You are to go by the shortest Road to Dieppe, and make all the Dispatch possible. At Dieppe enquire for Mr. Baron, Merchant there, and take his Advice whether to go off to the Ship, or to acquaint the Captain with your Arrival send him the Letters you have for him, and desire him to come and meet you on shore. The last is safest for the Intelligence you may obtain, as well as for you, if the...
2Enclosure: List of Enquiries, 20 November 1778 (Adams Papers)
1. Force of his Vessel, Number of Men, &c. 2. What time he left America, and from what Port. 3. What Instructions he had from Congress. 4. If he knows the Contents of his Dispatches. 5. Ask for News, and Newspapers. 6. What Account there was of Differences between Count D’Estaign’s People and those of Boston. 7. Whether he was well supply’d with Necessaries there and Provisions. 8. Whether he...
Upon reconsidering Job Prince’s Letter, it is observable, that there is not a single Circumstance mention’d in it by which one may be assured that it is either an honest Letter or a Forgery and a Trick to get into their Power from us some Person of Confidence from whom or from the Letters we might write by him they might pick out some useful Intelligence. The releasing a French Fisherman taken...
4From John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 24 March 1779 (Adams Papers)
I have just received your favour of the 17. inclosing a Paper from M. Le Roy, for which I thank you and Mr. Le Roy, to whom be so good as to present my Compliments. The Alliance, will be ready to go to Nantes, in the opinion of C. Landais in 8 days. But he thinks she must stay there 3 or 4 Weeks. My Respects to his Excellency; from whom I received a line at Nantes which I will answer, as soon...
5From John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 7 December 1780 (Adams Papers)
I duly recieved your favour of the 6th of November, and ought to have acknowledged it before. I am glad to find by his Excellency’s late Letter, that his Health has returned. The Gout I fancy has done the Business of a Physician, and laid the foundation for fine Health and Spirits, for the ensuing dull Winter. I could wish for the Gout too, or any thing else, to make the Scene agreable to me,...
6From John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 18 January 1781 (Adams Papers)
Your kind Letter of the Eleventh, came to my Hand Yesterday. I am much obliged to you Sir, for the News, you were So good as to communicate: but as I think with you, there are Circumstances in it, which are very suspicious, I shall not dare to make much Use of it, at present. There is however authentick Intelligence which is very comfortable. I take this hand Bill &c to be pure, Fabrication,...
7From John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 16 October 1790 (Adams Papers)
Last night I had the pleasure to receive your obliging letter of the 13 of this month, and thank you for your information of your intention to embarke for Europe. The advice of your friends in France and England, to be as early as possible in the publication of your Grandfathers papers, is probably judicious; as a certain ardor of curiosity wears off in such cases commonly, in time. Your...
8From John Adams to William Temple Franklin, 5 May 1817 (Adams Papers)
The Volume of Dr Franklins Correspondence has Seemed to make me live over again my Life at Passy I rejoice that the Public are to have a compleat Edition of his Works, for there is Scarce a Scratch of his Pen that is not worth preserving. I am pleased to See you, at length appearing on the Stage of human Affairs. I presume, upon the Virtue of old Acquaintance to introduce to you Mr Theodore...
9From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 13 June 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wonder’d it was so long before I heard from you. The Packet it seems was brought down to Philadelphia, and carry’d back to Burlington before it came hither. I am glad to learn by your Letters that you are happy in your new Situation, and that tho’ you ride out sometimes, you do not neglect your Studies. You are now in that time of Life which is the...
10From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 27 August 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Haverford College Library Your Letter acquainting us with your safe Arrival was very agreable to us all. But as you are near the Scene of Action, we wish to hear from you by every Post, and to have all the News. It will cost you but little Trouble to write, and will give us much Satisfaction. This Family has been in great Grief, from the Loss of our dear little Girl. She suffer’d much:...
