me fait bien de la peine c’est que la foire na pas eu lieu a cause des affaires de Genève...
33To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 30 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society After a long Weariness caus’d by not receiving Letters from any of my freinds. I write you to engage you or My Cousin to write me the state of your health. I have heard from Johonnot that our Good General Washington intend’s coming to France. I heard also from the Same that you have made medals for the Liberty of my Dear Country having Said Before Mr...
34To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 1 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai Reçue votre lettre du 10 Septembre elle m’a fait un très grand Plaisir parcequ’elle a mit fin a vôtre long silence car j’etois en peine de vous n’ayant point de vos nouvelles. J’ai regardé vôtre silence à Legard des livres dont je vous ai parlé comme vôtre Consentement et comme Mr Marignac craignoit qu’on ne les vendit il les a acheté. Je suis très...
35To 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...
36To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Morel Dufaux, 12 May 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society If real Services rendered to the Subjects of the united States in the most Critical times when no Soul durst to Employ himself for, fearing blame, can Entitle to Claim of the protection of your Excellency, I flatter I have an undoubtfull right to it. Those Important Services I have already mentioned in a memoir I had presented to your Excellency but having...
37To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Rush, 17 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed letter to Mr Coxe is from one of his family.— I have taken the liberty of addressing it to your care. Your conveying it safely to Mr Coxe will Oblige a worthy family, and Sir Your most Hble Servant Addressed: The Honble: / Benjamin Franklin Esqr: / Minister Plenipotentiary / from the / United States at / the Court of Versailles. Endorsed: Dr...
38To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 30 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have receiv’d the 24 May your kind letter dated the 2 and Mme Montgomery’s which was inclosed in it, By Mr Ridley Conductor of the young Morris’s as well as the medal you please to Send me you Refuse me a wacth I dont Insist on asking it no more. I thought that I could obtain one for 2 reasons 1° Every Boy of my Society has one or gold or at lest Silver...
39To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Morel Dufaux, 11 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society For a while past Messieurs Veuve Dque. Morel & Self had the honor of writing to your Highness. Tho’ not honoured with an answer, yet I make it bold Humbly to beg of your Highness to accept my petition with regard to obtaining a prefference for the Consular office in Dunkirk. Thro’ the Channel of Mr Grand Banker in Paris we had occasion to render Important...
40To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 8 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Oliver has written me a letter from Barbadoes, desiring me to procure from my connections letters to the French Governors of Grenada & St. Vincents; in both which islands he has property, more particularly in the former. As I take for granted this hint was intended for you , and will be such as your opinion of him will induce to comply with; I take the...
41To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 30 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I Reciv’d your Letter dated the 7 January the 18 of the same month. I wrote your Letter a little in a hurry because the night was coming on and that I wanted to put the letter to the Post office that made me forget the date but I will try to forget it no more. I have not receiv’d the parsel of Books you mentioned me in your letter that you had sent to...
42To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Pierce et al., 3 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library The known goodness of your disposition and firm attachment to the Welfare of America has emboldned us to make application to your Excellency in this manner in preference to any other, being destitute of Friends in France, and ignorant of the method made use of for the redress of grievances. Some of us applied, upon our Arrival here to Captain Landais...
43To Benjamin Franklin from Gabriel-Louis Galissard de Marignac: Bill for Benjamin Franklin Bache’s Schooling, [5 May–5 … (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society Monsieur Franklin doit pour la pension de Monsieur son petit fils depuis le 5e. May au 5e. 7bre 1780 £175.10.” Papier, encre plumes & cahiers 4. ”.” pr. racommoder ses bas 3. ”.” Une Médecine 1. ”.” pr. l’achat de 12. Mouchoirs 9.10.” pr. une ligne ”.12.” comptes à Mr. Aval 10.10. ” Prix des bonnes Notes ”.10.” pr. differens ports de lettres 5.”.”
44To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, [29 September 1781] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous écris ce petit mot pour vous dire combien L’arrivée de Mr Cooper Johonnot m’a fait de plaisir et je vous assure que quand vous m’enverrès des americains cela me fera on ne peut pas plus de plaisir. Je me perfectionerai dans peu de temps dans l’anglois il me parle deja beaucoup et je lui reponds comme je peux je me porte très bien. Je suis toujours...
