1To Benjamin Franklin from Marie-Anne Le Page Fiquet, Dame Duboccage, [after 21 January 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mde. Duboccage rend mille tres humbles graces a Mr. franklin; la Vision de Colomb donne une champ bien vaste a l’imagination du poëte et l’ange avoit Sans doute prévu qu’il naîtroit un législateur tel que le tres docte franklin pour donner la liberté, de bonnes loix et Beaucoup de gloire a son païs. Mde. Duboccage ne renvoie point l’imprimé en cas qu’elle...
2From Benjamin Franklin to Caroline (Charlotte)-Bertrande Chapelle de Jumilhac-Cubjac Bertin, [after 1 March 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress Mr Franklin presents his respectful Compliments to Madame Bertine, and acquaints her that he long since gave the Recommendatory Letter and Passport desired, to the Portuguese Ambassador, who had before demanded the same thing: and that the Letter receiv’d thro’ her hands from M. le Baron de Jumilhac shall be duly attended to. He begs leave to assure M. Bertin of...
3Three Draft Replies to Applicants for Emigration, [between 24 January 1783 and 9 March 1784] (Franklin Papers)
(I) AL (incomplete draft): Library of Congress; (II) and (III) AL (incomplete draft): American Philosophical Society Following the signing of the preliminary peace treaty, Franklin was inundated with requests for assistance from people all over Europe who wanted to emigrate to America. More than 30 are summarized in the headnote to Perrault’s letter of January 24, above; they represent only...
4Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts, 1783 (Franklin Papers)
The following previously identified accounts cover the period of this volume: VI and VII ( XXIII , 21); XVII ( XXVI , 3); XIX and XXII ( XXVIII , 3–4); XXV, XXVII, and XXVIII ( XXXII , 3–4); XXX ( XXXVI , 3); and XXXI ( XXXVIII , 3). We offer here a summary of items that have not found a place elsewhere in our annotation but that provide insights into Franklin’s private and public life....
5Editorial Note on Promissory Notes, 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Seventeen escaped prisoners made their way to Passy and received financial assistance from Franklin during the period covered by this volume. Benjamin Ramsdell of Massachusetts, captured aboard the ship Three Sisters , received 96 l.t. on February 10. Thomas Moore was given 48 l.t. on February 23. Four men applied for assistance on March 9, each of whom received 24 l.t. They were Richard...
6From Benjamin Franklin to Michel-Guillaume St. John de Crèvecœur, [after 2 April 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress I have perused the foregoing Memoir, and having formerly had some Share in the Management of the Pacquet Boats between England and America, I am enabled to furnish you with some small Remarks.— The Project is good, & if carried into Execution will certainly be very useful to Merchants immediately, and profitable to the Revenue of the Post Office at least after...
7“Apologue,” [during or after February 1783] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), III , 309–10. When William Temple Franklin published this piece (for which no manuscript survives), he placed it among the undated bagatelles, noting only that it was “written at the period of, and in allusion to, the claims of the American Royalists on the...
8To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Falconer, 15 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Take the Liberty of informing you of my arrivall hear yesterday I left philadla the 12 of april in a vessell for ostend but Got put ashore at hasting I Expect to purches a ship hear and proceed to philadelphia if you have aney Commands hear that I Can Excute please to Let hear from you Mr Beach [Bache] was at Newyork when I Came away Mrs Beach was well Mr...
9To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Maillebois, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 15 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a bien longtemps, mon cher confrere, que je me reproche de n’avoir pas pu aller vous faire Moy mesme mes remerciments de la medaille que vous aves eu la bonté de m’envoyer. Vous scaves que j’ay toujours eu dans le cœur la gloire du Congres, et les succes de mon respectable confrere et amy. J’aurais desiré d’y contribuer plus essentiellement. M. de...
