851To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 27 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; copy: University of South Carolina Library My thanks are due for the justice you did me, in beleiving I had written to some one or other of my Colleagus since my last return to London, altho’ it appears by the Letter you have honored me with under the 21st Inst. mine of the 9th. addressed to the whole had not reached them, an unlucky circumstance which gives me much...
852To Benjamin Franklin from [John Mehegan], 27 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Comme vous ètes dans ce pais ci le représantant des Americains vos compatriotes, ils ne peuvent pas faire mieux que de s’addresser à vous, lorsqu’ils ont besoin de protection. C’est d’apres celà, Monsieur que je vais prendre la liberté de mettre sous vos yeux l’affaire d’un Americain, dont la situation meritera peut-ètre votre attention. Voici le fait. Au...
853To Benjamin Franklin from [Edmund Burke], 26 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (fragment): Library of Congress My friend & Depu[ty? torn ] a few days at Paris, & is extr[ torn ] =ly knowing you whom he has [ torn ] admiration. I approve very mu[ torn ] cannot refuse him the best [ torn ] it. I am not a little anxiou[ torn ] may have had in your regard [ torn ] revive myself in your re[ torn
854To 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...
855To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, 25 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Nationaal Archief Mr. Adams, après une apparition subite & courte ici, m’ayant déclaré son intention de rompre son ménage ici, & averti de prendre mes mesures pour m’y tirer d’affaire comme je pourrois avec le peu qui m’est alloué jusqu’ici pour vivre, cet ordre imprévu & la necessité de sauver autant qu’il est possible les apparences & garder quelque ombre de [ illegible ] pour le...
856To Benjamin Franklin from Matthias Ogden, 25 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty to ask if it will be perfectly agreeable to your Excellency, to present me to the King tomorrow. The Marquis de la Fayette is at Versailles & will be present at the ceremony. If it should not be the least inconvenient, I will be much obliged for the honor of a seat in your Excellencys Carriage from Passy. I have the honor to be with the...
857To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 25 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. le Duc de la Rochefoucauld m’a fait demander de votre part une Douzaine d’Exemplaires des Constitutions de l’amérique. Comme je pense que c’est votre Intention de les lui donner en papier fin, & que Ceux que j’ai fait tirer par dessus le nombre que j’ai imprimé pour vous sont destinés, Je vous prie de les lui faire passer directement. J’esperois,...
858To Benjamin Franklin from Elias Boudinot, 23 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society Having a Nephew (Mr John M. Pintard) connected with the House of Mr. John Searle & Co Mercht: in Madeira, who has earnestly requested an Introduction of this House to your Excellency, I do myself the honor of complying with his desire, as from my long Knowledge of the Character of Mr. Searle, I am certain any Services you can with propriety render the...
859To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard de Rayneval: Two Letters, 23 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous mavez fait l’honneur de mecrire en faveur de Mr. Carnes; je pense que pour procèder en règle, il conviendroit que vous écrivissiez directement à Mr. le Cte. de Vergennes; ce ministre m’a parû disposé à accorder les lettres de Sauf-conduit à votre recommandation. J’ai lhonneur dêtre avec un sincere...
860To 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...
861To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 23 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library Inclosed is an Acct: of the Expenses of Master Johnnott including his passage to Philadelphia amouting to £ 752 l.t. 2.— for which I have this day drawn a bill on you in favour of Messr: Laval & Wilfelsheim. It was not possible to get his passage at a Cheaper Rate, though extravagant & unreasonable all have been obliged to Submit. Another Lad of the Same age of...
862To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Bruet, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Le cte de Bruet a reçû avec la plus grande sensibilité lexemplaire que Monsieur franklin a eu lattention et lhonnetteté de luÿ adresser il luÿ en fait mile remerciements et il seroit bien flatté de trouver les occasions de luÿ en marquer toute Sa reconoissance. Mde de Bruet fait mille et mille Compliments a messieurs franklin et ne pouvent etre plus...
863To Benjamin Franklin from César Bucquet, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L(?): American Philosophical Society Après un travail assidu de plus de trente années Je Suis parvenu a perfectionner la Mouture économique et a la faire Connoitre dans les Provinces ou elle étoit ignorée. Ce fait est Constaté tant par des Procès Verbaux qui ont eu lieu dans Ces Provinces que par le Rapport des administrateurs de l’hopital Général de Paris. Par Mes procèdés Cet hopital épargne...
