15061From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 2 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : State M. E. Saltykov-Shchedrin Public Library, Leningrad Enclos’d is a Letter from Ben to his Mother. He chose to write it in French as more familiar to him than English. It is, I assure you, all his own, except the concluding Sentence. He grows fast and tall. There are 4 or 5 English Boys in the School, or I think he would be in danger of losing his English. Your Sisters were well...
15062From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 14 April 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Mr. Guez, being well recommended to me as a skilful Surgeon, and otherwise of good Character for his Morals and Prudence, I recommend him to your Civilities and Advice, which as a Stranger he may have occasion for: And as he has not sufficient to pay his Passage here, and will not be able to provide such a Sum immediately there, I desire you to...
15063From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 15 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Bearer, M Vatteville, goes over with Views of establiching himself in our Country. He bears the Character here of a Valuable Man, Likely to make a good and Useful Citizen among us. I recommend him warmly to your Civilities and Counsels. Ben continues well and behaves in his College as one could wish. I am ever Your affectionate father P.S. The Chevalier Crenis has...
15064From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 3 March 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I received yours of Jan. 4. per Packet but none from Mrs. Franklin, whom you mention as writing at the same time. I lament the Death of my old good Friend Mr. Hall, but am glad to understand he has left a Son fit to carry on the Business, which wish he may do with as good a Character and as good Success as his Father. The Gentleman who reported that...
15065From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 3 February 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I received yours of Nov. 3. with the Extracts from Mr. Hooper’s Letter, and Remarks of Mr. Morgan which will come under Consideration in due time. As yet the Grant has not pass’d the Seals, tho’ we are kept in continual Expectation. I am oblig’d to Mr. Baynton and you for the Communication. The Demolishing Fort Pitt was a strange Measure. It might...
15066From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 15 July 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I have now before me yours of April 6, and 29, May 21. and June 1. I rejoice with you in the first place on the good News contain’d in your last, that Sally is safely delivered of another Son. I hope he will prove a Blessing to you both. I wish your new Shop Business to prove profitable, and do not doubt it if the Shop is closely attended. Will not...
15067From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 10 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress The Bearer Count Beniousky, a Hungarian Gentleman of Distinction, goes to America with some Intention of settling there, if he shall find the Country agreable. He is much esteemed by Persons of Consideration here, and I earnestly recommend him to your Civilities. I have ordered Claret to you by various Opportunities, and hope some of it will be arriv’d...
15068From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 3 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I seldom hear from you or Sally, but I have lately had the satisfaction of hearing of you, that you and yours were all well the Begining of april last. I send you in a Parcel by this Opportunity some of the Correspondence betwen Ben and me. He was well a few weeks since, and very kindly notic’d where he is, by some respectable People. I continue, Thanks to God, well...
15069From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 1 September 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I received yours of July 6, by the last Packet that is arriv’d; for we have not yet [that?] of August. I had thoughts of going by this Packet, but various Considerations, some publick and some private, have occurr’d inducing me to postpone my leaving England for another Season. A Bill you drew for £27 18 s. 0 d. on Francis Roper, Mercht in London,...
15070From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 23 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Yale University Library The Bearer Mr. Du Trône, is extreamly well recommended to me here, by Persons of the first Distinction & Character. He is a Physician by Profession, but goes over to America with other Views. I beg you will introduce him to some of my Friends, & that you will shew him every Civility & Attention in your Power.— My Love to Sally and the Children, & believe me ever,...
15071From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 10 September 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library The Bearer Mr. Ralph Westley, goes to Pennsylvania to look out a proper Tract of good Land, on which to settle some able Norfolk Farmers, who are about to remove thither with their Families. One of whom, Mr. Foulger, is a Relation of mine. As the Farmers of that Country are reckoned the most skilful in England, and the comfortable Settling of these first...
15072From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 19[–24] October 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Bristol, R.I., Historical Society We hear you have had an Alarm at Philada. I hope no ill consequences have attended it. I wonder I had no Line from you. I make no doubt of our People’s defending their City and Country bravely, on the most trying Occasions. I hear nothing yet of Mr. Goddard, but suppose he is on the Road. I suppose we shall leave this Place next Week. I shall not return...
15073From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 22 July 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I hear by Mr. Dillwyn that you were all well: But had no Line from you either by him or the Packet. Capt. Falconer tells me the Casks of Types were put into his Cellar, he not knowing who they were for. You will get them there, and store them with the rest. I believe I wrote to this purpose before. I am very hearty, Thanks to God. My Love...