10To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Proli, 14 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Cte. de Proli prend la respectueuse liberté de rappeller au souvenir de Monsieur Francklin qu’il a bien voulu lui promettre un passeport pour le navire Impl. [Impérial] la Capriçieuse, une lettre de recommandation pour le Capne. Simpson qui la commande et deux passeports en blanc pour les batiments qui la suivront. Le Cte. de Proli ôse esperer que le...
11Franklin: Certificate for the Capricieuse, [14 May 1783] (Franklin Papers)
D (draft): American Philosophical Society The Imperial Ship the Capricieuse, burthen about 350 Tons , Commanded by Capt. Simpson being bound from Trieste to Philadelphia, or some other Part of the United States , with Merchandize, but being uncertain what Port she may make; I hereby request that you would on his Arrival , favour the said Capt. Simpson with your Protection & Advice, for the...
12To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 14 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society As there are Several Things which require the Deliberation of the American Ministers, Mr Adams has the Honour to propose to Dr Franklin a Meeting at the Hotel du Roi Tomorrow at Eleven, if that time and Place are convenient to his Excellency. Mr A. will give notice to the other Gentlemen. Addressed: Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / en son hotel / Paris...
13To 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...
14To Benjamin Franklin from Walterstorff, 14 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr de Walterstorff presents his respectfull compliments to Dr. Franklin and has the honour of returning to him the Constitution of the United States of America, begging leave at the same time to appologize for not having sent this Collection back sooner, owing to his having lent some sheets of it to Baron de Blome. Mr. de W. gives his gratefull thanks to Dr....
15To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 14 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your favr. of apl. 23 Came to hand two day ago, note the Contents. I should have lik’d a passage with you; however the season is good & I have Concluded to Return hom to my own Country, Which I esteem to be the best that I ever Saw, I Shall sail in a few days for Boston, in the first ship that will be Cleard for that port, Wh. makes the Trade as Regular as...
16George III: Commission for David Hartley, 14 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society (four), Library of Congress, National Archives; transcript: National Archives George R. George the Third, by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburgh, Arch Treasurer and Prince Elector of the Holy Roman Empire &c. To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting. Whereas for the...
17To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua and Catherine Johnson, and Matthew and Anne Ridley, 13 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. & Mrs. Johnson presents their most respectfull compliments to Dr. Franklin & will do themselves the honor to wait on him. Mr. Johnson did not receive the honor of Dr. Franklin’s Billet til late last Evening or he would have returned an immediate answer. Mr. & Mrs. Ridleys Compliments & will do themselves the honor to attend Dr. Franklin today. Johnson’s...
18Lafayette to the American Peace Commissioners, 12 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress Having Yesterday conferred with Count de Vergennes upon some Public Concerns, He requested I would tell you what, instead of troubling you with the Demand of a meeting, I think better to mention in this Note. The several Powers said he, are going to make up their Treaties, and when ready to sign, they will of Course meet to do it...
19To Benjamin Franklin from the Baronne d’Ahax, with Franklin’s Draft of a Reply, 12 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Monsieur apres avoir eu le bonheur de vous voir je desir de le renouveller et vous demande votre heurs la plus Comode ou je puis avoir la bonheur de vous revoir Seul car jai besoin dun Confidant et jesper de le trouver dans L’etre que je revere le plus au monde. Jai l’honneur d’etre avec la plus grand veneration monsieur votre tres humble et tres obeisante...
20To Benjamin Franklin from [Frederik Willem?] Boers, 12 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M Boers a l’honneur de presenter ses respects a M le Ministre Franklin en lui assurant, qu’il est, on ne peut plus, sensible a la complaisance, que M Franklin a bien voulu avoir pour lui. M Boers Sera toujours beaucoup flatté d’etre honoré des ordres de M Franklin et il les executera avec tout les sentimens de la reconnoissance, qu’il lui doit. This is the...
21To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 12 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress The Bills drawn by Congress in their Necessities press very heavily upon me, and one of the greatest among many Evils attending them is the Confusion in which they have involved the Affairs of my Department. I have never yet been able to learn how many of these Bills have been paid nor how many remain due neither am I without my...
