6951To Benjamin Franklin from [Frederik Willem?] Boers, 12 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M Boers a l’honneur de presenter ses respects a M le Ministre Franklin en lui assurant, qu’il est, on ne peut plus, sensible a la complaisance, que M Franklin a bien voulu avoir pour lui. M Boers Sera toujours beaucoup flatté d’etre honoré des ordres de M Franklin et il les executera avec tout les sentimens de la reconnoissance, qu’il lui doit. This is the...
6952To Benjamin Franklin from Ralph Izard and Arthur Lee, 6 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania We have been informed that the destination of the Alliance Frigate has been altered, & that she is not to sail immediately for America. We can not help expressing our great uneasiness at this measure, as we are of opinion that there is no service, in which she can be so usefully employed, as that of convoying the Vessels bound thither. Many of our...
6953To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 January–30 March 1774 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I received your much esteemed favour of November 1st 1773, and immediately delivered the Letters that were inclosed to the Gentlemen to whom they were directed. I thank you for your readiness in procuring the organ I recieved per Hall, which was much admired. I shall ever think myself happy when in my power to render you any services on this side; as far as...
6954From Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin, [21 June 1776?] (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed paper has been read and with some small alterations approved of by the committee. Will Doctr. Franklyn be so good as to peruse it and suggest such alterations as his more enlarged view of the subject will dictate? The paper having been returned to me to change a particular sentiment or two, I propose laying it again before the committee tomorrow morning, if Doctr. Franklyn can...
6955To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, 24 November 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je Suis on ne peut pas plus fâché mon Illustre Docteur d’avoir passe mon automne Si loin de vous et en vous disant cela je me flatte bien que vous ne le prenez pas pour un Compliment à La Françoise. Je ne le Suis pas moins Je vous assurre de n’avoir pas encore pu vous écrire un Seul petit mot. Mais La vie que Je mene ici est Si coupée par le regime qu’on y...
6956To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 16 April 1748 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I was well pleased with thine of the 13th Inst. on both Accounts, that of the Guns and that also of the Militia with which Conr. Weiser was So well Satisfied that he declared at his Return hither, that he would not for Some pounds out of his own Pocket, but that Shekallemy one of the 6 Nations and his Son had Seen it, and these Indians...
6957To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, 19 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS : American Philosophical Society, Harvard University Library Whatever might have been my sense of the Enemies particular aversion for truth in every thing that relates to America, I am obliged to confess, that the fertility of their imagination has far surpassed all my expectations.— My experience when last in Europe, has given this a new force, and taught me, that frequent and...
6958To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Lafayette, 6 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The happy intelligence which you had the kindness of forwarding to me, is the more pleasing to My heart, that I am Glad to have Given to our scoth friends, A little But full view of the American flag— Captain Jones has ever inspir’d me with a great Regard for his talents and patriotic Spirit, and I am Proud to find that Both these Qualities have been...
6959To Benjamin Franklin from John Kendrick, 13 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Have taken the liberty to inform Your Excellency that I Commanded the Brig Count De. Estaing a privateer of Sixteen Guns from Boston belonging to Messrs. Isaac Sears Paskel Smith & Company that on the 7. of April in Latitude 38:40 N—and Longitude 33:30 West. from the Meridion of London I was taken By the Ship Brutus of 28 Guns and her Tender of Ten Guns...
6960To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 25 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: William L. Clements Library Before you receive this you will have heard of a total change of the British Administration. It is not as yet many hours since this event has taken place. The Cabinet is as follows viz Mr Pitt first Lord of the treasury Ld Thurlow chancellor marquis of Carmarthen } Secretaries of State Ld Gower President of Council Lord Sidney Ld Howe first Ld of the...
6961To Benjamin Franklin from John Ross, 28 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself the honor to address Your Excellencey about two weeks since, without the pleasure of any in return. The Sole intent of this trouble serves merely to give Mr. Jno. B. Paschen of Hamburgh, a Particulare friend to America, the Opportunity of handing this as a pretence and introduction to pay his respects to You at Paris. He is a good kind of Man...
6962To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac All, 16 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Altho I flatter my self it will not be disagreable to you to hear of my safe arrival in this Country I did intend to defer doing my self the honour of writing to you untill next Post and had your Letters sent to the office yesterday morning, but in the course of the day I was informed by Capn. Jones of this Conveyance. I therefore embrace the Opportunity to...