15074From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 14 February 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress By Capt. All I send a Box directed to you containing a Number of Parcels for different People, which I request you to take care of that they may be carefully delivered. Among the rest there are 5 Doz Maps in a Roll with your Name on the Outside, of which you may take 6 for yourself, send Six to your Brother at Burlington, and give the rest to my...
15075From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 7 October 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I receiv’d yours of Sept. 1. and am rejoic’d to hear you are all well. Your good Mother and Sisters were so about a Fortnight ago, when I heard from them. The Bill you sent me for £60 Whinney on Smith, Wright & Grey, being good, I return your Note enclos’d and correct’d. There remains Five Guineas unpaid, which you had of me just on your going away,...
15076From Benjamin Franklin to Richard and Sarah Bache, 14 May 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete AL (draft): Library of Congress; incomplete AL : American Philosophical Society; incomplete ALS : Princeton University Library; incomplete copy and partial ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received your pleasing Letters of Jan. 14. & 16. and one since of the 30th of March with the Newspapers. They gave me great Pleasure, as they inform’d of your Health and that of your...
15077From Benjamin Franklin to Richard and Sarah Bache, 5 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Library of Congress Enclos’d I send you some late Letters of Ben’s to me, by which you will learn his Welfare. I have agreed to take here an American’s Bill for 100£ Sterling lent him. I shall send it to you when I receive it, and I desire you to lay it out for me in a Share of the Bank. I am well, and shall soon write to you more fully. I have ordered Casks of the best Claret to...
15078From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 27 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Mrs. Richard R. Wood, Wawa, Pennsylvania (1957) I have just received yours of may 2. with the Newspapers which you sent by M. Mease. He sent them up from the L’Orient, not coming to Paris himself. I have desired that you might send me the German Newspapers, but I suppose the Letters did not get to hand. Pray take them in, and send them by Duplicates. They will much oblige some of my...
15079From James Madison to Richard Bache, [post–8] January 1818 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 7th inclosing the prospectus of a Gazette which is to be devoted to the cause of public liberty & free from the personal abuse which infects so many presses. I sincerely wish the example may have as much effect in exciting a laudable emulation, as examples of an opposite character have in provoking slanderous competitions. It is not within the rule I have laid...
15080From James Madison to Richard Bache, 16 July 1825 (Madison Papers)
Mrs. Madison unites in the request that you will so obliging, in case J. P. Todd should not be in Philada. as to forward to him the inclosed letter (with the 2 others lately addressed to your care) by the most suitable conveyance; unless it be presumed that the letters will be sooner received by awaiting his return to Philada. When last heard from he was at N. York. Draft ( DLC ). JM...
15081From James Madison to Richard Bache, 8 June 1827 (Madison Papers)
Yrs. of is just recd. I am too sensible of yr. kind intentions in takg up the note it speaks of to hesitate in determining to save you from loss [ illegible ]. I am sorry to be obliged to add that as the case comes on me witht. any foreknowledge of it, & finds me a sharer in the general pressure of the times, I must hope that either the draft itself allows time, or that yr. conveniency will...
15082From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete copy: Library of Congress; extract: reprinted from William Temple Franklin, The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. F.R.S. &c. … (2nd ed.; 2 vols., London, 1817), I , 40–2. I have received yours of june [Jan.] 16. You observe that you Seldom hear from me, I have the Same reason to complain; but I do not complain of you. This [’Tis] the Loss of Ships, and the Sinking...
15083From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 30 September 1774 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from Jared Sparks, ed., The Works of Benjamin Franklin … (10 vols., Boston, 1836–40), VIII , 137–8. This brief note throws no light on its background. Franklin was introducing a “young man” (he was thirty-seven), recommended to him as ingenious and worthy, who at the time was completely unknown and a year and a half later was famous throughout the colonies. Thomas Paine explained...
15084From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 6 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress The Bearer Mr. Robert Hare visits Philadelphia with a View of establishing himself there or at New York in the Porter-brewing Business. He bears an excellent Character among his Friends here as a very honest, ingenious, amiable Man. I therefore recommend him warmly to your Civilities; and doubt not but you will give him the best Advice and...
15085From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 5 August 1767 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received yours of the 21st of May and am truly sorry to hear of your misfortune. It must however be a consolation to you that it cannot be imputed to any imprudence of your own, and that being yet in the early part of life, industry and good management may in a few years replace what you have lost. But in the mean time your own discretion will suggest...
15086From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 22 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library I have just received yours of March 10. and it is the first come to hand from you since my Arrival, tho’ the third you mention to have written. I rejoice to hear that the Family are all well. I did not hear before that they were out of Town. We are all well here. Temple presents his Duty. Ben’s Letter is enclos’d. He dines with me every Sunday and some Holidays....
