5951To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Salvador, 7 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honour to acquaint your Excellency from London of my Intention of proceeding to America by the first Opportunity I have so far carried my design into Execution as to be on the point of Settling my Passage with Captain Cunningham who is going to Philadelphia and hope to Sail in less than a Fortnight your Excellencys Commands will be a favour to me...
5952To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Loring Austin, 12 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have only now to acknowledge the foregoing to be Copy of my last, & to congratulate your Excellency upon the repulse given the British Troops the 14 may by Genl moultrie at Charlestown South Carolina, we have been impatiently waiting for particulars of this glorious Event authenticated by Congress, but some Accident, or a Desire to compleat the Advantage...
5953To Benjamin Franklin from François-Félix Nogaret, 1 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Puis-je, sans indiscretion, me mettre sur les Rangs, et esperer que vous me ferez la faveur de me donner une de vos ingenieuses médailles? J’ai des remercimens à vous faire. M. Le Mis. de Serrent à qui vous avez eu la bonté d’ecrire pour moi L’an passé, pour une place de Bibliothécaire, se Souvient très fort de votre puissante recommandation: il a dit ces...
5954To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, 28 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Le marquis de Lafayette prie Monsieur de francklin de lui faire dire si Sera chés lui a midy et demie Il seroit bien aise de le voir. Notation: De La Fayette Mr. le ms. 28. Fevr. 1782.
5955To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 5 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, National Archives Je m’occupe, Monsieur, de l’éxecution du projet que j’a eu l’honneur de vous communiquer et qui, S’il a le Succès qu’il y a lieu d’en esperer, fera entrer dans nos ports des Munitions très interessantes, vous avez bien voulu donner ordre à M. Jones de relacher à la fin de sa Croisiere au Texel avec tous les Bâtimens qui composent la Division dont...
5956To Benjamin Franklin from Landais, 15 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since I tooke the Command of the frigate Alliance My officers have join together against me, Even before I left Boston, I was promissed that I Should have another Set, but being ready to Sail the Hounble Navy board thought they woold behave better when at Sea, but to the Contrary it has been gradualy worse and worse to a peack that I am Compel to acquaint...
5957To Benjamin Franklin from Genet, 24 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library J’ai l’honneur de vous remettre les six [dix?] lettres que vous avés bien voulu me confier. J’en ai fait des Extraits, que vous reconnoitrés par les marques à l’encre sur la marge. Et je viens de les envoyer à Mr. le Comte de Vergennes. Vous aurés pû voir aussi que j’en ai rapporté quelques passages dans le No. 46 des affaires de l’angleterre où je...
5958To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Grand, 8 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty to send you by the Bearer two pair of Worsted stockings. The one is English & is the finest worsted. It will become much whiter at the first Wash. The other pair is made in France. I believe this will be smoother to the Skin; they tell me it is of a better Wool than that of the Model you gave me. You will be pleased to return me that you...
5959To Benjamin Franklin from James Cuming, 8 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the pleasure to inform you that the Ship Jay, Harman Courter ship Independence, Thos. Truxtun and Brigt. Patty Thomas Reads arrived here yesterday. The Public despatches by the Jay I am informed were forwarded from Brest the despatches by Captn. Truxtun were sent under care of a Mr. De Mattey/ I have forwarded you a packet of Newspapers by this post...
5960To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 14 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer mr. Jeremiah Allen a neighbour & a most worthy acquaintance of ours, comes to France Partley on Business & on pleasure, I take the Liberty to Recommend him warmly to your Civilities Which will ad to the many Obligations allready Confer’d on Your Dutyfull Nephew & Hble Servant Notation: Jona. Williams. Boston Oct 14. 1779 A merchant hoping to...
5961To Benjamin Franklin from Henricus Godet, 16 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the pleasure in Speaking With our Merchants, Who are very desirous of Seeing you or any Gentlemen in your Situation, in holland, assuring you the utmost Tranquility and Sureity, and Will Gladly Embrace the opportunity in introducing you to our principal Leaders att Court. I am Clear itt will attend to Mutual Service and publick good; itts Needless to...
5962To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy, [10] March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Aprés avoir passé trois semaines entiéres sans dormir, je crois mon chér papa que je vais dormir trois semaines de suitte; quand on me parle, on m’endort, et je réponds en dormant: hiér au soir je fus tiré de cet état languissant, par le son d’une voiture qui vous annonçoit; le plaisir d’imaginér que j’allois passér une heure avéc vous, me ranima tout a...