11From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 10 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Bruce Gimelson, Chalfont, Pa. (1978) It is possible that a Line from Lord Howe may be left for me at your good Mother’s, as I have appointed to be there to morrow Morning, in order to meet a Notice from his Lordship relating to the Time and Place of a proposed Interview. If it should come there to night, or very early in the Morning I could wish you would set out with it on horseback so...
12From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 19 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received yours of the 16th, in which you propose going to your Father, if I have no Objection. I have consider’d the matter, and cannot approve of your taking such a Journey at this time, especially alone, for many reasons which I have not time to write. I am persuaded, that if your Mother should write a sealed Letter to her Husband, and enclose it under...
13From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 22 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You are mistaken in imagining that I am apprehensive of your carrying dangerous Intelligence to your Father; for while he remains where he is, he could make no use of it were you to know and acquaint him with all that passes. You would have been more in the right if you could have suspected me of a little tender Concern for your Welfare, on Account of the...
14From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 28 September 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope you will return hither immediately, and that your Mother will make no Objection to it, something offering here that will be much to your Advantage if you are not out of the Way. I am so hurried that I can only add Ever your affectionate Grandfather Addressed: To / Mr William Temple Franklin / at Mrs Franklins / Perth Amboy / B Free Franklin Notation:...
15Madame Brillon to William Temple Franklin, [23 December 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Je suis on ne peut pas plus faché de ce que votre bon papa a du monde le jour de noël qui l’empesche de me faire l’amitié de venir disnér avéc moi; je me faisois la plus grande féste de passér cétte journée avéc lui, j’esperois qu’il seroit libre: il me fera le plus grand plaisir de venir a 6 heures aprés midi jouér aux échécs avéc moi, je lui promést de la...
16The American Commissioners to William Temple Franklin, 27 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: University of Virginia Library As an acknowledgement for your services as Secretary to us, we desire you will accept one hundred Louis-dores which Mr. Grand will be so good as to pay you on receipt of this. We are, Sir, Your most Obedient Servants In Arthur Lee’s hand. 2,400 l.t. Designating WTF as the commissioners’ secretary, it should be noted, did not secure him the position; the...
17M. and Mme. Jean-Jacques de Lafreté to Franklin and William Temple Franklin, 14 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. et Mad. De Lafreté ont l’honneur de faire mille complimens à Messieurs Francklin; ils se flattent que ces Messieurs n’ont pas oublié l’engagement qu’ils ont pris, de venir diner avec eux jeudi prochain 16. de ce mois. He was a businessman and a former high official in the postal service; see J.F. Bosher, French Finances, 1770–1795 . . . (Cambridge,...
18Antoine-François Quétant to William Temple Franklin, 7 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send you the English original of the Conscious Lovers which you seemed to be desirous of. I wish it may ascertain your favour to the french translation and also to the further scheme which I intended to promote by it. Let me be so bold as to offer here to your Grand father My respectful hommage and make you remembered of your promise of coming to dine...
19La Rochefoucauld to William Temple Franklin, 8 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis bien reconnoissant, Monsieur, de ce que, au milieu des importantes occupations que vous avez il vous soit resté quelques momens pour vous souvenir de moi. Je voudrois bien mais je ne l’espere pas être le premier à vous apprendre la rentrée ici de votre brave capitaine Jones après plusieurs expeditions brillantes et ramenant une frégate Roiale de 20....
20Quétant to William Temple Franklin, 17 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In receiving your thanks for a very trifling matter, let me return you my hearty acknowledgement for your kind remembrance and very polite letter. Nobody should be more proud than I to deserve a little share in your favour and that of your worthy grand-father. How much such an honour would prove useful for me, I am more able to feel than to express it. All...
21Lewis (or Louis) Fevre (or Favre) to William Temple Franklin, 3 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The eagerness of gratitude to match at every means of shewing itself, will I hope plead my excuse for not missing so fair an opportunity of presenting to you this humble remembrance of my most attachful respects. My dutiful sense of Dr. Franklin’s beneficence to me has never been one moment out of my mind. How much and how impatiently do I long to hear of...