45To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, [5 November 1782 or later?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I find that I can go off with convenience very early on Thursday morning; and therefore if agreeable, should wish you to give me your letter for Mr: T: T: tomorrow evening , as it may furnish with me with a probable occasion of speaking to that gentleman about certain affairs. Mr: H:’s letter may come under cover to me by a courier.— The very moment a certain event...
46To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 2 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your kind Letter of the 23 June the 29 of the same mounth I was very glad when I read that you desir’d me to come at Passy during the Vacation of the School to See you, I have been Sick, but I Am now recover’d and Strong enough to undertake the Jorney. By the Complasance of Mr Pigott I went I great many times beffor my sickness to dine to his...
47To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, [on or after 20 April 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Benjamin F. Bailar, Houston, Texas (1990) Je prens la liberté de vous écrire pour vous informer de ma santé aussi bien que de mon voyage ou nous avons essuyé quelques malheurs nous arrivames à Genéve lundi et j’ai été en pension le jour suivant ou je ferai mon possible pour bien travailler et pour vous satisfaire j’espère que je receverai la réponse le plutôt qu’il vous sera possible je...
48To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 21 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ne soyez pas ètonné si je vous écris une lettre qui est si prês de l’autre c’est pour vous demander permission d’acheter un livre qui est instructif et qui en même temps me plairoit beaucoup c’est (le Voyageur françois) en 28 Volumes mais Mr. Marignac n’a pas jugé apropos de me l’acheter, ni moi même parcequ’il coutoit 9 Louis et demi, voila mon Cher grand...
49To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 30 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous écris cette lettre pour vous apprendre de mes nouvelles et pour m’informer de vôtre sante. Je n’ai point eu de prix cette année, mais si l’on avoit fait un prix de bonnes notes je L’aurois eu; parceque je l’emportois sur tous ceux de ma bande ce prix ne se donne pas a St pierre mais pourtant cela marque que L’on s’est appliqué toute L’année. Les...
50To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 6 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je Souhaiterois beaucoup d’avoir de vos nouvelles, mais je pense que les affaires vous empechent de m’écrire, car sans cela je serois fort en peine, mais du moins je voudrois que mon cousin me donnât de vos nouvelles, et en même temps des siennes, ainsi que mon ami Cockran, je voudrois aussi avoir des nouvelles de mon papa et de ma mama. Je me porte très...
51To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Putnam, 13 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Least by any Accident, I should fail of a safe Arrival at France, I wish to inform you, that, I have not relinquished the Idea, or by any means, quitted my Resolution but too long since form’d, of waiting on your Excellency on the subject of the two Vessels which some months since I had the honor to represent to your Excellency thro Mr. Lovell, & by my own...
52To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 30 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Vous ne sauries croire combien m’a fait de plaisir vôtre lettre, parcequ’il y avoit longtemps que je n’avois de vos nouvelles, et j’etois tres en peine de vous, je vous ecrirai le plus exactement que je pourrai, j’ai été fort content d’apprendre qu’Adams avec son frere viendront peut être à Geneve, parceque cela m’entretiendra beaucoup mon anglois. Les...
53To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 27 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis très ètonné de ce que vous ne m’aves pas ecrit il faut que vos affaires vous en empechent car je suis sur que vous ne m’oublies pas: Les affaires de Genêve sont remises en un assez Bon état et par consèquent je suis revenu de Gachet qui est comme je vous ai deja dit la Campagne du Frere de Monsieur de Marignac et nous allons j’espère Bientôt...
54To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 10 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Thos. Oliver of Lowlayton, Mr Richd. Oliver’s Cousin & the partner of Mr Lovel, thinks it adviseable to send the inclosed; & as he seemed anxious about it, I did not prevent his satisfying his own mind & being also satisfied about my good wishes to the Alderman. Being told that the Grenada people who went on Sunday, would take no letters I deferred...
55To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Wilson, 8 April 1759 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been considering Mr. Coldens experiment which we tried on Saturday last, and the appearances it affords seem not now so surprising, or indeed, curious, as I at first imagined. For the excited tube, you know, when opposed properly to the cork balls, attracts them a little: it must therefore electrify the balls plus, instead of minus: and not only the...
56To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 6 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I have this instant heard of this opportunity. I can put up nothing; scarcely this letter. Every thing appears to me huddled and uncertain; we were a little up, but the apparent imbecillity of those to act against us, has let the spirit cool again very much. And danger made a cry for unanimity that did us mischief. Your paper about the aurora has been a good...
