31151To Benjamin Franklin from Félix Vicq d’Azyr, 28 February 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society La société R de Médecine m’a Chargé de Vous adresser des Billets pour son assemblée publique, qui aura Lieu Le 6 mars prochain place du Louvre appartement de Mr Amelot. La Compagnie Vous prie instamment de Vouloir bien assister à Cette séance. Jusqu’ici elle a été assez heureuse pour jouir de Votre présence dans ses différentes assemblées publiques; Elle...
31152To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, [1760–1762] (Franklin Papers)
Draft (incomplete): American Philosophical Society Your last Letter gave me great pleasure though the thoughts of having laid you under a necessity of writing it fill me with Confusion, for it was so unreasonable to draw you in to write a third Letter after you had condescendingly written two, that you ought to have punish’d me for it; but you have us’d the most effectual method to make me...
31153To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Strange, 29 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A succession of hurry and business for some months past have prevented me the honour of paying my respects to you, or even congratulating you upon the success of your late glorious and indefatical labours, in having accomplished the independancy of your country— May health and every other blissing yet prolong your days to witness its rising grandour. I had...
31154To Benjamin Franklin from David Wilkin, 6 April 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I should bee for Ever obleaged to you if your oner woold Clear me of imprisonment & Drect me to Philadelphia as i have wife & fameley there & at this time i was Going Pashinger on board of the Ship when takin by the barren moumrancy of Rochel bound for nueyork to Get to my famley as they was no orther way for me to Get there from ingland I acted on board as...
31155To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg, [September 1772?]: fragment (Franklin Papers)
ALS (incomplete): American Philosophical Society [ Beginning lost. ] Je ne vous dirai rien de Mademoiselle Biheron qui a l’honneur de vous ecrire elle même, et qui aime autant a peu pres que moi a s’entretenir de vous. Mais je vous proteste que ma femme est si eprise de la même passion pour vous que nos Pretres, et nos Moines perdent tous les jours de leur credit sur son esprit, cecy soit...
31156To Benjamin Franklin from John Holker, 27 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Messrs. Hazlehurst and Grubb, handed me the letters you was so obliging as to give them; for which I am most sincerly thankfull, and have not faild in Rendering them every little Servis in my power, and shall allways doe the saime to every friend of yours, youl Recomend me; they have seen the fabricks here, as allso those at Louvaie [Louviers] & Ellbofe...
31157To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Hyacinthe de Magellan, 13 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You’ll allow me these epithets, for the sake of my hearty wishes whatever relates you or to yours. This Vol. lately published, is sent by the author, whose heart you Know well to be as a friendly one, as he is an upright and worthy man. He told me, that he had nothing particular to add: and only to assure you of the Continuation of his and of every other...
31158To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Louis de Lolme, 26 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The last time I was in Paris I did myself the honour to call at Passy, in order to pay my respects to you, when I was not so fortunate as to meet you: as I should be extremely sorry to experience now the same disappointment, I take the liberty to acquaint you with my being in Paris, and should be very happy if you would condescend to inform me of the...
31159To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Rodolph Valltravers, 13 March 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Uncertain of the Fate of my several Letters to Your Excellency of Septr. 21t. and 26th. and of 9ber. 9th. from this Place; of 10ber. 4th. from Mannheim; and of Janry. 10th. and 15th. from Lyons in France; (to neither of which I have had the Satisfaction of receiving some answer): I now send this by my Servant who is to deliver it safe into your own hands. I...
31160To Benjamin Franklin from the Philadelphia Merchants, 18 April 1769 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society We are favoured with thy letter of the 19th January, and observe with pleasure the Steps thou hast taken to Serve the Cause of America, which we cannot forbear considering as the Cause of Liberty. The Committee of Merchants in London inform us of an Application they had made to the proper Department in Administration. But the Answer they received is so very...
31161To Benjamin Franklin from George Woulfe, 30 September 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On my return home late yesterday Evening I found a letter from my Friend M. Petrie with the inclosed, wch. he desires I Shou’d get carefully delivered into your or your Grandson’s hands. I am sorry to have been detained so long yesterday where I dined, wch. prevented your receiving it yesterday Evening. I am with the truest respect sir your most humble &...
31162To Benjamin Franklin from Bachelier, 9 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. Bachelier a l’honeur de presenter ses Respects a Monsieur frankelin et le prie de Remettre Le memoire sur Le cours d’arts et métier si la Copie est Faite il lui sera bien oblige. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur frankelin / chez mr Le Ray de / chaumont / a Passy The sentence, we believe, was meant to end here. BF copied the memorandum himself, and labeled...