6963To Benjamin Franklin from George Holt, 3 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Libty. I take in writing is, to solicit your Friendship; to gain me a pass or an exchange for me to go to England. I have done myself the honor to write to the Secretary of the Marine Department craving his generous release of me— I am from Hudsons Bay the Vessell Calld the Charlotte which circumstances you may in all Probality be well acquainted...
6964To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 4 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrot you about a month past but haveing an opertunity by a young Gentilman of this Nabourhood who is going directly to France & desiers to be Introduced so for to yr Notice if he goes to Paris, as to Advice him to a good Scool where he may Larn the Language & perfect himself in merchants acoumpts, I would not miss it hopeing some of the many leters I...
6965To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 27 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai deja eû l’honneur, M. Il y a quelque temps de vous demander des eclaircissements Sur les moyens les plus propres à établir Solidement des relations de commerce entre la france et les Etats unis. Voicy le moment de S’en occuper et je vous prie de vouloir bien me faire part de votre opinion Sur cet objet qui doit etre d’un interêt...
6966To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 26 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society I duely received your Excellencys Letter of August 6th, but have been prevented by Sickness and a variety of accidents from answering it Sooner. My Accounts have never been mixed, with Mr Dana’s, any farther than this. Mr Dana was here last December, I believe, and was going to Paris. In order to avoid opening...
6967To Benjamin Franklin from David Salisbury Franks, 26 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself the Honor of writing to your Excellency three weeks since inclosing a Letter from Mr. Jay, to which I have yet receiv’d no answer. A second Letter from that Gentleman, has determined me to sett out for Madrid. I take the Liberty of informing you thereof & that I have delivered as you desired your Letters to Capt. Truxton— When the Marquis De...
6968To Benjamin Franklin from Jno. Badger, 15 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hop Youl. not taik it a mis my not waiting on yu. pursonally with this my humble Request my afaiers Requiers my departeur for Lyons Emedeaitly Your most obedean & houmble Servant Addressed: Monsieur / Monsieur franckling Envoyés / des Provinces unies de Lamerique / En son hotel a Passy Pres paris / A Passy We know only what he says about himself in his...
6969To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 24 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having an opportunity of writing you by the Dutch envoy from London, I cannot omit sending you a line to tell you that I see nothing more that is amiss here than you know of, notwithstanding Mr Knox & two or three people pretend that the Loyal Colonies are to have the trade to the islands. If you keep firm, & good humored, I hope you will in the end lose...
6970To Benjamin Franklin from John Barry, 15 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: New-York Historical Society I had the honor of receiving your Excellencys Dispatches Containing two packages directed to the Honle. Robt. Morris Esqr Superintendant of the Finances of the United States of America at Philadelphia, and two Directed to the Honle Robt. B Livingston Esqr. Secretary for Foreign affairs at Philadelphia and shall sail in a...
6971To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 29 July-4 August 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was desired to send Mrs. Stevenson 6 Boxes of Sperma Ceti Candles, but as they will not admit a less quantity than 22 lbs. [?] to be shipt, was obliged to send her 9: which I have shipped on board the Lydia Capt. Hood directed to you as per the inclosed Bill of Lading. Mrs. S will appropriate the amount to the Payment of an Organ I desired you to procure...
6972To Benjamin Franklin from the Conte di Scarnafiggi, 23 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society L’Ambassadeur de Sardaigne prie Monsieur Franklin de lui faire l’honneur de Venir Diner chez lui Jeudi 28. Août. R.S.V.P. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / En son hotel This is the first letter in our edition from the Sardinian diplomat who had served in London while BF was there in 1773, and whose connection to BF had hitherto been as an...
6973To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Since my Return from Passy I have not received a Line from Mr de Chaumont relative to the Breton although I have frequently written to him on the Subject; I have received Letters from him on other matters but not a word of the Breton. I am at a loss to account for this & I wish you would please to put him in mind of the...
6974To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, 29 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I recieved my lettre Directed to you at Philadelphia back from London because my friend thought it would not please me, when I should know you was at Paris, I send it you without opening it, tho you will now be acquainted with the philosophical part of it. As I referred to it in my last, which will have come to your hands by Abbe Georgel , I am affrayed...