864To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Deux-Ponts, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I put so much confidence in your Excellencys friendship to me, that I depend on your forgiveness, for the freedom I take, to beg of you the conveyance of the inclos’d to Chevr. La Luzerne which includes some Lines to my american friends. I shall be very particularly oblig’d to you for it and am with wery respectfull sentiments Your Excellencys Most obedient...
865To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 22 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Royal Mail Archive This Morning Mr. Potts delivered to me your kind Letter of the 17th. Instant. I now inclose according to your desire without loss of Time a Copy of mine to you which you happen to have mislaid of the 25th. of June last, and I should be very much obliged to you for your opinion of the Matters therein as soon as it may be in your...
866To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 21 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honor to furnish your Excellency a small Account, I think it was in the year 1781, of some articles shipped by your orders for Mr. Richd Bache of Philada.— In the Letter which accompany’d the Account I mention’d my intentions of drawing for the amount, which however never was done;— Your Excellency will oblige me greatly by ordering said Account...
867To Benjamin Franklin from Félix Vicq d’Azyr, 21 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society La societé Royale de medecine m’a Chargé d’avoir l’honneur de Vous adresser des Billets pour sa séance publique qui aura lieu le 26 de ce mois; elle Vous prie d’en agréer l’hommage et de Vouloir bien en Disposer. La societé toujours flattée lorsque Vous Voulez bien l’honorer de Votre Présence Vous prie d’assister à Cette séance. J’y Lirai l’Eloge de feu M...
868To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Condorcet, 20 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’academie m’a chargé de vous exprimer toute sa reconnaissance pour le beau present que vous lui avez fait. Elle verra avec plaisir dans sa biblioteque ce premier monument de L’histoire d’un peuple auquel les sciences auront un jour tant d’obligation, et cet ouvrage lui rappelera La part distinguée qu’un des membres a eue, à la plus grande revolution...
869To Benjamin Franklin from Caleb Davis, 20 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Liberty I take in Addressing your Excellencey and incloseing the within to your Care, is in Consequence of Mr. St. Johns request and information that he had obtained your permission for that purpose, and I most Ardently Wish the inclosed May reach him as it Contains information of Much importance for him to Know and Several Letters which have been Wrote...
870To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte de Rochambeau, 20 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le vcte. de Rochambeau a l’honneur d’Envoyer a Monsieur le Docteur franklin un livre que Monsieur Telles Dacosta a fait sur les bois. Comme il n’a pas l’honneur d’estre connu de Monsieur franklin il a este requis de le lui faire passer. The general’s son: XXXIV , 205n. Dominique-Antoine Tellès d’Acosta (b. 1719), grand maître des eaux et forêts of Champagne,...
871To Benjamin Franklin from Madame ——— Düeil, 19 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Sont escellance cerapelles [se rappellera] sandoutte que le 14 juilliet jeus lhonneur dele voir apasÿ et deluy aufrir duvin de chanpangne de mont Creux [mon Cru]. Monsieur le Compte de Mallebois qui citrouva, voulleu bien asurré sont escellance que je meritté sas [sa] Confiance et vous Mordonnate devous adressé un pannier de 60 bouttelles jes choisÿ Cellecy...
872To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Situation of the american Merchants in France is not the Effect of the ill Conduct of any one but a general Consequence of the Peace, and I believe there is no Exception. Mr Grubb is one of us, and with a full Intention as well as Capacity to pay all, intends to apply for Letters of Surseance to prevent any little Creditor arresting his Property as it...
873To Benjamin Franklin from Séraphin-Guillaume Hooke, Chevalier de L’Etang, 17 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le chier. de hooke Letang Mestre de Camp, attaché au Regiment de Berwick Irlandais Prie son Excellence Monsieur Franklin De Vouloir Bien Lui indiquer l’heure et Le jour ou elle pourroit Lui accorder une audience. Il a deja eu lhonneur De La voir et Desireroit Conferer avec Elle sur Les moyens De former un etablissement soit Dans La Virginie soit Dans La...
874To Benjamin Franklin from Berkenrode, 15 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress L’Ambassadeur de Hollande a L’honneur d’assurer Monsieur Francklin de Ses tres humbles civilités. Il S’acquittera tres exactement de La Commission en question, et fera parvenir a Leur adresse Le paquet qu’il Lui à envoié hier. Court un bruit ici, depuis 24 heures, de nouvelles reçues d’une rebellion dans Les troupes Americaines au nombre de 5000 hommes, aiant des bas...