22Théodore Jauge to William Temple Franklin, 4 July 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, July 4, 1778, in French: I have sent no news since my return, but what I have now will win your and your grandfather’s attention. For the past year and more we have been sending ships to North America. Many of them have been captured through the fault of your pilots, and we have now learned of a shocking example. A vessel of ours anchored in...
23Franklin and John Adams to William Temple Franklin: Instructions, 20 November and [20–21 November 1778] (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ADS : Cornell University Library; copy: Delaware Historical Society Instructions to W T. Franklin You are to go by the shortest Road to Dieppe, and make all the Dispatch possible. At Dieppe enquire for Mr Baron, Merchant there, and take his Advice whether to go off to the Ship, or to acquaint the Captain with your Arrival send him the Letters you have for him, and desire him to...
24From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 26 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d yours last Evening, with the Copies enclos’d, and am now more certain than before that the whole is a piece of Roguery. As when you receive this, it will be 10 Days since his quitting the Road of Dieppe, if he has not return’d in that time, it is probable he will not return at all; so we would have you return hither without waiting longer for...
25Richard Bennett Lloyd to William Temple Franklin, 23 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your agreeable favour of the 17th came by the yesterday’s mail it gives me much pleasure to find that our affairs are going on so well, and I have very little doubt but in a short time we shall be in a situation we wish for— Be pleased to present my best respects to yr. Grandfather and let him know Mr. David Hartley comes to Town this day and I am desired...
26Jean-Jacques Caffiéri to William Temple Franklin, 17 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai fait encaisser Le Buste de M. franklin, vous pouve Monsieur qu’ant il vous plairat faire enlevée cette Caisse dans mon atelier du Louvres, j’ai fait Durcir ce buste avec de La Cire Comme vous Le Désiries, je Compte qu’il arrivera à bon port: Permettes que M. franklin trouve icy Les assurance de mon Respect. J’ai Lhonneur d’etres tres parfaitement...
27Edward Bancroft to William Temple Franklin, 20 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Bousie whose Husband is in London, has sent to desire me to apply to Dr. Franklin for a Passport for a Vessell called the London Packet Capt Mariton of 70 Tons Burthen, with 6 men, bound from Calais to London. It seems the French & English Governments have consented to Let this Vessel carry a cargo of French Wines from Calais to England, & Mr. Sartine...
28Edward Bancroft to William Temple Franklin, [between 21 March and 24 March 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recd. the inclosed Lettres from Mrs. Bousie respecting the Passport— I have some Knowledge of Mr. Audibert Captain of the Port of Calais, & from his Letter have no doubt of Mr. Sartines having given the Pass port mention’d; however if the Doctor thinks it expedient he can make his Pass port conditional as suggested by Mrs. Bousie. I am Dr. Sir truly...
29Arthur Lee to [William Temple Franklin], 9 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): National Archives Mr. L. thanks Mr. Franklin for the Pacquets he was so good as to forward to him. They contain only the Journals of Congress & old Newspapers without any Letter. Mr. L. will be obligd to Mr. F. for letting him know if he can have it, by what vessel they came, to what Port & when She saild.
30Sarah Bache to William Temple Franklin, 16 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society There is nothing you could have sent me that would have been half so acceptable as the Bust of my dear Father, I am in hourly expectation of seeing it, and long as anxiously for its coming as if I could converse with it, Mr Hopkinson has made me promise to send for him when it comes, and I promise you every ceremony shall be performed on the opening of the...
31To William Temple Franklin from the Abbé Thomas du Rouzeau [before 1 May 1780] (Franklin Papers)
Printed invitation: American Philosophical Society L∴ R∴ L∴ des Neuf Sœurs, Est convoquée pour le Lundy 1er . du 3e . mois de D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ 5780. à 11 heures précises. Le très cher et très Illustre f ∴ Paul Jones y assistera. Vous êtes priés d’y venir augmenter les douceurs de l’union fraternelle. Il y aura Lectures, Banquet et Concert . Je suis, par les N∴ C∴ D∴ F∴ M∴ V∴ T∴ H∴ & affectionné...
