30251To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 10 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Two Bills which I have the honor to inclose you for Acceptance were sent me by Edward Bird Esqr: of Philada: with orders to procure payment for the same, unless I had advice that Major Peter Scull was arriv’d in France.— The firsts of these Bills were deliver’d to Major Scull & the seconds were forwarded by the Diana, which Vessell I understand is...
30252To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 28 July 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society During the short stay my mother made here I could not find time to write a letter, therefore I hop’d my verbal acknowledgments would be accepted, yet I did not intend my pen should neglect it’s duty. I really am much oblig’d to you for the trouble you took to gratify me, and notwithstanding the frequency of my obligations to you I always have great pleasure...
30253To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Marchant, 27 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I hope that you will Exkus my a wrighting To you and I hope that youre honner will Not be afronted at my Not aquanting him of my Comming here But I Receved a Letter that If I wood Com to Dunkirk I shold have the Command off a Prvereter and thinking It a Bad time of the yeare for to goo upon the American kost I consented for to Com Back and found for to Be...
30254To Benjamin Franklin from the Princesse de Chimay, [before 22 July 1783] (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Made. la Psse. de Chimay prie monsieur Francklin de diner au traitement que la Reine donne à Madame l’Ambassadrice d’Angleterre, chez Mr. le Marquis de Talaru Premier Maitre d’hôtel de Sa Majesté, mardi 22 juillet Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin, ministre Plénipotentiaire / des Etats unis de L’Amérique Septentrionale / A Passy Laure-Auguste de...
30255To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard de Rayneval, 12 April 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai mis Sous les yeux de M. le Cte. de Vergennes, M, les differentes letres que M Hartley vous a écrites, ainsi que votre projet de rèponse; ce Ministre a donné une entiére aprobation à la manière dont vous vous exprimez. Je joins ici un postscriptum concernant M. forth; M. le Cte. de Vergennes, qui en a pris lecture, trouve que vous...
30256To Benjamin Franklin from O’Reilly de Quane, 26 July 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Abbaye de St. Martin, Aumale, July 26, 1777, in French: I have long been one of your most constant admirers [he gives the reasons at great length] and one of the warmest friends of your cause; in this I take after my Irish father, an intrepid defender of justice. I cannot, because of my calling, shed my blood for the Americans, as I otherwise should to the...
30257To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 22 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself the pleasure a few days ago of writing you a long Letter, which I committed to the care of Capt. All— also wrote to Temple & Ben—sent you the Indian Spelling Book, & the Dutch & English papers; these last I committed to the care of a Mr. Ray, a young Man that I have recommended to your notice, as he purposes visiting Paris soon after his...
30258To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Baptiste Mailhe, 21 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’horreur qe j’ai conçue dès long-temps pour la Tyrannie des Anglois, et la justice de la cause américaine, m’ont inspiré cette piece de vers. Que n’ont-ils la vertu d’entraîner quiconque n’est pas partisan du Congrès? Ce nombre est pourtant bien petit. On ne parle plus que de Vashington et de Franclin. L’Amérique, pour secouer le joug anglican, avait...
30259To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris: Two Letters, 27 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) Two LS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; (II) LS : American Philosophical Society, Yale University Library, Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Library of Congress I have the Honor to enclose the Copy of Acts of Congress of the fourteenth and twenty third Instant, together with the Copy of my Letter of the...
30260To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre-Toussaint Masson, 22 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai lu avec plaisir dans le Courier de l’Europe une traduction du fameux vers latin, qui vous est si justement apliqué. Elle m’a parue bien faite, et n’avoir d’autre défaut, que de ne point aprocher de la brieveté de l’original. C’est ce qui m’a engagé a en tenter une autre, qui n’a peut être d’autre mérite, qu’une plus grande précision. Quoiqu’il en soit,...
30261To Benjamin Franklin from Nogaret, July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Recevez nos Sinceres remercimens du cadeau sans prix que vous avez eu la bonté de nous faire. Le Peintre ne nous la remis qu’aujourd’hui jeudi. Puissiez vous vivre autant que durera votre portrait. Ce bijou devient un immeuble dont personne de nous ne peut jamais être tenté de se déffaire: il passera dans la famille de pere en fils, et Sera respecté des...
30262To Benjamin Franklin from Magellan, 22 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Celle-ci est pour un acte d’amitié & d’humanité, auquel je suis sur que vous prendrez tout parti, & vous employeres pour reussir. C’est en faveur d’un ami, de celui que vous connoissez & voyez à Passy. Son frere Richard Nairne, capitain du vaisseau Marchand nommé the generous Friends. , en venant de Newfound Land, fut pris par la Fregate Flora , commandée...