57To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 15 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A very respectable planter of Antigua writes to desire of Mr Manning, “as a particular favor, that he would procure for his son a letter to Dr Franklin, as he is desirous he should know one of the first characters this age has produced.” The young gentleman, Mr Mackinnen, who presents you with this letter is the person alluded to, and though he is...
58To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Chew, 19 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you will Excuse the liberty I take in Writeing to you in the fameliar Stile I am about Respecting my brother Sufferers in forton Prison who are Really Distresst for the Necessaries of Life Which Could they Get a Small Part of what is due them from the Commissioners would in a Great Measure Relieve them from their Present Distresst Situation If not...
59To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 25 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am very glad that you write to me very often I pray you too continu it I am very sorry because I have not put the date to my letres but I will put it to the fust letre I have recived your print and accept it Mr Marignac has bought me a dictionary I am very glad that you will send my some books inglith the scolars have leave ventuige [the advantage?]...
60To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 30 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous ècris ne voulant pas perdre courage de ce que vous ne m’ècrivez pas il y a longtems que je n’ai eu de vos nouvelles, les dernieres que J’ai eu etoient par Mr Pigott. Je vous prierai si vous ne pouvez m’ècrire a cause de vos affaires de me faire ècrire un mot par Mon cousin car Mr Marignac et moi Sommes fort en peine ne recevant point de vos...
61To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Rush, 23 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr Rush’s most respectful compliments to his venerable father, and friend Benjamin Franklin Esqr &c and begs the favor of him to forward the enclosed letters to the persons to whom they are addressed.— He has left one of them open for the Doctors perusal—in which he will see that the good old cause continues to flourish under the auspices of heaven and our...
62To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Hill, 14 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Not knowing but my letter which I wrote you the 29th: of march (informing you of my determination to goe with capt. Jones expecting him to cruise Homewards &c.) might have miscarryed I therefore Have made free to troble you with another beging the favour of you sence I have been so disappointed in the Ranger, to procure me some way To America, or if...
63To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Webb, 27 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having so convenient an Opportunity to pay my Respects to you through the Gentleman who is so Kind to deliver this into your Hands (Mr Pigott) I could not help embracing It—as more expressive of that Respect & Honour I have ever held your Character in—& which no Subsequent Circumstances have diminished in my Opinion—but Otherwise. You have probably heard...
64To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 16 August 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’avoue qu’il y a bien longtemps que je ne vous ai écrit, mais je pense toujours cependant à vous je n’ai pas beaucoup de l’oisir pour vous écrire je sçais qu’il vous est impossible de m’écrire a cause de vos affaires mais j’aimerois pourtant bien avoir de vos nouvelles et je vous prie de m’en donner le plustôt qu’il vous sera possible et si vous n’aves pas...
65To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Vaughan], [18 September 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am ashamed my dear sir at the littleness of my heart or rather that of my friends: as soon as I have passed the opportunity for conversing with this man it will be over, and I shall see you as publicly as at Xmas. Yes my dear sir I will meet you at 5, in the middle of the Seine; any where, so that I do but meet you, and tell you how much I revere you. In...
66To Benjamin Franklin from Marignac: Bill for Benjamin Franklin Bache’s Schooling, [5 October 1779–5 January 1780] (Franklin Papers)
ADS : American Philosophical Society Pension depuis le 5e. 8bre. 79. au 5e. Janvier 80. £130—14—6— Papier, encre & plumes... 1—10—”— Raquettes & Volans... 1—17—6— Comédie... 1—12—”— Dictionnaire Anglois en 2. Volumes... 10— 8—”— ⅓ Kalmouk... 1— 7—”— Cahiers... ”—18—”— pr. quatre pres. [paires] bas de laine... 7— ”—”— Port de Lettres... ”—11—”—
67To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Harrison, 27 July 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society The Assembly of this State have voted a Statue of our late worthy Commander in Chief General Washington, and have directed one side of the Pedestal to be filled with an inscription, the other three with the Dress are left for the exercise of the genius of your humble Servant & his Council, who are all too little acquainted with a business that requires such...
68To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 20 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society There was some little tumult when I sent you the last printed pacquet, (which however missed two opportunities of going) and therefore you had no letter.— By the present opportunity I wish to inquire your opinion as to the time of appearance. I am for the present moment; the bookseller for deferring: But as my opinion will rule, I wish without giving...