22To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 11 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As this will be delivered into your own hands by the bearer who is going to reside at Versailles I beg leave my Dr: Sir if she should have at any time occasion for your countenance I beg the favour that you will grant it her but I hope she will not want it. I wish Sir to know if there is any prospect of proceeding on the Copper Coin. May I also beg the...
23To Benjamin Franklin from [Anne-Rose?] Cologan, 11 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mde de Cologan est bien fachée de ne pouvoir pas avoir l’honneur de Dejeuner aujourdhui avec Monsieur franklin, quelle aime de tout son Cœur. Elle le prie daccepter quelques bouteilles de vin de Canaries des terres de Mr de Cologan. Les unes sont du Vidonia et les autres du Malvoisia, elle espere que Monsieur franklin les trouvera de son gout, aussi bien...
24The Loge des Neuf Sœurs and Franklin: Announcement of a Fête Académique, [before 10 May 1783] (Franklin Papers)
Printed announcement: National Heritage Museum, Massachusetts Though the peace was publically celebrated all over Paris in the spring of 1783, this was the only celebration in which Franklin had a hand—or at least, to which he lent his name. Initially, the Nine Sisters planned to hold this fête académique on May 5 at its quarters on the rue Coquéron. They sent printed invitations to the...
25To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Milly et al., [before 10 May 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Le Cte. de Milly, Mis. De La Salle, & Cte. de Préaux Vble. Ex vble. & Membres de La Loge des IX soeurs Sont venus pour rendre leurs devoirs a Monsieur Franklin & le prevenir que la fête a L’occasion de La paix qui Se donne le 12. mai a la redoute chinoise fbg. & foire st. laurent Commencera a 6. heures du soir, & qu’il est instemment prié d’y être rendû...
26From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 10 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : New-York Historical Society Permit me to introduce to you the Bearer Mr. Hogendorff, of an illustrious Family, and Lieutenant in the Dutch Guards. He is strongly recommended to me by Persons of Distinction, as a Gentleman of excellent Character: His principal Design in going to America is to make himself acquainted with the Country, & its Inhabitants: I beg you will favour him with your...
27Ferdinand Grand to the American Peace Commissioners, 10 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress; partial copy: Library of Congress It is some Months ago since I had the honor to write you, & am well persuaded, altho I received no Answer thereto, that it will have engaged your attention. I earnestly wish it may have been productive of an Improvement to the Finances of Congress which I then foresaw would be short of our Wants &...
28To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Artaud, 10 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ravir la foudre aux cieux, et le Sceptre aux tyrans, est une double gloire que l’univers n’a jamais vue Se reunir sur une mesme téte, si ce n’est sur la votre. Daignés de grace laisser tomber un regard de bonté sur un ecrivain qui a fixé avec autant de zele que dassiduité, pendant tout le cours de la derniere guerre, linteret et les yeux de Ses lecteurs,...
29To Benjamin Franklin from Antoinette-Thérèse Melin Dutartre, [10 May? 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mon papa voila mon abbé qui part pour Londres ou il doit demeurer quelques Semaines avant de Retourner en irlande. Voulez vous le charger de quelques commissions? Il S’en acquitera bien et avec grand plaisir: il ira vous voir de ma part. Avant Son départ Si vous pouvez Luy donner quelques lettres de recommendation, cela me fera plaisir, il meritte tout le...
30To Benjamin Franklin from Joachim-Marie de Pavola, 10 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Daignés nous pardonner la liberté que nous osons prendre, en vous adressant avec la présente, les veux que nous n’avons cessé de former pour la conservation des jours precieux de Votre Excellence; Puisque envieux depuis longtems de ce bonheur, nous n’aurions pû encore y parvenir sans l’occasion favorable que nous fournit Monsieur Jerome Manfrin, Fermier...