5963To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Vergennes, 12 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives Nationales J’ai L’honneur Mr. De Vous prevenir que la frégate américaine Lalliance commandee par Mr. Landais a arreté et conduit dans le port de l’orient le batiment anglois les trois amis, de Dublin. Le batiment etoit muni d’un passeport que le Roi a accordé le 30 8bre der [dernier] a des negotians de Bordeaux pour transporter des vins en angleterre. Ce passeport m’a été...
5964To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 12 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I got Your obliging favor of the 25th June by Mr. Burn & am very thankful for your attention & civility to Him. He is a very excellent young Man & may be useful to You or Yours hereafter, in case You should have anything to do at Lisbon, for which place He will set out in a month or two & where He is the head of a Merchantile House inferior to no other...
5965To Benjamin Franklin from Gruel, 18 December 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay eû l’honneur de vous ecrire le 16: Courant, et de vous informer de l’arrivée en cette rivierre du navire la concorde Capitaine. Mr. harris. Monsieur de Basmarein, frere de mon neveu, qui etoit venu de Bordeaux pour vous presenter ses devoirs, aura l’honneur de vous remettre la presente; pourois-je esperer, Monsieur, que vous voudrés bien luy permettre...
5966To Benjamin Franklin from John Coakley Lettsom, 2 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Henry Smeathman, the bearer of this is an ingenious person, who was patronized by Dr. Fothergill and under the Doctor’s patronage he visited the coast of Africa, and in consequence of the knowledge he acquired, he seems capable of giving ample information respecting the present trade of Africa, and wishes I believe, to suggest, new sources of extending it...
5967To Benjamin Franklin from David Finney, 10 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society If it is in your power to obtain intelligence from London, concerning the proceedings on my Appeal, which you was so kind as to negotiate for me, during your residence there, and on which a hearing was expected soon after you left England, and you can learn whether any Judgment was given thereon.— I shall esteem it a singular favor, if you will please to...
5968To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Farmers General notwithstanding they had exempted the Cloths employed in the Cloathing from the Duties of Consumtion, have now demanded of me the payment of the whole Duties, which if paid will amount I suppose to 30 or 40,000. In the first Place these Duties are not due because the Goods have been exported; it is only the Form of the Business that can...
5969To Benjamin Franklin from [Jonathan Williams, Jr.], 19 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I am happy to convey to you two Letters which I think must give you pleasure because they come from your old Friends. I wish I could convey to you as many more as (if it was thought they would arrive safe) your other Friends wish to write. I know of no material alteration among them, all I have lately seen are well. The good Bishop with his amiable Family...
5970To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 9 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I have been much disapointed so many Vessels have arrived lately and not one single line from you, and if a Mr Esra Johnes had not called to let me know how you all did, we should not have heard wether you were well or not, the account he gives us of your health and spirits is very pleasing to us—tis but a few days since I came from Mr Duffields, were I have been...
5971To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Gabriel de Messey, [after 20 January 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jay apris avec la mesme Satisfaction lheureuse nouvelle de la paye finie que selle de la liberté que nos hommes ont procuré au quatorze provinse de la Merique, Evenement qui Eternise a james la mémoire dun des plus grant homme de notre siecle en votre Respectable persone. Permette moi monsieur davoir lhoneur de vous an faire mon compliment, je doit set...
5972To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 14 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honor to address a few lines to your Excellency by Express some days past, & inclosed some Letters by order of the honble: Robert Morris Esqr of Philada.—since which the Letters which I now inclose have fallen into my hands, & as they may be of Consequence, I think it most prudent to transmit them thro’ your Excellencys hands.— I have the honor to...
5973To Benjamin Franklin from Doerner, 6 January 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My friends and Relations in Paris Messieurs Lavabre & Doerner have sent me the following Letters of introduction, which you did me the favour to present Them with in consequence of the Liberty I have taken to wait on you at Passy. vizt. one for his Excy. John Rutledge Esqr. Governor of South Carolina. one for Your Son Richard Bahe Esqr. Philadelphia one for...
5974To Benjamin Franklin from David Salisbury Franks, 23 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Honor of your Excellency’s Letter of the 17th. and in Answer beg leave to assure You that I am fully convinced that the french are naturally polite to Strangers and at the same time that I have not been in any way treated as a Subject of a Country in Alliance with that Nation. I again with all defference, represent to Your Excellency, that I took...
5975To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 30 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society May we be excused to trouble Your Excellency again with An Account of Four bills Amounting to four thousand four hundred Gelders on Mr. Laurens since our last; we wish we may receive now by the first mails directions About those we acquainted your Excellency with Some time ago, for Satisfaction to the enquiries of the bearers. Our newspapers mention that...
