30451To Benjamin Franklin from C.-J. Le Roux, 12 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Tandis que vous travaillez avec autant d’ardeur que de succès au bonheur des hommes je m’occupe essentiellement de celui des enfans. Puisse cet Ecrit mériter votre suffrage! Il est digne de votre approbation, au moins quant aux vues que je m’y propose, qui sont: de diminuer le temps, les peines et les dépenses qu’exige le mauvais système d’Education. J’ai...
30452To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library I have seen the Comissary relative to a ship.— There is some misunderstanding between Mr de Castries and you for the Minister gives no other directions to the Commissary than to give me his assistance, while it appears by your Letter that the whole Transaction is to be his and I am only to inform him of any Vessell I may know....
30453To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Rodolphe Perronet, 13 August 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Perronet assure de son Respectueux attachement Monsieur Francklin et lui envoy un Plan du Combat Entre la flotte anglaise et l’Armée du Roy, persuadé qu’il pourra lui faire plaisir. This is the only letter we have to BF from his fellow member of the Académie royale des sciences. Perronet (1708–94) was the leading engineer in France: Schelle, Œuvres de...
30454To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Petrie, [after 18 September 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Petrie with respectfull Compliments to Dr. Franklin, Sends by the Bearer a small Paper Parcell, which he received this Morning from Mr. Wilkes, with that Gentleman’s Request to hand it to the Doctor, with his best Compliments. Addressed: Dr. Franklin. / Passy. A London merchant of Scottish descent, who was an ardent supporter of John Wilkes and had...
30455To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Thorogood, [c. 10 May 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I do not know with what foundation, that it is here generaly reported; that this Citty, will shortly be visited by You great Sr. Every one glow with pleasure at the thought of it, and Certainly I Should think it, one of the happyest period of my life, that moment in which I shall have the happiness, to know You personaly. In Jully eighty one, when I was on...
30456To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [4 or 11 May 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On aime à se parer de votre nom Mon Illustre confrère et on croit qu’il ne peut qu’être accompagné de la fortune et des succes. En conséquence Un Négociant de Dunkerque qui fait construire au Havre une frégate qu’il veut armer en course dèsireroit lui donner votre nom et qu’elle s’appellat Le Franklin . Mais il n’a point voulu la baptiser de votre nom sans...
30457To Benjamin Franklin from Madame ——— His, 4 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mde his s’est chargée bien volontier des Comissions de Mde La Comtesse d’houdetot pour monsieur francklin. Elle desire avoir des nouvelles de sa santé, elle veut lui marquer son impatience de Le Voir a sanois, et Lui fait quelques reproches dêtre privée d’une Reponse a la lettre qu’elle a eu lhonneur de lui ecrire touchant un matelot americain. Mde his...
30458To Benjamin Franklin from Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, 8 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai eu l’honneur de recevoir le paquet que Vous m’avez expedié le 26 Sept.; mais je Vous Supplie d’avoir la bonté de m’envoier a l’avenir de telles Depeches Sous quelque addresse, Soit de Mr. Dumas, ou de quelqu’autre; du moins de ne plus les Signer de votre nom ouvertement Sur l’enveloppe, puisque cela ne peut qu’exciter la curiosité de ceux, par les...
30459To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 15 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I recieved your kind lettre dated juin 8 and thank you hartely for it. Our friend was very happy to hear from you and to be informed you are happy. I will bring over a propre quantity of the ingredients necessary for the preparation of the prescription and desire much to meet you again in your actual residence. I will not be able to set of before july,...
30460To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, 20 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jay lhonneur de joindre icy suivant vos desirs, l’Etat de Situation du Compte de Mr. Morris, dicy à la fin de l’année; Vous y verrés monsieur, que les Gros payements faits & à faire absorbent les fonds qu’il à en france, & qu’au lieu de pouvoir contracter de nouveaux Engagements, il faut S’occuper des actuellement des moyens de pourvoir aux anciens qui...
30461To Benjamin Franklin from ––– Christin, 19 September 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Carlsruhe, at the residence of the Margrave of Baden-Durlach, September 19, 1778, in French: Born in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, I have traveled through France, Holland, and Germany and devoted myself to clock-making and other works of precision. My ambition now is to submit to your judgment some of my inventions. One of them is an oar for high...
30462To Benjamin Franklin from John Pownall, 26 April 1774 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress Mr. Pownall presents his Compliments to Dr. Franklin. There are some Laws of Pensylvania now under the Consideration of the Lords of trade, but Mr. Pownall has not received any directions from their Lordships to require Dr. Franklin’s Attendance. Addressed: To / Dr. Franklin / Craven Street Endorsed: Secry Pownall Octr. 1774 The formal title of the Board of Trade was...