30263To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Belcher, 4 November 1751 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have received yours of the 31: of Octr. by which I find my Self obliged for your kind Intention to have made an Electrical Operation upon me at Burlington had your Affairs allowd your coming thither which I am sorry they did not for I had concieved much Satisfaction in the Experiment being made by a Gentleman of so much knowledge and practice...
30264To Benjamin Franklin from William Strahan, 4 October 1775 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Papers of the Earl of Dartmouth deposited in the Staffordshire County Record Office Though I have nothing new to communicate yet as this is the last regular Packett that is to sail from hence for some time at least, I do not choose to let it go without dropping you a Line. I see with Concern that you have accepted of the Place of Postmaster from the Congress, a Step of itself which...
30265To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 8 August 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having received yours of the 11th of May, and 8th of June, the 30th of last Month, on my Way towards Burlington, with the Packet and Commission for Land-Waiter at New-York it may be not unnecessary, that I answer as fully as I can. As it was unexpected, and far from my Thoughts, I was the more surprized: It naturally excited me to reflect upon your...
30266To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 26 February 1744 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Harvard College Library (Sparks); another transcript: American Philosophical Society I have this day read over my version of Cicero’s Cato Major in thy Print, with my Notes on it, and cannot but applaud thy care but wish thou hadst not begun in pa: 49 with Greek Letter, since thou hadst not enough of the same character to go on with it, for to this alone I must impute the failure....
30267To Benjamin Franklin from Simon-Pierre Fournier le Jeune, 14 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ay l’honneur de vous réiterer votre demande de la fonte de Petit Romain par laquelle vous attendiés des modelles: Pour regler la hauteur en Papier, étant Prêt a la faire commencer, comme vous m’en avés Parû Pressé. Si votre courier d’anglettere est arrivé, et que vous daigné m’en faire Part vous obligérés celui qui a l’honneur d’être avec Respect,...
30268To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 23 April 1770 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Lord North being at the Head of Affairs and having show’d an Inclination in my Favour upon an Application made in my Behalf by Mrs. Johnson makes me flatter myself that, something or other may possibly be obtain’d for my Benefit. To this purpose I have wrote to the Bishop of Worcester, and as he is in the Country during the Summer Season have told him...
30269To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 27[-28] July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (letterbook draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief, The Hague Il me semble que j’ai été assez longtemps discret, en n’interrompant point votre retraite; et que je suis bien pardonnable de ne plus résister à la tentation d’adresser directement la parole à notre bon Pere qui est à Passy. Quand j’écris à l’un de vous, Messieurs, j’entends toujours écrire à tous les...
30270To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recd. your Favour by the Count d’Attems. I should be happy to procure him a Passage on the Terms desired but know of no way of doing it unless he goes on board one of the Frigates at L’orient; but even there it will not be without expence as he has not any money for his daily subsistence. I cannot say anything of the Lion to him, as I must even deny...
30271To Benjamin Franklin from Schweighauser & Dobrée, 8 June 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania We have had the honor of writing to your Excellency the 18 dec. last informing you of the decease of our Worthy Parent Mr Schweighauser and are Since without any of your esteemed favors. The chief purpost of this Serves to acquaint You that the King’s Officer has obliged us instantly to remove all the articles of the Arsenal in another Magazine in order...
30272To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-Alexis-François Cadet de Vaux, 19 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. le lieutenant Général de Police fera mercredi 22 l’Installation du traitement Electrique, au couvent des célestins, près l’arsenal. Je l’ai flatté du plaisir de S’y rencontrer avec vous, et ce magistrat Jouira de la double Satisfaction de réunir la cause et les effets c’est a dire l’auteur immortel de la découverte de l’Electricité et les Infortunés qui...
30273To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 18 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We are here, from the Texel, since two days. All things are adjusted amiably. All possible care is taken by the Commodore & the Embassador for the Interests of the American crew, & for la safety of the prisoners. I am happy to give you the good news of Capt. Cuningham’s escape from the English prisons, & his arrival here. He will be soon with you. We are...
30274To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Jean-Charles Poncelin de La Roche-Tilhac, 2 August 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Votre goût distingué pour la litterature, et la protection que vous accordés à ceux qui cultivent les belles lettres, m’engagent à recourir à vous, pour en obtenir quelques éclaircissements dont j’ai besoin, pour terminer un ouvrage que je me propose de publier. Cet ouvrage, Monsieur, a pour objet l’etat actuel de l’Amerique. Comme j’y fais entrer les noms...