6975To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 18 January 1759 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society Yours by Duncan I received with the Account of what Bills you have received for me since you left Philadelphia, wherein you told me you was afraid that some Bill had miscarried, as the whole Sum received by you was £100 less than that mentioned by me in mine of 22d July 1758. Upon which I looked over my Book and found the Amount of the Bills sent...
6976To Benjamin Franklin from John Holker, 10 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send you here Inclosed Mr. Williams leter beg youl spake to Mr. Chomont of it & let me have his answer as the affeare is pressing. I am with Respect & Consideration Dr. Sir yours on every occasion Not found.
6977To Benjamin Franklin from John Harris, 31 October 1755 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library Company of Philadelphia I inclose you the Deposition of a Person the Contents you please to observe. I have not yet moved my Family, not caring to discourage others. We Expect the Enemy every hour. I have cut holes thro’ my house and kept some Men to defend the same as I had information at Shawmokin that about 40 Indians were out many days from Fort Du Quesne to destroy my House...
6978To Benjamin Franklin from La Rochefoucauld, [25 March 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Duc de la Rochefoucauld fait bien des complimens à Monsieur le Docteur franklin; il le prie du lui donner des nouvelles de sa goutte; il a l’honneur de lui envoier la Nouvelle Constitution de Delaware, et si Monsieur franklyn le trouve bon, il ira la rechercher Jeudi matin à Passy, si Monsieur le Docteur y est encore, ou à Paris. The Duke’s note below of...
6979To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Foxcroft, 16 May 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Philadelphia, May 16, 1772: Encloses the bill of lading and other papers for two barrels of “the best Burr Superfine flour.” Expects his brother back from Virginia within a few days. Has seen Mrs. Franklin yesterday; she and the family are well. His “Sister” joins in regards. Broke his arm six days ago, but hopes it will mend in three weeks.> Promised by...
6980To Benjamin Franklin from Ephraim Brown, 12 April 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With the greatest Respect I take the Freedom by this Packet to congratulate you on your safe arrival in England. I wrote a Line by the last Packet, which I hope you have receiv’d. His Excellency Governor Franklin and Lady, and Mr. Foxcroft, happen’d to be at Mrs. Franklin’s when your agreeable Letters came to hand. We go on well with the Post-Office, and...
6981To Benjamin Franklin from Job Bunker, 26 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Take the freedom in wrighting unto your honour baging for your Assistance to Enable me to Guit out of this Cuntry into my one which is Amarica & was born in the Iseland of Nantucket & have fought two yrs in the first of the warr untill I had the misforten to be taking & Carried in England & After made my Ascape in france & Ever Since have ben fighting for...
6982To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Temple, 30 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Not having heard from Mr. Temple since he left this place, I am at a loss how to direct to him; and have therefore taken the Liberty to inclose a letter for him to you, and shall esteem myself greatly obliged, if you will add a farther direction and forward it to him. My Father desires me to present his best Compts. to you. And I am with great respect, Sir...
6983To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 23 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I seize the Opportunity of a Russian Courier on his return to Petersburg from Lisbon to transmit you the inclosed Letter from M. Vaughan & to thank you for the Pleasure your Introduction afforded me. He is a promising young Man & seems exceedingly desirous to improve himself, Mr. Jay having no Instructions to administer the oath of Allegiance, declined doing it until...
6984To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 18 October 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I rcived yesterday from Madame chaumont the lettre of mr. Williams to which I iclose an answer, which you will be so good as to peruse and send to him by the first oportunity. I did not underwrite it, lest it should fall in wrong hands. If I was richer I should dare to venture the business without insurance. I should be very glad, if mr. Williams would...
6985To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 12 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I reced in course your favor of the 11th Ultimo, the Substance of which I communicated immediately to the Board of Sick & Hurt, but as what may hereafter be determined upon depends in a great measure upon the French Minister, the Board were of Opinion it wou’d be better to wait those further explanations (which you promised to send to Mr Hartley per first...
6986To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Banks, 25 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library It was with regret & not without sensations of displeasure that I Learnd from Dr. Blagden in Conversation your not having receivd the Volumes of the Philosophical Transactions which as you had not appointed any one to receive them when they were publishd, were applied for in your name some months ago the Counil of the royal Society orderd them with the...