15087From Benjamin Franklin to Richard and Sarah Bache, 27 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library; press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society I have received lately several Letters from you, which gave me a great deal of Pleasure, as they inform’d me of your Welfare and that of the Children. Being inform’d that Benny had been ill of a Fever, and that he was dejected & pin’d at being so long absent from his Relations, I sent for him to come to me during...
15088From Benjamin Franklin to Richard and Sarah Bache, 31 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : New York Public Library; AL (draft): Library of Congress His Excellency, M. Gerard, who does me the Honour to take Charge of this Letter, goes Minister from this Court to the Congress. He is a Friend to your Country and to your Father, which gives him a double Claim to your Civilities, and to every Kindness in your Power to show him. It is so long since I have heard from you, and there...
15089From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 17 February 1774 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Mrs. Edward M. Korry, Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. (1976); ALS (draft): American Philosophical Society I received Yours of Nov. 20, 30, Dec. 28 and Jan. 1. Before this gets to hand you will have heard that I am displaced, and consequently have it n[o longer] in my Power to assist you in your Views relating [to the Post Office and as things ar]e, I would not wish to see you [concern’d in it. For...
15090From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 1 December 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I have received yours of Oct. 6 and 13. and Sally’s of Oct. 25. It rejoices me to hear that you are all well, and that Benja. is recovered of the Measles. I will write him a little print Letter, as soon as I hear that he can read Print. Thanks to God, I am perfectly well at present, but being so far advanced in Life, I cannot expect a long...
15091From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah and Richard Bache, 26 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have only time to write a few Lines. I am well, and your Son was well about 10 Days ago. He is not in the Town of Geneva, where the Government is at present in Disorder; but is at the Master’s Country-House, a few Miles distant where he goes on with his Studies. Let me know in your next what his Age is, which I have forgotten.— I send enclos’d some of his...
15092From Benjamin Franklin to Richard and Sarah Bache, 19 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress, Historical Society of Princeton This will be deliver’d you by Mr John Vaughan, son of a worthy friend of mine & a very amiable good young man. He has been some years in France & Spain Studying the two languages & acquiring commercial knowledge. His Establishmt. in America has ever been the Intention of his parents as well as his...
15093From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah and Richard Bache, [4 October 1780] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from the Union Art Galleries Sales Catalogue (February 27, 1934), p. 28. I received yours of March 29 by the Nephew of Mr. Gerard; of April 29 by Mrs. Foulk and Fox; of May 2 & July 22. I continue in health, notwithstanding the omission of my yearly Journies, which I have never been able to take since my being in France; being confined necessarily by the Business; but I have a large...
15094Power of Attorney to Deborah Franklin and Richard Bache, 17 February 1772: résumé (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society <February 17, 1772. Franklin empowers Deborah Franklin and Richard Bache to request and receive payment of all debts due him in America, except those owed him by William Franklin, and to take all legal actions and whatever other lawful steps may be necessary for collecting from the debtors or their executors or administrators. Sealed, stamped, and delivered...
15095George Washington to Mrs. Anne Francis, Mrs. Henrietta Hillegas, Mrs. Mary Clarkson, Mrs. Sarah Bache, and Mrs. Susan … (Hamilton Papers)
[ New Windsor, New York, February 13, 1781. ] Thanks them for their contributions to Army. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Anne Francis was the wife of Tench Francis. Henrietta Hillegas was the wife of Michael Hillegas. Mary Clarkson was the wife of Major Matthew Clarkson. Sarah Bache was the wife of Richard Bache. Susan Blair was the wife of the Reverend...
15096From George Washington to Sarah Franklin Bache, 15 January 1781 (Washington Papers)
I should have done myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter you did me the favor to write on the 26th of December, at the moment it came to hand, had not some affairs of a very unusual Nature (which are too recent and notorious to require explanation) engaged my whole attention —I pray you now to be perswaded, that a sense of the patriotic exertions of yourself, and the Ladies...
15097From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Bache, 26 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript, AL (draft), and press copy of LS : Library of Congress Franklin had been aware of the Society of the Cincinnati since at least mid-December, when Pierre-Charles L’Enfant arrived in Paris to deliver George Washington’s letters and begin the work of establishing a French branch. A week after L’Enfant’s arrival, however, Franklin still knew nothing specific about the organization and...
15098From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Franklin Bache, 29 January 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): American Philosophical Society I received your agreable Letters of Oct. 11. and Nov. 5. I met with Mr. Bache at Preston, where I staid two or three Days, being very kindly entertained by his Mother and Sisters, whom I lik’d much. He came to town with me, and is now going home to you. I have advis’d him to settle down to Business in Philadelphia where he will always be...