30463To Benjamin Franklin from Hugh Meredith: Dissolution of Partnership, 14 July 1730 (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society Be it remembered , That Hugh Meredith and Benjamin Franklin have this Day separated as Partners, and will henceforth act each on his own Account. And that the said Hugh Meredith, for a valuable Consideration by him received from the said Benjamin Franklin, hath relinquished, and doth hereby relinquish to the said Franklin, all Claim, Right or Property to or...
30464To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 17 November 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I wrote You by a frd the 14th Inst. which I suppose will reach you before or abot the same time with [ this ]. I mentiond the defection & going over of Genl Arnold to the British. For this noble action He has found many advocates here, & the ministry are mightily elated therewith; putting it upon defection in the American Army, strong discontents &ca...
30465To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee Perkins, 24 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society; University of Pennsylvania Library I have lately received from America a Diploma, constituting my late honoured and dear Father Dr. John Perkins a corresponding member of the Royal Society of Medicine at Paris, which arrived there after his decease and which was transmitted to me. Recalling to mind the favors and civilities You was pleased formerly to...
30466To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Pierre de Chaumont, [December 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library J’étois venu pour avoir l’honneur de vous presenter un memoire qui ma été adresse De la part D’un Prince D’allemagne qui Desire ne Se Nommer qu’apres que vous aurés bien voulu me faire passer Votre réponse à Ce Mémoire; ou me permettre D’avoir l’honneur de venir prendre vos ordres à ce Sujet. Je Suis avec Respect Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres...
30467To Benjamin Franklin from James Shanly, 28 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society From maney Solicitations Of The frinds To the Congress In Irland, And My Own Intentions To Serve In the Defence Of Liberty And My Contrymen In Amerrica Induced Me To Leave Irland for that Purpos About Six Weeks Ago And I Should Have been Here Long Ago To Weait On Your Hons. Onely I was Taken Ill on The Roade Which Retarted My Jorney A good Deale. You May be...
30468To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 5 April 1767 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Yours of Jan. 10. I just received: am glad to hear you continue well. It is only on Account of Cheapness I would take Scotch Letter: for I confess I always gave the Preference in my Mind to Caslon’s: Last Packet I wrote that I had got a very small Fount of Caslon’s Pica by Chance, so that if Pica were not engaged, I would do without it; but if it is...
30469To Benjamin Franklin from Augustus Gottlieb Spangenberg, 25 February 1756 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives of the Moravian Church, Bethlehem Mr. Nathanael Seidel, the Bearer of this, can tell you, how it goes in our Parts, especially with the Refugees, residing as yet at Bethlehem, Nazareth etc. Some of them were removed again to their Plantations, and others were upon returning tither; but when the Account came of the new Mischief, done lately by the Enemy at Allmangel; the latter...
30470To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 4 November 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS American Philosophical Society I am Honord with your Confidential Letter of the 22 Ulto (sans signature). A fall from my Horse by which I have my left arm Broken confines to my room and will prevent for some days longer applying to the Contents of your Enquiries wch I shall do so soon as able and transmit you every information I can obtain from the most Inteligent & impartial of our...
30471To Benjamin Franklin from Marie-Nicole Grossart de Virly Gérard, 30 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je me suis adressée a vous, Monsieur, pour vous prier de faire rachetter une boëte que j’avois envoyée a M. Gerard, vous avez eu la bonté de me promettre de faire faire les démarches necessaires pour cet objet. Comme il y a déjà un peu de tems que je vous ai importunée, permettez moi de vous en demander des nouvelles, je sçais Combien les affaires...
30472To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 13 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Having been inform’d that the French Frigate from Corunna with Duplicates for the Congress, is immediately to sail, I sit down to congratulate you on the agreable Prospect of our Affairs, and to acknowledge your kind Favors of the 17th. and 27th Feby. last, which were the more welcome as I had not heard from you by Letter for a twelve month, and as they...
30473To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 12 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 287–9. Enclosed with this I transmit to you the public parliamentary proceeding respecting the American war. If you will compare these proceedings with some others in several of the counties of this kingdom about two years ago, you will at once see the...
30474To Benjamin Franklin from Chaumont, 21 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M de Chaumont a l’honneur de prévenir Monsieur franklin qu’il a fait Venir de Bordeaux par M Grignon une petite Caisse de quina à l’adresse de M de Chalut fermier général pour être remise à Monsieur franklin cette caisse a été apportée par le Nommé Lemaille Courier de Bordeaux. Monsieur franklin voudra bien la faire demander à M de Chalut le fermier général...
30475To 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...