69To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 26 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Dr. Priestley & Lord Shelburne have parted, as far as I can understand, amicably. The truth is, the two characters were such as did not understand the one the other: The one did not comprehend enough the nature & merit of a speculative scholar, nor the other the situation and difficulties of a political actor. I labored, as you did, to prevent it; but...
70To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 9 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I beg to introduce to your acquaintance My friend Mr Benjn. Savage, a young Gentn., born in South Carolina. By some accident or other, his friends have chosen the wrong side of the question, though he has relations very warmly contending on the right side. Politics however do not much warp his mind, which is as candid a one almost as I ever knew; and...
71To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 5 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My father having an immediate desire to purchase lands in America to the amount of £4000 by way of a beginning; and your friend Mr. E. Jeffries of the club of “honest Whigs at the London Coffee House,” being determined to appropiate £2000 in that line; and I believe another friend having determined upon a like adventure, of which he is soon to advertise us;...
72To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 15 March 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In reply to your favor of the 5th: instt. I send you the Extract from the English translation of Kæmpfer’s history of Japan Vol. 2nd. Book 5. c. 6. p. 444–5, as follows. “The candles brought in at night, are hollow in the middle; the wick, which is of paper, being wound about a wooden stick, before the tallow is laid on. For this reason also the...
73To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 17 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous écris cette lettre pour m’informer de vôtre santé parcequ’il y a assès longtems que je ne vous ai pas ecris et ayant beaucoup de temps parceque nous sommes dans les congès des vandanges quoique j’aie des taches davant les congès l’on m’invite quelque fois avec le fils de Madame Cramer alors je me rejouis parceque l’occasion ne se presente pas...
74To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 21 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg the favor very particularly of you to give a letter of recommendation for Langford Lovell Esqr. (who gives the inclosed account of himself) addressed to the Govr. of Dominica. I should esteem it an addition to the favor, if you would yourself inclose a duplicate of such letter to Mr Lovel in Dominica, by some safe conveyance; as in such case, by means...
75To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Le Coeur: Bill for the Schooling of Benjamin Franklin Bache, 20 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Les deux quartiers de Pension de Mr. Benjamin franklin échus le quatre du présent 254 l.t. plus un habit uniforme tout compris 98.10 6 paires de bas de cotton a 50 s. font 15 un Chapeau 6 neuf paires de souliers 36 pour les semaines 17.10 pour le Perruquier 9 Livres de Classes 3
76To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, [20 November 1781] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Miss Anna M. Scott (New York, N.Y., 1955) J’ai reçu vôtre lettre du 22 octobre et celle du 5e Novembre, qui m’ont faits beaucoup de plaisir surtout lorsque je vis que Mr Robert Montgomery me la donnat et lorsque je vis qu’il venoit à Genève pour son éducation et lorsque je sçus qu’il venoit dans la même pension que moi, je ne m’y attendois pas mais cela m’a fait d’autant plus de plaisir...
77To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Putnam, September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania While I beg Permission to inform you of my extreem Mortification for so long & unexpected Detention at this Place, unfortunately occasioned by a violent Attact of Fever, which, tho’ declining, will for some days render me unable to Journey, ’tis with equal regret for the common Good and Anxiety for your personal Health I hear of your Excellency’s...
78To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 5 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I have seen Mr. L—— [Laurens] since his return from Bath. He had received my Letter, but was so much incapacitated by his disorder having lain in his head, as to have written only one letter; and that, though a common one, & in reply to his physician, cost him three hours and an half.— He says that Indigo certainly was sent from America, by the young...
79To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 11 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society There seems still an indecision in public affairs, as far as relates to ministry, but every body is glad to stand upon the clear ground of a peace; so that you need not fear that your treaty will be shaken. I find every plan I had heard spoken of, was in a great state of ripeness, when I arrived in London; and the grandest ideas prevailing about free trade,...
80To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Webb, 25 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this is a particular Friend of mine. A Mr. Roegler of Leipsig. A long Acquaintance with him myself, as well as the general Sufferage of More who have that Pleasure, confirm me in the Opinion of his being a particularly worthy Character. As such, I take the Liberty to recommend him to an Honor he was very desirous of; that of being introduced...