15099From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Bache, 27 June 1780[–12 August 1780] (Franklin Papers)
LS : Mrs. Martin M. Kendig, Chicago, Illinois (1955) I received your pleasing Letters of Nov. 14. Mr. aston whom you recommended to me has been here, and I treated him with the Civilities you desired. I was glad to hear that William, Betsy & Louis, tho’ the two latter are yet Strangers to me, were all well & lively. Will was always lively. Tell me what Improvement he makes in his Learning. He...
15100From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Bache, 6 April 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I received your pleasing Letter of Jan. 5. I am glad you have undertaken the Care of the Housekeeping, as it will be an Ease to your Mother, especially if you can manage to her Approbation; that may perhaps be at first a Difficulty. It will be of Use to you if you get a Habit of keeping exact Accounts; and it will be some Satisfaction to me to see...
15101From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Bache, 16 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I received your kind Letters of Sept. 14. and 25th. You mention the Silk being in a Box with Squirrel Skins, but it is come to hand without them or the Box. Perhaps they were spoilt by the Salt Water & thrown away; for the Silk is much damag’d and not at all fit to be presented as you propose. Indeed I wonder how having yourself scarce Shoes to your Feet,...
15102From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Bache, 3 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. F.R.S. &c . … (2nd. ed.; 2 vols., London, 1817), I , 42–5 I have before me your letters of Oct. 22, and Jan. 17th: they are the only ones I received from you in the course of eighteen months. If you knew how happy your letters make me, and considered how many miscarry, I think you would write...
15103From Benjamin Franklin to Theophylact Bache, 3 February 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (letterbook draft): Library of Congress I am much oblig’d by your Favour of Dec. 10. with the 2 Barrels of Apples which prove excellent, and are a great Refreshment to me. Please to accept my Thanks, and best Wishes for your Prosperity. I thank you for your Kind Attention to Mr. Chysholme. I hope he will at last be fix’d to his Mind. Enclos’d is a Letter from your good Mother, which will...
15104From Thomas Jefferson to William Bache, 27 November 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter which mrs Bache did me the honor to write on the 7th. inst. came to hand on the 22d. I immediately went to mr James Key’s to communicate it’s contents. his situation is precisely this. he has purchased a place in N. Carolina adjoining his father in law. the money was to be paid the first of this month. the man who sold to him was to carry his family to Kentuckey. both are in...
15105From Thomas Jefferson to William Bache, 2 February 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
After having waited long in hopes that either we could have found means of purchasing a draught here on Richmond, or that Brydie Brown & co. might sell there a draught on mr Barnes, I at length recommended to mr Barnes to endeavor to procure a government draught on their custom houses in Virginia. this could not be obtained on the one in the Richmond district: but they gave us one on Norfolk,...
15106From Thomas Jefferson to William Bache, 1 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your’s of June 19. was not recieved till the 28th. I immediately consulted with mr Gallatin and we concluded that it would be best that you should proceed immediately, or as early as you can, to New Orleans , where you will be able by your advice to assist mr Clarke in making such arrangements for the season, as it’s advancing state and our limited funds will permit. you consequently recieve...
15107From Thomas Jefferson to William Bache, 11 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I am to pay you £10. for Polly Carr, making, with the balance due yourself 143.33 D you will of course drop me a line as soon as you shall have fixed a day for your departure, and the money shall be lodged in mr Jefferson’s hands before you will be there. we wish you to be at your destination before the French take possession. if they have sent troops from France on that destination as is said...
15108From Thomas Jefferson to William Bache, 22 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 16th was recieved yesterday, and communicated to mr Gallatin. his answer is ‘if Doctr Bache will supply me with a list of medicines wanted, in conformity to my former request, I will have the purchase made, and the chest transmittted to his direction at New Orleans. our appropriation is so small that every necessary must be provided with the most rigorous economy.’ On the 1st....
15109From Thomas Jefferson to William Bache, 20 September 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
We have been long in expectation of seeing you, but mr Trist’s return & information puts off that indefinitely. in the mean time your carpenters have gone on tolerably well. they will finish the ensuing week all their work except some small matters which will need further instructions from you, and which can be done in about a fortnight. I do not know what arrangements you made as to the...
15110From Thomas Jefferson to William Bache, 1 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday yours of the 26th . mentioning that you would set out the next day for Richmond, where of course you would arrive on the 28th. three days before I recieved your letter. as I had lodged money in mr Jefferson’s hands, he might possibly pay you the 143. D 33 c on sight of the letter I wrote you. but I now write to him to do it, and I inclose you an order on him accordingly...