1From Benjamin Franklin to John Laurens, 8 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : South Carolina Historical Society; AL (draft) and incomplete copy: Library of Congress I received your very kind Letter written at Sea off the Coast of Spain. I thank you for the friendly Hint contained in it respecting my Grandson: I see that what you propose for him might have a good Effect; but I have too much Occasion for his Assistance, and cannot spare him to make the Voyage. He...
2From Benjamin Franklin to John Laurens, 4 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : South Carolina Historical Society; copies (two): Library of Congress Inclos’d is a Letter I have receiv’d for you. The Seal of the Cover being imprudently plac’d over that of the Letter, and sticking to it, occasion’d it to be almost broke open.—I want to see you about a Letter I have received from New Orleans, which proposes my Paying Drafts to the Amount of 55000 Livres, whereon I...
3From Benjamin Franklin to John Laurens, 21 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I sent you Yesterday some Letters whi[ch] came here for you since your Departure. Mr. Necker is no longer in Place. M. Joly de Fleury succeeds him. I am again applied to for the Expences on the Alliance. Be so good as to draw an Order on me for what you think proper to pay of Gourlade and Moylands Acct. I repeat my Wishes for...
4From Benjamin Franklin to John Laurens, 17 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library; copy: Library of Congress Inclos’d is the Order you desire for another Hundred Louis.— Take my Blessing with it, and my Prayers that God may send you safe & well home with your Cargoes. I would not attempt persuading you to quit the military Line, because I think you have the Qualities of Mind and Body that promise your doing great Service & acquiring Honour in...