5976To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, 5 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You will be surprised, that I did not keep my word or reather my resolution to come over to Paris. The reason was, that I undertook to finish a work upon the subject of the small pox and inoculation before I quitted this country, in which I was much interrupted by visitors and other avocations, which one can scarce avoid in a city as this, if a man has so...
5977To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Vaughan, 16 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Altho no person occupies so much of my thoughts or after whom I make so frequent enquiries as your self, yet knowing the importance & weight of public affairs on Your hands, I purposly avoid troubling You with uninteresting correspondence, but I now take the liberty of introducing to Your acquaintance Lady Juliana Penn, whose character in every point of...
5978To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-François Nicolas, 18 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je prends la liberté de vous addresser un exemplaire de ma dissertation chymique sur les eaux minerales de la Lorraine; la theorie que je donne de la formation du Gas dans ces eaux et de cet être singulier que les chymistes pneumatiques nomment air fixe, air Méphytique &a &a. a tant d’analogie avec vos propres idées que je la regarde en quelque sorte comme...
5979To Benjamin Franklin from Reuben Harvey, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply,17 Ma[y] 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty to ask thy advice on the following Matter [ faded: and request(?)] an answer as soon as possible. A Merchant(?) here named Stubbeman who has continued warmly attach’d to America is now loading a Ship call’d the Ann Benjn. Edmonton Master for Philadelphia which will be ready to sail in 20 days; There are about 100 poor Tradesmen &...
5980To Benjamin Franklin from Rawleigh Colston, 15 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed letters were left with me by a Mr. Shores of Virginia, who expected the honour of delivering them in person, had not some accident obliged him to return to America. I got the favour of a French Gentleman here, to inclose them to his friend in Nants, with directions to forward them by the safest and most expeditious conveyance. Considering you...
5981To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Mante, 22 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When I asked for, and received your bounty, I at that time hoped and believed, that a change in my then situation would have precluded the necessity of again having recourse to your humanity: the obduracy of my antagonist, which all the efforts of M. Turgot cannot soften, still exposes me to the wretchedness of the most unjust imprisonment; because that I...
5982To Benjamin Franklin from Israel Gilpin, 29 December 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My kinsman Doct. George Gilpin informs me that Severil of the manufactorys is like to Suffer for want of Stone or ground Coal Such as the glass work and blacksmith who is imployd in making Iron work for the Coloneys Ships &c. I think it is very provible if Strict Sarch and inquiry was made Coal mout bee had but am not sirtin but prohaps it wold Not bee a...
5983To Benjamin Franklin from Georgiana Shipley, 26 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I now send you the only return I can possibly make for your most valuable present, it is a drawing done by myself after a picture of Sir Joshua Reynolds’s & as I have applyed myself entirely to painting in water-colors this last twelve-month I hope both you and your grand-son will be agreed as to the improvement I have made, otherwise I shall have spent...
5984To Benjamin Franklin from Charlotte Amiel, 6 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society From the known, and amiable character you bear, and from the civilities Mr. Amiel and myself have had the honor to receive from you: thereon am I embolden’d to address you, and beg you would be so good to inform me whether you think there is any Prospect of Mr. Amiels succeeding in what he is gone upon, and at the same time, pray you will be so kind to push...
5985To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 19 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library Mr. Laurens presents his respectful Compliments to Doctor Franklin & thanks the Doctor for his goodness in sending the American News Papers, Mr. L. will convey them to Mr. Adams to morrow. Addressed: His Excellency / Doctor Franklin / Passy.
5986To Benjamin Franklin from Chaumont, [before 10 December? 1780] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society Si Mr De Vergennes faisoit difficulté de donner lordre, je Crois quil conviendroit pour l’y determiner, de lui dire, que jay des Droits Sur cet argent pour le Credit que jay donné à Madrid à Mr Jay, & que Vous aves absolument besoin du surplus puisqu’il ny aura plus d’argent en Caisse passé le 10— ce qui est vray & Conforme à ce que jay Ecrit à ce ministre....
5987To Benjamin Franklin from John Philip Merckle, [May? 1777] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This chiefly serves to acquaint you that after taking all possible information from every circumstance in the present conjuncture of time, I have finally determined, to give the commission for the fulfilling of the weighty orders I have had the honour to be trusted with: to the House of Mr. Ambrosius Pool & Comp., Gentlemen of entire confidence and full...