30275To Benjamin Franklin from Duportail, 8 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Toutes reflexions faites, je crois que les vaisseaux de nantes nous offrent plus de sureté et de commodités pour notre passage que le paquebot. Ainsi je choisis le premier moyen à moins que vous n’ayèz vous même fait des observations contraires; auquel cas je vous prierois de vouloir bien m’en faire part. J’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler de quelques...
30276To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Huntington: Instructions, 28 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: South Carolina Historical Society; draft: National Archives These instructions do not reveal that in conjunction with them various members of Congress had opened a campaign to undercut Franklin’s authority as minister to the French court. This was the first concerted attack upon him since the failed recall attempt in the spring of 1779. On November 22 Congress had resolved to appeal to...
30277To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 16 January 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By this Packet I had not the Pleasure of one Line from you: I am sorry I am so displeasing to you: As I never knew the Gentleman’s Name before, to whom I owe the Place in the Custom House, I could not return him Thanks by Name: therefore only did it to you. Will you be pleased to make my Humble Complements to him, and sincere Thanks for the Favour, which is...
30278To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Sarsfield, 23 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M De sarsfield Envoie Savoir des Nouvelles de Monsieur franklin et le prier de lui faire Lhonneur de diner demain chez lui avec Made la duchesse d’Enville. Elle n’est a paris que pour fort peu de Jours et Monsieur franklin aura peu d’occasions de la voir parce qu’elle y est Sans Sa maison. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin Ministre / plenipotentiaire...
30279To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, [December 1774?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress D. Barclay’s respects, and desires to see Dr. Franklin this Evening on particular Business. Addressed: Doctor Franklin Endorsed: recd at 7. The only clue to the date is the “particular Business,” which might have been connected with either the peace negotiations or the projected meeting of merchants to petition Parliament (see Barclay to BF above, Dec. 22). The first...
30280To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 30 October 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The return of the Marquis de la Fayette gives me an opportunity which I seize with pleasure of renewing my assurances of respect and Gratitude to you. I have thro the course of the Summer taken the liberty of transmitting you such accounts of our internal Situation as might contribute to your information, tho’ by no means to your satisfaction. The Marquis...
30281To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 24 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. William Vernon Junr of Boston son to the president of the Navy Board of the Eastern department having been with me these three Years past intending to return shortly to America is desireous to pass a few Days at Paris. Permit me to introduce him to your Civilities his Prudent conduct in the midst of sceenes of disipations has procured him very...
30282To Benjamin Franklin from James Searle, [26 January 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Searles Compliments wait on Doctor Franklin. Mr. S, is much obliged by the Dors. Kind invitation to dine with him on sunday next. But as Sunday is a Day on which he knows the Dor. has a Number of his Friends with him & as Mr. S. wishes to have much Conversation with Dor. Franklin he must decline the honour of dineing at Passy on that day, but will be...
30283To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 5 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cou’d not set out so soon as I intended but expect to be in Rouen tomorrow night and shall be back by Saturday or Sunday at farthest unless some unforseen accident detains me a day or two longer. The inclosed letter is just recd. Be so good as to take care of it ’till I return, the writer is generally well inform’d and thoroughly to be depended on. By the...
30284To Benjamin Franklin from Antonio Francesco Salucci & fils, 7 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’heureuse conclusion de la Paix, et l’Indipendence des treize Provinces Americaines, par la quelle ces Peuples fortunes ont à Votre Excellence des obligations Majeures, offrent à la Toscanne l’occasion, depuis si long tems desirée, d’entamer un Commerce des plus ètendus, et de former des Liaisons capables d’apporter le plus grand avantage aux deux Nations....
30285To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 5 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I can not Expres to you the Joy your two Leters of Decr. 22 and febr. 28 which both came to hand at won time has given me, and the News that Accompanied them to Every friend of America. A report of yr Death, and the seeming Delays of France had made many a Hart to tremble, but thank God I hope now we may be restored to Peace on our own Ecqutable terms...
30286To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache: Two Letters, 30 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed Letters were intended to be sent some time ago by Mr. Jefferson, who went as far as Maryland as a Commissioner for Peace, but he being recalled; I now commit them to the care of Mr. Restife, a Gentleman that came over with the Minister of France, he appears to be a good kind of Man, & has been very intimate in our Family— We are...
30287To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Chase, 18 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Your letter of the 15th. of July last by Captain Barney, came to my Hands the 18th. of March, but I have never had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Jones, or Mr. Paradise. It was very unfortunate for Mr. Russell that your recommendation of him did not arrive sooner; the Character and Conduct of this Gentleman entitle him to every favour. His property was ordered...
30288To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 18 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We make bold with the inclosed Letters left to our care, to mention to your Excellency, that we have send last saturday by Expres the dispatches received from Passi for Mr. Dumas to the Texel; I went my self to the Hague, and those H. E. the Ambassador had received, caused him to write for the Comodor of the American Squadron, whome he had some conferences...