875To Benjamin Franklin from Elias Boudinot, 15 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress; copy: National Archives I had the honor of your favor of the 7th. of March last enclosing the treaty between the United States and the King of Sweden, the ratification whereof has been retarded for want of nine States present in Congress. This Act has now taken place, and I am honored with the commands of Congress to transmit it to you for exchange, which I now have...
876To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 15 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote to you a note some weaks ago to accompany the request of mr. Veinbrenner, which you allready had granted. His commissionary is allready gone to Hamburg and will set out with the first vessel for Philadelphia, waiting only for the introductory lettres you promish’d— Your last was dated may 16th, of Which I first recieved the copy. Reciev my thanks...
877To Benjamin Franklin from John Jebb, 15 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Baynes the bearer of this Letter has conceived that I am honoured with a share of your confidence & friendship—& has sollicited from me an introduction to you. I am at a distance from him—and if I were to assure him that I had only the pleasure of being twice in company with you when in England, he might imagine that I underrated the nature of my...
878To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Potts, 15 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In consequence of the conversation I had the honour of having with your Excellency last Wednesday, I beg leave to submit my thoughts to your consideration on the arrangements necessary to take place between the Post Offices of England and America in respect to the mode of establishing a regular correspondence with the two Countries and if they should meet...
879To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 14 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I reach’d this Place the 11th, & waited the same Day on Mr Williams. He was kind enough to think of my Passage & sent Me to the Gentleman that fits out the Ship Le Comte D’Estaing, to agree for my Passage to Philadelphia, as there is no Vessel here bound to the Northward. The Price is 600 Livres.— Mr Williams thinks it exorbitant, & desires to know whether...
880To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Nairne, 14 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Sikes of Paris has been so obliging as to undertake the care of delivering a Book to you. It is directions for using my Patent Electrical Machine which I hope before this you have received safe. There are some experiments in the Philosophical part, which I hope will give you pleasure, as they tend to confirm your Theory of Electricity. If it were...
881To Benjamin Franklin from Pamphili, 14 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : Library of Congress M. Le Nonce a l’honneur de faire bien des complimens à Monsieur Franklin, et Se fera un devoir de faire passer par la premiere occasion à Sa Sainteté Le livre qu’il vient de lui envoyer./. Pope Pius VI. Doubtless the Constitutions des treize Etats-Unis de l’Amérique.
882To Benjamin Franklin from Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart, 13 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Brongniart a L’honneur de présenter Son tres humble Respect a Monsieur franklin, et de le prier de lui faire Sçavoir Si il Se donnera la peine de passer chez Lui Ce Matin Mercredi, et a quelle heure, Comme m. Son fils le lui a fait espérer La Semaine derniere. Il S’agit d’aller ensuitte a L’Ecole militaire et aux invalides relativement aux paratonnere que m....
883To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 13 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your Favour by young Johonnott who unluckily arrived two days too late for the last Vessell to New England, we have now only one Opportunity & that is for Philadelphia and I will get him away with as little Expence as possible unless you direct otherwise; if he were to miss this Occasion it would be a long time before he could...
884David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 12 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Public Record Office, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society August 12 and 13 were of far greater diplomatic consequence than this exchange of formal letters about the birth of an English princess (the present letter and the commissioners’ answer of the following day) would suggest. On Tuesday, August 12, at the weekly meeting of ministers at Versailles, Franklin and...
885To Benjamin Franklin from Sir James Nicolson, 12 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Sir James Nicolson presents Compliments to Doctor Franklin and is somewhat surprized to find out, only since his visit to the Doctr., that his Grandson had been received, out of respect to the Doctor’s great merit, by Lady Nicolson and that he had concealed her Ladyship’s portrait in miniature, under pretence of putting a glass to it. Sir James insists on...
886To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 11 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Mr Grand Cannon is a youn Gentleman from Connecticut who passes through paris in his Way to London. He will have the Honour to pay his Respects to you, and I beg leave to introduce him to your kind Notice as a discreet, intelligent worthy young man, and deserving the Esteem of all his Friend; I have this knowledge of him from his...
887To Benjamin Franklin from A. C. G. Deudon, 10 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Lors de mon départ de Bruxelles, monsieur Bournons, de l’académie roÿale des Sciences de cette ville, m’a prié de vous faire parvenir la prèmiére partie de ses élémens de mathématiques, que voici; il m’a chargé en même-tems, de vous faire Connoître de Sa part, qu’il aura l’honneur de vous prèsenter les deux volumes Suivans, du même ouvrage, à mesure qu’ils...