5988To Benjamin Franklin from George Scott, [28 January? 1780] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself the pleasure to give you a call yesterday but was not luckey enough to find you at home. I purpose to depart for Lyons &c in 2 or 3 Days & have been today with Mr. Frin to consult about a pass; he says it is necessary but may be attended with a delay of a Week or 10 Days, unless I had good friends to assist me— In Short he advised me to ask the...
5989To Benjamin Franklin from Patrick Dowlin, 3 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yrs. I Recd. the 27th ult, wherein you were pleased to Inform me of my future Conduct in Regard of Prisoners, which I wou’d be glad to know Sooner as I have been destressed so far as to Set 21 Men at Liberty they Signing Proper Duplicates for the Same and I being on the Enemies Coast Short of Provisions &c. caused me to do the Same, has took two of the...
5990To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Mirabeau, 19 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Marquis de Mirabeau desireroit fort avoir l’honneur de voir Monsieur franklin; et il n’a pas un instant perdu de vue ce desir et la reconnoissance des demarches que Monsieur franklin a bien voulu faire pour luy procurer cet avantage. De cruelles affaires, dont les suittes le retiennent encor l’empéchêrent de pouvoir se livrer a son desir. Il a manqué...
5991To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 29 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania A friend of mine, Mr Renny of Phia, promising to put this into the post Office at Ostend, I set down to mention what I omitted to do in my two last letters the 24 & 26th. inst, which was only to offer you from Mr Sam Hartley some more good Jama. Rum (wch He has laying at Dunkirke) and of wch. you once before had a little. If any is wantd, we can with...
5992To Benjamin Franklin from Marat, [31] March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The honour of your company is desired for thursday or friday next, at ten o clock in the morning, at the hotel of M le Marquis de lAubespine Rue de Bourgogne. F S. G. where MM of the Committee will meet. The new experiments on the Electrical fluid have been postponed till you are present. I am with respect, Sir Your most obedient humble Servant He must have...
5993To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 14 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I wrote you two Days ago; but hearing the Vessel is unexpectedly detain’d, I send you a plaintive poetic Piece just publish’d here, which I hope will reach her before she sails. You cannot conceive what Joy the Treaties with France have diffus’d among all true Americans, nor the chagrine they have given to the few interested and slavish Partizans of...
5994To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, [on or before 16 August 1778] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania As every plan for publick use ought to be laid down in the most simple and uncomplicated State, the following I presume will justify the Ideas of that I had yesterday the Honor to lay before you. A plan for sinking the paper money and Loan office Certificates without remaining a Debt to the publick or a private Loss. All the paper money and Loan Office...
5995To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 27 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received your Excellencys Letter of the 21. and will Send you the List of the Bills, and of the times of their becoming due according to your desire as soon as I can make it out. I will examine Mr De Neufvilles Bill, and if it is good, accept it. From the time I received from Congress, their orders to borrow Money here, I have constantly, in my...
5996To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Sowden], 26 September 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Vincent, The Young Gentleman who formerly lived with me, tells me he had the honour of seeing You, and of delivering my large packet to be forwarded either to Mr. Gordon, or Mr. Rumsey, as You should find most convenient. He is now returned hither, and tells me that on his return from Poitou to Paris, sometime between the 2d and 6th of this month, he...
5997To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé de La Roche, 14 [May] 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society L’abbé de la Roche souhaite le bonjour à Monsieur franklin et le prévient que Made. et Mr. D’andlau partent demain à 7 heures du matin pour l’angleterre et qu’ils Se chargeront volontiers des paquets et des commissions de Monsieur franklin pour ses amis ou connoissances d’angleterre. Made. d’andlau auroit été elle même les lui demander. Son depart inopiné la...
5998To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 8 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am honor’d with your favor of the 26th Inst. and am truely sensible of your friendly Goodwill which you so obligingly Express in answer to my representation which forecast made me judge incumbent, from dread of events. I am happy to advise you that the Arrival of the General Mercer loaden with Tobacco to my address will effectualy prevent any checks to my...
5999To Benjamin Franklin from Ralph Izard, 17 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy and two transcripts: National Archives; copy: South Carolina Historical Society Mr. Pringle, who was the bearer of my last Letter, has given me an account of his conversation with you on the subject of it. It would have been much more satisfactory to me, if instead of speaking to him about the contents of it, you had done me the honour of writing an...
6000To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have Received your Favour of the 15th Inst. by Mr Paradise and Mr Jones who arrived here last evening. I am astonished Mr de Chaumont should persist in such ridiculous as well as unjust Demands, he surely is much altered, for I think I can remember when he would have despised the same conduct in another; Our Defence is so...