6987To 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...
6988To Benjamin Franklin from William White, 5 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you will Excuse the Liberty I now takes in Troubling you with those few lines, which Serves to Acquaint your Honour that I am a Native of America born in Boston in the Year 1748, and Served my time with my father, a Shipwright, Ebenezer White of the sd. Town of Boston, and was Married in the year 1773 to one Sarah Bartlett, daughter of Roger...
6989To Benjamin Franklin from a Committee of the Library Company of Philadelphia, 25 January 1771 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society We are appointed by the Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia, to inform you that your Favour of the 7th July 1769 was received and laid before them by Mr. Charles Thomson, but the Confusion, which necessarily arose from the Union of the several Libraries, gave them so much Employ as to put it out of their Power to answer your Letter, so soon as...
6990To Benjamin Franklin from [Thomas Pownall], July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d Your Letter & also one from Lewis’ Evans daughter— wishing that She might receive some remittance from the Profitts of the sale of the Maps & Topographicall Description of N America— which I published with that intent, & gave to Mr Almon on that Condition—& to mark that to be so made express mention of the purpose in the preface. I answered your...
6991To 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...
6992To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Ponçins, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 12 February 1785 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Lannée derniere il vous fût adréssé par le chevalier De montorcier De Sugny, ancien Capitaine au régiment de flandre, de la ville de montbrison, un projet pour lever un Corps de militaires et douvriers, pour lutilité des états unis de lamerique. Ce cher. de Sugny montorcier, est mon Cousin germain; son age de Séxagenaire, et la goutte dont il est possedé,...
6993To 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...
6994To Benjamin Franklin from George Scott, 12 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I arrived safe at home a fortnight ago. I staid in London a few days, and delivered punctually the messages committed to my care. Since my return I have thought much upon my project, and I continue determined to persevere; but I find I cannot Settle my dependencies, and concerns here, so soon as I could wish; for which reason I am obliged to solicit your...
6995To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte de Flavigny, 23 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’amitié dont vous honorés Madame de Flavigny et moi; m’engage à me confier en vos bontés, j’espere que cette lettre ne sera que pour vous seul et que vous la déchirerés ou bruleré aussitot sa lecture. Ma position et vos vertus m’engage dans la plus parfaite confiance: Malade depuis quatre ans, ayant plus que jamais besoin de secours, Je manque dans ce...
6996From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 17 August 1781 (Adams Papers)
The Day before Yesterday, were brought to my House, Fifty one Bills of Exchange, amounting to 40958 B.f. all drawn on the 22 June 1781 at Six months Sight, on the Honble. Henry Laurens Esqr. in favour of Mr. John Ross. This is a Phaenomenon which none but you Philosophers can explain, at least I can think of but one Hypothesis, which might account for it. It is, that they had Settled it in...
6997To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 4 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society We are without any of Your Excellency’s Favors Since we had the honor of writing in date of the 20th. Ulto. The inclosed are particularly recommended to our Care, and came to hand yesterday per the Brigg Firebrand, Captn. Trowbridge from Newhaven Which place he left about the 20th. of Augt.— when hopes were high in America on Accot. of the expected arival of...
6998To Benjamin Franklin from John MacMahon, 21 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you have not forgot the promise you were so kind as to make me of dining with M. De Bussy, formerly Plenipotentiary Minister at the Court of England, next Saturday, at my little appartment in town. The direction is Rue de Grenelle fauxbourg St. Germain, vis à vis La fontaine, chez l’Apoticaire where I expect to have the pleasure of receiving you and...
6999To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 18 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Huet Du Plessis, Médecin, ancien et bon ami de ma famille, retournant en France sa Patrie, desirant de vous être présenté, n’est point le premier qui m’ait demandé une Lettre pour vous; mais il est le seul à qui j’aie cru jusqu’ici devoir accorder de faire cet usage de l’amitié et correspondance dont vous m’honorez. Son mérite, ses sentimens, et ses...
7000To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I was honored with your Letters by the Danae— I congratulate you upon the promising State of our negotiations, since peace begins to be no less desirable here than elsewhere.— But I will not enter into that subject at present as I mean to write very fully both to Mr Jay &...