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...
81To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Bannerman, 31 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I having the agreable happiness of being in your compeny several years ago in America although you may have forgoat me. I also knowed Governer Franklin in the jerseys. I having been a resedenter in that country, 16 years, being Obliged to Advertize to leve the countray for alittle time to go to britain to satle a Smal Estate belonging to a brother. I took a...
82To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 26 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous écris cette lettre pour vous donner de mes nouvelles et vous en demander des vôtres et si vos affaires vous empechent de m’ècrire priès mon cousin de m’écrire à vôtre place et de me donner de vos nouvelles et de celles de tout le monde; L’on a fait un prix de pieté ou je n’ay pas seulement aproché du prix parceque le théme tomba sur une matiére, ou...
83To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Putnam, 28 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I feel hurt at the thought of troubling you so immediately— my forgetfulness of yesterday & Engagements today, must be my Appology for the Occasion & Mode. I am bound for North Carolina; in my Passage, I shall take the Circuit of New-Providence from Expectations of procuring by Purchase, or Address a Clearance of a Cargo of Tobacco from that Island to...
84To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 25 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il faudroit que je fusse bien ingrat pour ne pas dans ce renouvellement d’année où même les plus indifferents temoignent de la reconnoissance vous temoigner combien je suis sensible à toutes les bontés que vous avès eues pour moi; je vous promets, Mon cher bon papa, que j’en conserverai toujours la memoire dans mon coeur et vous pouvés être assuré du...
85To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin West, 7 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I could not deprive myself the pleasure of convaying these few lines to you by my friend Mr. Dagge, he means to see you, and has been so Obliging to promis he would give this letter to you; I told him the jurney he was about to take, I almost envyed, as I should be happy to see you once more; Your friends hear have been flattering themselves with the...
86To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 20 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I write you to informe you that I reciev’d the books you mentioned in your letter of the 7th of June I have obtain’d another prize the same as my last but one rank more advanc’d I told you in my last letter that I was well, but I had the fever again and Mr Marignac went with me into the country for few holidays upon my arrival in Town the Fever left me but...
87To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 15 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote this pacquet as soon as possible Because My Cousin told me that there was an opportunity of sending them and as Mama Desires it all in english I wrote them with much of dificulty by that means I hope to make some Progress in the english language. I hope you have received the picture and the letter I sent you. I shoud be very happy if I had my...
88To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Austin, 25 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Important Conquest and Surrender of Genl. Burgoin and his whole Army to our Forces under the Command of Genl. Gates, has Induced the Council of this State to forward by Express an Account thereof to the Honble the Commissioners for American affairs at Paris; and as they have done my Son the Honor to be the bearer of this Intelligence, I beg leave Sir to...
89To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan and Samuel Vaughan, Jr., 29 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Messrs: Vaughan have the honor to present their respects to Dr: Franklin. A prior engagement obliges them with the most extreme regret to decline the pleasure of waiting upon him on sunday, agreeable to his kind invitation. Mr: Vaughan has the honor to inclose a list of some books sold by the same bookseller who furnished Mr V with the copy of the Politique...
90To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Putnam, 27 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot, cease to trouble you while my All is at stake, my Mind at the highest Reach of Pain & Anxiety, & only to be determined & reliev’d by your Excellency’s Interference without which of what Consequence to me, are Resolutions of Congress, however favorable to my Interest, they may have been past? I am Sir, without your Assistance in these two Cases,...
91To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Rush, 14 October 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania The many Advantages which I derived from your Friendship Whilst in London have emboldened me to take the Liberty of recommending to your friendly Notice the Bearer of this Letter——my Brother who proposes to spend two Years in the Temple in Order to finish his studies in the Law. The Civilities you confer upon him will add greatly to the very many Obligations...
92To Benjamin Franklin from Gabriel-Louis Galissard de Marignac: Bill for Benjamin Franklin Bache’s Schooling, [5 … (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society Monsieur Franklin doit pour la pension de Monsieur son petit fils depuis le 5e Janvier au 5e. May 1780—4. Mois— £174— 6— ″— Papier, encre & plumes 12— ″— 0— Couteau ″— 6— ″— Patins 2— 6— ″— gands ″—
93To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Harrison, 28 August 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will introduce to you Mr William Short, a Gentleman of my particular acquaintance, and a member of the Council of this State; you will find him the agreeable Gentleman, a man of considerable abilities, and in every respect worthy your civilities at [and] attentions, to which I most earnestly recommend him. He goes to France to join his intimate friend...
94To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, [on or after 3 October 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu Par Mr Griffiths la lettre de mon cousin du 18 Septembre avec le livre que vous avez eu la bonté de m’énvoyér. J’en ferai un bon usage et je veux en apprendre plusieurs Morceaux me conseille de faire je vous envoye vôtre portrait fait de ma main d’après la gravure que vous m’avez envoyé la paix ne se fait pas et c’est ce qui me fait beaucoup de...
95To Benjamin Franklin from [Henry] Potts, [1765–1767] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Potts presents his Compliments to Doctor Francklin and desires the favor of his Company at Dinner Thursday next the 19th Instant. An Answer is desired. Addressed: Benjamin Francklin Esq. / Craven Street Analysis of handwriting has led the editors to conclude that this note and the one immediately following were written by Henry Potts, secretary of the...
96To Benjamin Franklin from William Augustus Miles, 11 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is by the express desire of my friend Sir Edward Newenham that I transmit you the inclos’d printed extracts from the irish Papers. It will afford me a real pleasure to hear of them having arriv’d Safe and in the interim I have the honor to remain with the utmost respect Sir Your most obedt: & most Oblig’d Hble Servt Notation: Miles Oct 11. 1784— Who had...
97To Benjamin Franklin from John Apthorp, [1757–1759] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Apthorp’s compliments to Mr. Franklyn and desires the favour of his Company to dine with him on Fry-day next ¼ past three. Addressed: Benjn Franklyn Esqr / Buckingham Street, Probably John Apthorp (d. 1772), son of the Charles Apthorp of Boston who was agent for Hanbury & Thomlinson in the northern colonies and involved in supplying specie for British...
98To Benjamin Franklin from James Johnson, 4 February 1768 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society [Brook Street, Feb. 4, (1768?). An invitation to dinner on Monday the 8th. ] The Bishop of Worcester, for whom see above, XII , 124 n. BF ’s acquaintance with the Bishop began in 1765. Feb. 8 was a Monday in 1768 and 1773, and in accordance with our practice we assign the note to the earlier possible year.
99To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Knight, [1757–1759] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Knight’s compliments to Mr. Franklin and Mr. William Franklin and desires the favor of their company at dinner on tuesday next the 27th. Addressed: Craven-Street Possibly Gowin Knight (1713–1772), F.R.S., whose work on magnetism BF had known and admired before going to England (see above, VI , 103, 177–8). He was appointed principal librarian of the...
100To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan and Anna Mordaunt Shipley, [before 9 February 1772]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <Before February 9, in the third person and the Bishop’s hand. He and his wife invite Franklin to dinner next Sunday, February 9.> Feb. 9 fell on a Sunday during BF ’s second mission only in 1766 and 1772, and as far as we know he was not acquainted with the Shipleys until 1771.