32Jonathan Williams, Jr., to William Temple Franklin, 24 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send you inclosed a Specimen of an Improvement I have made in copying. When you write for more english Papers pray order an equal quantity for me. I forgot to pay for my hat when I came away, please to pay the Man when he calls. I also forgot to give you Mr Austins Draft for what he owed the Doctor, please to tell me how much it is & send me down Austins...
33William Robeson to William Temple Franklin, 11 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am Honored with your kind favour of the 3 Instant informing me of the Arrival of Mr. Montague. I can but Express my Surprize at his Extraordinary Request from a Master Who has been to a fault both Bountiful and kind, I cannot think of Troubling you with a Business of this Nature have therefore Written to Mr. Mason who has much less to do and on the spott...
34William Robeson to William Temple Frankin, 15 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the Honor of Receiving your Second and friendly favour upon the Subject of Mr. Montague, some days since I answerd your first, and thinking it might Intefere with your more Important Business, I Requested my friend Mr. Mason to Carve out for this young Gentleman— I am now happy to find he has attended to your Councel—and seems to think proper to...
35From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 23 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d your Letter from Orleans, and another since from Chaumont. The Major has got his Pistols. Inclos’d I send you the last Paper from London by which you will see there has been an Action between the French & English Fleets off Chesapeak. It appears even by their own Account that the English have been drubb’d, and oblig’d to leave the French in...
36Abbé Morellet to William Temple Franklin, [13 January 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le cher papa m’a dit hier qu’il me feroit l’honneur de venir diner chès moi avec Made helvetius et vous. Je vous prie de voir dans son album s’il est engagé pour lundi de la semaine qui suivra celle où nous allons entrer c’est à dire de demain en huit et s’il n’a point d’engagement de lui faire contracter celui là. Vous saves avec quel empressement je vous...
37Abbé Morellet to William Temple Franklin, [15 January 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous remercie de votre complaisance à me donner le choix d’un autre jour que lundi. J’avois en effet pensé comme vous qu’il ne falloit pas choisir le jour des fêtes de la ville que vous voudries voir et dont je serois bien eloigné de vous priver moi qui voudrois que les spectacles agreables se multipliassent pour vos plaisirs. Je m’arrete donc d’après la...
38Joseph Wright to William Temple Franklin, [c. 29 August 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I found at my return to Paris yesterday, that I am oblidged to be detained a Week longer, as every place was taken both in the Dilligence and Cabriole and there being no other Conveyance before then—and as I receiv’d your Packet this Morning perhaps your letter to Mr. Williams may require an immediate conveyance.— I return my sincere thanks for this...
39Achille-Guillaume Lebegue de Presle to William Temple Franklin, 2 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A la reception de votre lettre, Monsieur, je me suïs assuré d’un Exemplaire de L’ouvrage de m Cavallo sur les Airs, que j’avois conseillé a un libraire de faire venir. Il est chez moi et vous pourrez le faire prendre quand vous souhaiteres. Jai aussi recu dernierement les planches qui manquoient a un magnifique ouvrage qu’on vend 25 guinées a Londres que mr...
40Bettally & Noseda to William Temple Franklin, 1 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This document concerns an invention that Jean-François Pilatre de Rozier had described and announced for sale in the previous day’s Journal de Paris: bougies phosphoriques , or self-igniting candles. A precursor to matches, bougies phosphoriques were the first instruments capable of generating a flame without the arduous use of flint and tinder. The public...
41Madame F. Pechigny to Franklin or William Temple Franklin, 13 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mde. Pechigny supplie monsieur franklin de vouloir bien lui permettre le 26. du present, de lui presenter lhommage de sa vive reconnoissance en lui remettant les 300 l.t. que noblement il lui a preté et dagréer les regret de limpossibilité ou elle a èté de ne les lui avoir pas remis plûtot. Si monsieur franklin a un protegé qui enseigne langlois mde....
