61To 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...
62To 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...
63To 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...
64To 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—”—
65To 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...
66To 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...
67To 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...
68To 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;...
69To 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...
70To 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...
71To 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
72To 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...
73To 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...
74To 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...
75To 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,...
76To 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...
77To 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...
78To 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...
79To 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...
80To 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...
81To 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...
82To 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...
83To 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...
84To 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...
85To 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 ″—
86To 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...
87To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 7 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Massachusetts Historical Society I have received your several late favors by Mr Jonathan Williams & Mr. Penn, with many thanks.— I cut out such parts of your newspapers as I judged proper to have published here, & was about to send them to some printer, but young Mr H. Laurens coming at the moment, I put them into his hands, as his father was well enough acquainted with the...
88To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 9 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete AL : American Philosophical Society Having heard that you have been told at Paris, that Lord Shelburne had used foul play about the instructions for removing the troops from New York, I have only to state as a fact, that Genl. Gray in a letter I have in my possession addressed to Lord Keppel, requests to know on what means he may depend for removing the troops from New York, which...
89To Benjamin Franklin from Jakob Oberleithner, 9 January 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society <Vienna, January 9, 1778, in Latin: Jakob Oberleithner, doctor of medicine, sends greetings to the most illustrious Benjamin de Francklin. We understand from the newspapers that you are acting for the Americans with authority and loving solicitude, and you will doubtless be looking for excellent physicians. If you need me, qualified as I am by my degree,...
90To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Faillieux le Jeune, 18 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, August 18, 1778, in French: I delivered a letter to you from one of your correspondents in Amsterdam and have left my address that the answer may be returned to my care.> He signs himself, “Negt. rüe des petis champs St Martin.”
91To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 30 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer l’Exempl. in 40. pour le Grand Duc de Russie. Je vous renvoye aussi l’Ex. in 80. que vous m’aviez fait passer. Je suis avec un respect infini, Monsieur, Votre très humble & très obeissant serviteur Notation: Pierres 30 Août 1783. Grand Duke Paul of Russia, whom BF had met in the summer of 1782: XXXVII , 311–12, 316, 445–6.
92To Benjamin Franklin from Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hartley and John(?) Batley, 4 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr & Mrs Hartley & Mr Batley present their respectfull compliments to Dr Franklin—they will do themselves the honour of accepting his kind invitation on Fryday next. Addressed: To / His Excellency / Dr Franklin / &c &c &c / Passy Notation: Mr. & Mrs. Hartley. Paris 4 Oct. 1780 Possibly John Batley, like Hartley, a London merchant. A lacemaker, he is listed...
93To Benjamin Franklin from ——— and ——— de Monregard, 7 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. et Madame de Monregard, et leur fils acceptent avec le plus grand plaisir la proposition de Monsieur Franklin d’avoir l’honneur de diner chez luy samedy prochain 13. de ce mois, et ils s’y rendront avec grand Empressement. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy. The only year of BF ’s residence at Passy when the seventh of February was a Sunday.
94To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Waterhouse, 16 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The enclosed letters I brought with me from London—several circumstances concurred to detain me in England longer than I wished or expected, or there would not have been so long a space between the date of these letters and their delivery— Dr. Fothergill would have written to you long before, but deferred it, for obvious reasons, untill some safe...
95George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 9 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Bergen County [ New Jersey ] October 9, 1780 . States that the idea of a tour of Europe with Franklin after the war would be tempting if domestic affairs were not so urgent. Asserts that the American military and political situation is such that the country can only be saved by either peace or money from America’s allies. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
96To Benjamin Franklin from Dr. Joseph Jeffries, 12 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr Jeffries, who saw a letter to a common friend, in wc it was said, I desire to be remembered to the Society wc you know I love & esteem , with pleasure takes this oppertunity of assuring you, in their name & his own,— that their love & esteem of you is not in the least abated since you left them. Notation: [A?] Dr Jeffries to B. F. For this dissenting...
97To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 1 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your letter, my dearest sir, was heavenly to me and filled me with the utmost transports. I dare not tell you what I had feared; but I thought your mind must see into every little corner and expectation of my heart, and would acquit me of every thing but the true motive. It has done so, and has only if possible raised you higher in my conceptions. As I know...
98To Benjamin Franklin from Laignel Sauvage, 7 August 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Calais, August 7, in French: A local shoemaker offers two thousand pairs of shoes at 3 l.t. 12 sols the pair; do you want them? I advanced four Louis to Mr. Meulens, an officer in the Berwick regiment who wanted to go to Liége and had no money, and who is now in the American service; please repay me if you can. Nowhere are shirts cheaper than here; I offer...