30476To Benjamin Franklin from William Gordon, 5 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This may probably convey to you a painful article of intelligence, viz, the death of that great man Dr Winthrop, who expired on the 3d instant, & is to be buried on the saturday. The College, the State & the Public have sustained a great loss in his death; but the Orderings of Heaven are all right; & it is appointed unto man to die, no less than to be born....
30477To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Pownall, 6 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permitt me thus to address you—for, however I may have been rejected by the Govt of my own Country, I am vain enough to think it will be no dishonor to You—to be known, that We were unchangeable friends for more than twenty Years.— Our Govt Officers are buisy this day at London Proclaiming Peace— I wish, (I hope that it is not a wish in Vain) That events of...
30478To Benjamin Franklin from Erasmus Darwin, 24 January 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have inclosed a medico-philosophical Paper which I should take it as a Favour if you will communicate to the royal Society, if you think it worthy a Place in their Volum, otherwise must desire you to return it to the Writer. I have another very curious Paper containing Experiments on the Colours seen in the closed Eye after having gazed some Time on...
30479To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Collinson, 12 April 1748 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library Company of Philadelphia I was very fortunate to receive both thy Curious Experiments on Electricity. I have Imparted them to the Royal Society to whome they are very acceptable and they are now in the hands of our Ingenious Friend Mr. Watson Who has promissed as soone as his accounts are printed to send them to Thee with a Letter and hopes for thy further Favours. My Letters and...
30480To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 6 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Le Ray de Chaumont, will by this time, have heard, at my request, from Mrs J. De Neufville & fils, that the Vessels are all safe on this road, which I am happy to confirm to yr. Excellency; & that they entered viz. the 4th. in the Evening 1.o te Vengeance, Ricot; 2.o the Scarborough prize Ship of 20 or 22 pds., 3.o the Alliance, Landais; & the 6th. 4.o...
30481To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-Christophe Valmont de Bomare, 20 November 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a bien longtemps que je n’ai eu l’avantage de vous rendre mes devoirs. Depuis que nous avons diné ensemble chez Made. de chaumont, c’étoit dans les premiers jours de mai, j’ai été à chantilly, où j’ai passè tout mon été à faire un cours de physique et d’histoire naturelle à S.A.S. mademoiselle de Bourbon-condé. Me voilà de retour à Paris, je voudrois...
30482From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 6 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
Mr Tracy the bearer of this, is a Gentleman of Fortune from Massachusettsbay—on a visit to Europe. His political character, and character for benevolence & hospitality are too well established in this Country to need any other recommendation, notwithstanding I have taken the liberty of giving him this letter of introduction to you. With very great esteem and regard—I am—Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt...
30483To Benjamin Franklin from Reculès de Basmarein & Raimbaux, 28 March 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Bordeaux, March 28, in French: Felicitations on being received by the King; the whole nation pays tribute to your character. We were among the first to look forward with confidence to what now astonishes the world; our fate is bound by the strongest ties to that of America, and we offer you our complete devotion.> For the firm see above, XXIII , 47 n....
30484To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 15 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire aujourd’hui. Je joins ici celle que vous me demandez pour M. le Cte. de Montmorin, ainsi que le Passeport pour le Courier que vous expédiez à M. Jay. J’ai l’honneur d’être très sincèrement, Monsieur, votre très humble et très obéissant Serviteur. Notation: Count de Vergennes Oct. 15....
30485To Benjamin Franklin from Germany, Girardot & Cie., 24 March 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society <March 24, 1777, in French: They have sent a letter for Franklin received from Strasbourg, and will forward the reply when notified.> Deane’s bankers, who had become BF ’s; see above, p. 18 n and Girardot de Marigny to BF , Feb. 6.
30486To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 3 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By this Vessel you will receive a tin and a Wooden box; both with grafts of the best new town Pippins which Mr Powell was obliging enough to procure, each of the grafts has a peice of the Old wood remaining to it, the wooden [ torn: box] was put up by him in a particular manner with wax and tallow, the other by Mr Bache according to your directions, Mr...
30487To Benjamin Franklin from Hope & Co., 4 January 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Our friends Messrs. Jacob Hagen & Son of London by their letter of 22 Ulto. have sent us the inclosed Copy of a Minute of the Resolutions of the Pensylvania Land Comp. of the 2 Nov. last which they express their desire of having safely conveyd to your hands & of receiving a favourable reply thereto. We with pleasure acquit ourselves of the part dependant on...
30488To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Saint-Martin, 27 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Les affaire venant de changer de face a levenement De la paix, je L’honneur de vous demander de quelle façon Les officier attaché a larmée des treize proveinse unie de lamerique seront traité, j’i est esté Employé En soixante seise Comme Lieutenant Collonel Est n’est discontinué mon servisse que depuis pres de deux mois que je suis arrivé En france pour...