42Charles-Etienne Gaucher to William Temple Franklin, [before 23 December 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Printed invitation, signed, with MS insertions: American Philosophical Society L∴ R∴ L∴ des Neuf Sœurs, Est convoquée pour le Lundi 23 du 10e mois D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ L∴ 5782, en son local, rue Coquéron, à 5 heures précises. On traitera des Lectures et autres objets relatifs à la solemnité de la fête St. jean et à celle de la prochaine loge de rentrée qui, aura lieu le même jour . Vous êtes prié...
43Elkanah Watson, Jr., to William Temple Franklin, 25 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I write this principally to acquaint you that I find the Unfortunate Captn. Hardy sick in my Appartments—but is determined if possible to go out with Captn. All who waits the Event of Peace or War. His Situation is really distressing; & I beg you’ll make a little Exertion to accomplish what I assured him last Septr. would be done through your Influence. If...
44Jonathan Williams, Jr., to William Temple Franklin, 15 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The americans here do not understand the 23d Article of the Treaty, & I request you will as soon as may be do me the Favour to explain, whether, By the Canary Islands is meant only the Latitude of those Islands, & thus on a line of Latitude, Ships may in one month be in Safety in any Longitude if not to the Southard of the Canaries; or whether it is meant...
45Benjamin Vaughan to William Temple Franklin, 5 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mrs: Vaughan has ordered your glasses, and we will engage Major White or some earlier passenger, to take care of them as far as Calais. Major White has for some time past had your damping cases from Woodmason, and other articles; so that no censure will fix upon myself for delay. The gout has lately seized him, but I think he will soon be getting abroad...
46Crèvecœur to William Temple Franklin, [7 April? 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Agreable To your Grand Father’s Promises, I beg you’d Send me by the bearer some Copies of the Interesting Map you Gave me the other Day which has been given to & has Singularly pleased the Mis. de Castries. I Remain very Respectfully, sir, Your Very Humble Servant Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin Junior / Passy The first Monday after April 2, when...
47William Alexander to Franklin and William Temple Franklin, 8 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Betsey wrote you last week to ask a day when you & your son Can dine wt Madme de la Marke any time before the 20th— We have no Answer— You will oblige me by desiring your son to write— On recolection I address this to Him & beg He will drop me a line to st Germains— I am most faithfully Your & His Most obt hble s Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin...
48Rose-Aimée Du Buc d’Enneville, the Comtesse de Choiseul-Meuse, and Jean-Baptiste Du Buc to William Temple Franklin, [c. … (Franklin Papers)
Printed announcement: American Philosophical Society Madame D’enneville , Madame la Comtesse DE Choisëul , & M. DU Buc , Intendant Général des Colonies, sont venus pour avoir l’honneur de vous faire part du Mariage de M. DU Buc-Saint-Olympe , leur Cousin-Germain, avec Madame DE Longpré
49Le Veillard to William Temple Franklin, 16 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Sérieusement, Monsieur, vous avez cru que jallois faire imprimer ces nottes comme elles sont? Sans doute il faut les etendre et les mettre en style, mais ce n’est pas mon affaire, cette besogne regarde mr. de Villars amy de mr. de Condorcét qui ma vivement sollicité pour avoir ces renseignements; mon intention est d’éxiger qu’il ne fasse rien imprimer sans...
50From the Abbé André Morellet to William Temple Franklin, 31 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettes Monsieur que je vous addresse un memoire sur lequel Mr. le cardinal de rohan demande l’avis de vôtre respectable papa. La rigueur de la saison m’empeche d’aller le lui demander moi même. Il s’agit je crois de savoir si ces gens sont connus de vous si vous aves entendu parler de leur affaire s’ils meritent les secours qu’ils demandent. Mr. le...