99To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Thibouzet: Poem: résumé, 15 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society <Rue Jean-Robert, hôtel d’Estrées, Paris, October 15, 1781, in French: Thibouzet dedicates to Franklin three pages of rhymed couplets, unequal in length and erratic in spelling. The poet wishes to rally a discouraged America, unhappy victim of more than four centuries of tyrannical oppression. He praises France as America’s courageous defender and Franklin...
100To Benjamin Franklin from [Benjamin Vaughan], 29 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I received your little scrap of paper, and found it more acceptable than volumes from other people. I am sorry however to find that so little can at this moment be recovered, that is suitable to our purpose. But be that as it may, we shall be content to go on with what you have got; and the sooner it comes the better, on account of the season, when the press...
101To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, [before 7 December 1779] (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete): Library of Congress This letter is one of the many fragmentary or undated Vaughan manuscripts which have challenged our editorial skill. Although we include it here, as belonging to the general period before Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces was published, it was most likely written just after Christmastime, 1776, when Vaughan arrived in Paris bearing an early...
102To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Hellfriedt, 11 February 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Marseilles, February 11, 1778, in English: Letters from unknown persons must arouse your skepticism; please inquire about me, therefore, from the bearer. I have commercial proposals of great importance to lay before you in person, and am ready to come to Paris as agent for a powerful merchant in Denmark, who has at his disposal a secure harbour,...
103To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Duffy, 26 January 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <St. Malo, January 26, 1777, in English: The writer, an Irishman and Recollect friar, addresses his letter to Franklin as “Irish Gentle-Man” and informs him that he has a needy relative named Geene, Ginny, or Jeanne Franklin, the widow of “your Brother Robin Francklin” of Limerick. The letter is endorsed, apparently by Temple, “Jane Franklin pretended.”>
104To Benjamin Franklin from Paulze, 27 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. Paulze fait mille complimens à M. Le Docteur franklin, il a l’honneur de le prevenir que la Biblioteque du Roy lui sera ouverte Jeudi prochain 30. depuis onze heures jusques à deux, que MM. les Bibliotequaires s’empresseront de l’y recevoir et lui montrer tout ce qu’il est de rare. Il est à propos que M. franklin et sa compagnie se trouvent a onze heures...
105To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 25 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The return of Mr White enables me to send you some of the articles you asked of me to procure. You will find the list inclosed, and in my next I will try to send you a bill of my disbursements, both now & formerly.— Mr Franklin’s glasses will be forwarded by Mr Storer, or earlier, if an opportunity offers. They would have gone now by Mr White, had I...
106To Benjamin Franklin from Pio, 20 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. de Pio a reçu avec le plus grand plaisir La Medaille, dont Monsieur Franklin a bien voulu lui faire le genéreux present. Il a l’honneur de Lui en faire tous ses remercimens, et de lui temoigner toute sa reconnaissance./. The Libertas Americana medal that he requested on March 20, above.
107To Benjamin Franklin from John MacMahon, 13 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Doctor Mac Mahon presents his sincere respects to Dr. Franklin, and thanks for his obliging invitation. He is very sorry not to have had it in his power to wait upon him these three or four weeks past, but will break off a previous engagement to have that honour next sunday. Addressed: A son Excellence / Monsieur le Docteur Franklin / Ministre...
108To Benjamin Franklin from Mademoiselle Juppin, 12 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society je suis arrivée hier de la campagne, il y a deux mois que je ne vous ai vue, jai le plus grand désir de vous voir, voulez me donner a dinér aujourdhuy, jyrai savoir par moi meme de vos nouvelles, et vous embrasser de tout mon coeur. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin / a passy The only Sunday, Sept. 12, during BF ’s stay.
109To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Gale, 5 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Important Affairs In which You have been Engaged, Since Your Residence at the Court of France, I have Esteemed a Sufficient Bar to prevent my Writing You, on Matters which Relate to my Private Affairs, But must now beg Leave to Sollicit Your Assistance, on a Subject which may be an Advantage to me, and our Family, and perhaps Eventually to This Whole...
110To Benjamin Franklin from John Allen, 24 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honnor of writing the 29th. of Last Month to your Excellence, beging, you would be so good as to grant me a Register for the Brign Lovely Aglaé that I Purcheas’d at this Port, being without any Answer, I take the Liberty to request of your Excellence not to forget my just Demand, as my Brig is all Ready, and am only waiting for a favourable...