30489To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Mayo, 25 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I request the favor of your Excellency to let me know what M. De Chaumont says with respect to paying the bill of exchange. Being desirous of leaving Paris as soon as possible, in Case M. De C. still puts off discharging that debt, I must pray you will have the goodness to speak to M. Amelot concerning the lettre de Surseance, as soon as convenient to you—...
30490From John Adams to Benjamin Franklin, 24 March 1779 (Adams Papers)
I had the Honour of a Letter from, your Excellency at Nantes, but as I was setting off for this Place could not then acknowledge it. I Staid, no longer at Nantes, than just to look about me, before I determined to see Captain Landais, that I might know, the state and Prospects of his Frigate. As you was so good as to desire Mr. Schweighauser, to consult with me, and Mr. Schweighauser wrote to...
30491To Benjamin Franklin from the Loge des Commandeurs du Temple, 24 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society A la Gloire du Grand Architecte de L’Univers La R∴ L∴ Saint Jean Sous Le Titre distinctif des Commandeurs du Temple A L’O∴ de Carcassonne Au trés digne trés Vertueux, & très Respectable frére Docteur Franklin, Ministre, Plenipotentiaire des Etats unis de L’Amérique auprés de la Cour de france à L’O\ de Paris S∴ F∴ V∴ T∴ T∴ C∴ & T∴ R∴ f∴ A La reception de...
30492To Benjamin Franklin from Alice Izard, 21 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Izard presents her Compliments to Dr. Franklin, & requests the favour of a passport for herself, & family, & Miss Stead, with their Servants, to go to Bourdeaux, & from thence to America. If Dr. Franklin has any commands for Philadelphia, Mrs. Izard will execute them with the greatest pleasure. Notation: Mlle. Beck chez la Mse D’Agne au Luxembourg Mary...
30493To Benjamin Franklin from William Franklin, 29 July 1773 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I arrived here on Monday Evening last when I had the Pleasure of receiving yours of June 2. by the Packet. I am on my Way to Albany with Mrs. Franklin, who wanted a Jaunt this Summer on Account of her Health; and I have some Business to transact there likewise. I am surprized the Grant was not made out when you wrote. By the May Packet Wharton wrote that...
30494To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Viny, 13 October 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is with great sincerity I congratulate the New world on their glorious Emancipation; and my Venerable friend in particular, whom the divine providence hath sustained under incessant Toil and ancsiety, and hath Crowned his Integrity and ability, in Confederacy with the glorious Sons of liberty on the Continent of America with unexampled Success. May the...
30495To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard de Rayneval: Two Letters, 23 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la lettre que vous mavez fait l’honneur de mecrire en faveur de Mr. Carnes; je pense que pour procèder en règle, il conviendroit que vous écrivissiez directement à Mr. le Cte. de Vergennes; ce ministre m’a parû disposé à accorder les lettres de Sauf-conduit à votre recommandation. J’ai lhonneur dêtre avec un sincere...
30496To Benjamin Franklin from William Dodd, 29 January 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I make no Apology for troubling you with a request I have heretofore made, of conveying the inclosed Letter, if possible, to a worthy young Woman, who in an unfortunate Hour, went to America; and to whose fortunes and situation there I am a stranger. Anxious for the success of the grand struggle in which you are engag’d, I cou’d have been happy in...
30497To Benjamin Franklin from James Logan, 9 May 1748 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy (incomplete): Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have wrote a few lines to thee and D.H. as Authors of the Gazette of what you have inserted in your last in relation to me which thou may put into what Language thou pleases provided it answers my End. I impute it to D.H. and not to thy Self. But this comes to inquire particularly into the [ incomplete ]. BF ’s reply, May 10,...
30498To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 15 January 1759 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I refer to the above Copies and enclose Duplicates of the Bill and Order for £500 0 s. that is to say An Order on Giles Bailey and Archibald Drummond for £200 and a Bill as above No. 732 for £300 and having dispatched these Mony Matters I am to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 16th of 7ber last by Captain Duncan a few Days ago, for...
30499To Benjamin Franklin from Patience Wright, 29 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society As mr. Platts historey, his marage to my daughter and their return to america is already been Laid before you for your Councell assistiace &c. The most Sincere gratitue to God for making YOU the garduin Angel of us, who are so far from our native contry, notwithstanding I meet with the greatest politeness and sevility from the people of England yet, the...
30500To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 19 July 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL (incomplete) and draft: American Philosophical Society Yesterday being the Day appointed by Lord Dartmouth I waited on him, but he having a greater Number of Gentlemen at Levee than he could attend to, I was desired to call again to day: which I accordingly did. On my entring he said, Mr. Williams I have only to tell you, I have delivered your Petition into the Kings hands, but Things are...