888To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Samuel Du Pont de Nemours, 10 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress Mgr. Le Margrave rêgnant de Bâde me charge de vous prier de vouloir bien faire toutes les démarches qui dépendront de vous, pour avoir l’Extrait-Mortuaire du Sr. Adam Marggrander, né Sujet de ce Prince, et qui doit être mort noïé à Philadelphie. Ce S. Marggrander est parti pour Philadelphie, en 1774, avec un S. Gucker de Schreck, et il étoit emploïé à Philadelphie chéz...
889To Benjamin Franklin from William Nixon, 10 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You will please to call to Mind that I presumed to inclose to your Excellency a little Book, which I published, Viz. Prosody made easy . The very polite Answer, which you returned, & your unexpected Liberality at so seasonable a Time can never be forgotten by me. The Mode of paying the Debt due by me to you was such a Proof of Politeness, Liberality, &...
890To Benjamin Franklin from Pio, 10 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. de Pio a l’honneur de renouveller les assurances de son respect à monsieur franklin, Ministre Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de l’Amerique et de lui envoyer le 3me. volume des Oeuvres de Mr. filangieri avec une lettre du même, que Mr. de Pio a reçu hier de naples. Mr. de Pio est très flatté de pouvoir dire a Mr. franklin, qu’il y a actuellement un homme...
891To 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...
892To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have sent to Billy by this Post a Copy of my last Memoire to M de Vergennes, Supported by those of my Creditors who are of this Town & were of the Meeting, with Copies & Extracts of Several Letters I have received. I send also the originals of these Letters to prove the veracity of the Extracts. As they extend to matters foreign to the Subject and are too...
893To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 8 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I beg to introduce to your kind regards one of my best respected friends, Mr Dugald Stewart, who though as yet little known out of Scotland, is one of the best known men in it. He stands in the very first class of their mathematicians & literary men. He has twice at a day’s warning taken up Dr. Adam Ferguson’s lectures in Moral Philosophy, & twice completely excelled...
894To Benjamin Franklin from Kéralio, 7 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Plaignés notre bonne Douairiere, mon respectable ami; elle part demain et n’a pu vous aller demander votre bénédiction; elle me charge de vous peindre tout le regret qu’elle a de vous quitter; mais comment y parvenir? Il est trop profond; il faudroit sentir comme elle pour le rendre: recevés de sa part les embrassements de L’amitié la plus tendre, et...
895To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 5 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous addresser la copie d’un mémoire qui m’a été présenté par le Sr. Baÿard; Comme les demandes de ce particulier me semblent justes, je me fais un devoir de vous les transmettre en vous priant de les recommander en Amérique. J’ai l’Honneur d’être très sincérement,...
896To Benjamin Franklin from William Robertson, 4 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My eldest Son will have the honour of presenting this letter to Your Excellency. He has been educated to the profession of Law here, & during the vacation of the Courts of justice, purposes to make a rapid excursion to the Continent. As he will be two or three weeks at Paris, he is ambitious of being introduced to you, & of being able to tell his children...
897To Benjamin Franklin from Berkenrode, 3 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society L’Ambassadeur des Etats Generaux, prie Monsieur Francklin, de Lui faire L’honneur de venir diner chez Lui, Jeudi prochain 7 du Mois./. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin. / Ministre plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis de / L’Amerique Septentrionale. / A passy.
898To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Monet, 3 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Vous avez prevenu le dessein ou j’etois d’aller vous prier, Monsieur, de me mettre à portée de mettre sous les yeux de sa majesté le roy de Pologne un exemplaire des constitutions des treize etats unis de l’amérique en m’envoyant celui dont j’ai l’honneur de vous accuser la réception et en y en joignant un pour moy. Cette attention obligeante, et la part que...
899To Benjamin Franklin from François Steinsky, 3 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a peu des plaisirs réélles égaux à celui, que me faisoit la recette de Vos lines; cela m’etoit un vrai soulagement dans une maladie que je souffrois alors. Je Vous remercie des louanges que Vous avez la bonté de faire de nos manufacturiers par raport a une petite chose, a la quelle hors la bonne volonté il n’y a rien qui merite d’etre regardé de Vous....
900To 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...