30289To Benjamin Franklin from Josiah Tucker, 24 February 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy and transcript: Library of Congress The Request made in your last Letter is so very just and reasonable, that I shall comply with it very readily. It has long appeared to Me, that You much exceeded the Bounds of Morality in the Method you pursued for the Advancement of the supposed Interests of America. If it can be proved, that I have unjustly...
30290From John Jay to Benjamin Franklin, 10 September 1781 (Jay Papers)
My last to You was of the 20 Day of Aug t last by Dupin the F. Embassadors Courier. Major Franks, with dispatches from ^ Congress & from ^ M r . R Morris, is now with me & will proceed to Paris ^ Passy ^ as soon as I shall be enabled to write by him. He will bring you a Copy of M r Morris’s Letter to me from which you will observe
30291To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Walpole, 10 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Wharton having signified to me by Letter that in the present unhappy Situation of Affairs in America he apprehends he cannot be of any use in the further Application to Government for Lands on the River Ohio, he therefore finally closed his Account on the 17th August last against my self and Associates, and sent me his Note of Charges, which are...
30292To Benjamin Franklin from Grey Cooper, 29 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy, press copy, and transcript: National Archives I have received the Honour of your Letter, in which you acquainted me that you understood that the Health of Mr. Laurens suffered by the Closeness and Rigour of his Confinement in the Tower, & after complaining of the Harshness of this proceeding, you request me to endeavour to obtain for Mr. Laurens such a Degree of Air and Liberty as may be...
30293To Benjamin Franklin from [Ferdinand Grand], [on or after 11 May 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Grand arrive de Paris avec Mr. Boux, pour avoir L’honneur de voir monsieur Franklin cet aprés midy, chez lui ou chez Mr. Grand comme Monsieur franklin aimera le mieux. Monsieur Deane viendra aussy entre 3 et 4 heures. Mr. Grand sera bien aise de voir monsr. Carmikael á son retour de Versailles et avant qu’il aille à Paris. Addressed: a monsieur /...
30294To Benjamin Franklin from David Hall, 27 January 1767 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society I have your Favours of the 12th August, and 27th of September, now before me, which I ask Pardon for not answering sooner, but you may believe the Delay, did not proceed from Want of Respect. As to the Contents of that, of the 26th. August, I need say nothing relating to them, as Mr. Brown, who is with you long before this can reach, will be able...
30295To Benjamin Franklin from Caroline Howe, [3 January 1775] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress Mrs. Howe’s Compliments to Dr. Franklin, she encloses him a Letter she received last night, and returns him many thanks for his very obliging present, which has already given her great entertainment. If the Docter has any spare time for Chess, she will be exceedingly glad to see him any morning this week, and as often as will be agreeable to him, and rejoices in having...
30296To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 4 June 1759 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania The Bills of Exchange I have remitted are as follows—to wit— +1 My Bill or Order on the Executors of Doctor Logan for } £200. 0. 0 Sterling +2 John Hunter on Messrs. Tomlinson Hanbury &c. No 732 I have your Letter of the 18th of January acknowledging the Receipt of these } 300. 0. 0 +3 Anthony Stoker on Geo. Campbell payable in London...
30297To Benjamin Franklin from John Thayer, 20 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The world in general attributes to You the most perfect benevolence. They have long conceiv’d the idea that the good of mankind was the end of all your valuable writings & of all your endeavors. Every body thinks You a Yorick in ev’ry tender sensation, that your heart sympthetically vibrates with the miseries of your fellow creatures, & that your soul is...
30298To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 4 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin . . . (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 244. Upon a night’s reflection it is thought right that you be possessed of the inclosed, to be afterwards returned without taking copy in case no business be done. Will you let me know by the bearer if we are to see you in town to day, and when, that I...
30299To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Champion and ——— Lescuyer, and Other Offerers of Goods and Schemes, 25 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society During the months covered by this volume Franklin received but a few offers to supply goods or to promote commercial relations. The first letter, printed below, comes from a supplier to the French army at the Invalides and a merchant-manufacturer in Beauvais, an important textile center. On this letter Franklin drafted a note for a negative reply. We have...
30300To Benjamin Franklin from Edme-Jacques Genet, 2 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’apprens avec le plus grand plaisir par la lettre dont vous m’avés honoré, que vous approuvés l’usage que j’ai fait des lettres que vous aviés bien voulu me confier. J’ai actuellement deux no des affaires de l’angleterre prêts à paroitre: je n’attens que des nouvelles directes d’amerique, que j’espere recevoir par votre canal, suivant la promesse que vous...