31163To Benjamin Franklin from Alleyne Fitzherbert, [5 February? 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress Mr. Fitz-Herbert presents his Compliments to Dr Franklin and many Thanks for the passports.— He purposes sending away a Messenger to England tomorrow about noon and will be happy to charge him with any letters or packets which Dr Franklin may have to send. If Fitzherbert is referring to the first set of American passports for British ships, then this date is likely....
31164To Benjamin Franklin from Noble Wimberly Jones, 2 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Not having had the pleasure for some time of a line from you, gives me great concern, lest I by any Means have given offence, which if so can with truth assure you, must be without the least knowledge or intent as there is no Gentleman, with whom have only had the pleasure of a Written Corrispondence I do esteem more. We still remain as when I last Wrote,...
31165To Benjamin Franklin from Isaac Norris, 27 February 1760 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I am just come from the House to my Brother’s where I met a Gentleman setting out for NY who complements me with staying for this Letter which will probably reach the Albany Sloop of War to be dispatched by General Amherst, as he writes our Governor in ten Days from the 21st Instant. This Vessel brot Secretary Pitts Letter with the Plan of...
31166To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 8 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to refer to my last letter of 29. ultmo. covering Three receipts for £.696—[ l.t. ] I paid to Sundrys. Being since deprived of your Excellencys favours This cheafly serves to inform your Excellency That nine american Seamen having broke out of the prison at Deal, carry’d off a boat which was lying on the Beach, in which They got into Calais, &...
31167To Benjamin Franklin from Courtney Melmoth, 18 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Very sudden and particular Business deprive me and Mrs. M. the pleasure we propos’d ourselves in being at Passi to Morrow. But we hope the honour of paying our Respects in a few Days to the amiable Persons whom we venerate at your House. I am Sir Your most obedient Servant Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passi Notation: C. Melmoth, April...
31168To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [3 or 10 February 1779?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mon cher Docteur nous serons chez vous Vendredy matin M. D’Arcy et moi vers les dix heures et demie à moins qu il ne fasse un trop mauvais tems. Nous avons eu bien du regret que vous ne nous ayez pas tenu votre promesse hier. J’ai vu une belle Dame M. De Maillebois qui se plaint bien de votre absence. Vous pouvez être sur que les Expériences sur le fluide...
31169To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Gauthier, 7 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous donner avis, qu’il vous manque encore, pour completter votre Exemplaire du Dictionnaire des Sciences Morale, Politique, &c. les Tomes 26 & 27. Les derniers que Votre Excellence a reçus étoient les Tomes 24 & 25. Je suis avec respect Monsieur De Votre Excellence Le très humble & trés obéissant serviteur Notation: Gauthier 7 Juin 1783...
31170To Benjamin Franklin from James Brown, 2 February 1762 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Mr. Brown’s Compliments to B. Franklin Esqr. and acquaints him he has sold the £5000—3 per Cents. to be transferr’d to morrow—to day being a Holliday, at 61⅞. Addressed: To / Benj. Franklin Esqr. / In Craven street / Strand See below, p. 34.
31171To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley: Letter and Two Memoranda, 31 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; (II) copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Public Record Office; (III) copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I send you a Paper entitled Supplemental Treaty , the Substance of which I sent you some time ago, as I read it, in part of a Speech in the H. of Commons. I have given a Copy of it to M. L [Laurens], as the Grounds upon which my Friend...
31172To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, [on or after 7 April 1779] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr Wharton presents his Respects to his Exellency Mr. Franklin, & sends Him the News paper, and a correct List of all the regular Forces in Ireland. The letter He has just received from a Friend; Who has the best Opportunity of officialy , acquiring a State of the Army. Mr. Wharton did not receive A News paper by the last post. Addressed: A’ Son Excellence /...
31173To Benjamin Franklin from Edmund Burke, 28 February 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 , 285. Your most obliging letter demanded an early answer. It has not received the acknowledgment which was so justly due to it . But providence has well supplied my deficiences; and the delay of the answer has made it much more satisfactory than at the time...
31174To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 17 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Uncertain, as I am, of the Fate of my Letters to Your Excellency, particularly of my last of the 14th. of last month: I still venture on the common public Conveÿance, for Want of a better one. Even ÿour own Letters to me, I am afraid, are Subject to the Inspection of Government, when brought by the Postoffice. What confirms me in this apprehension, is my...
31175To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 22 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library Capt McKirdy in the Dove is just arrived From Maryland & by him it appears that Clinton has at last appeared in So Carolina: I send you the only important Papers I have recvd by him. Mr Lewis a Passenger assures me that our People are strong in Force in that Quarter & do not fear the Enemy. I cannot find either by Letter...
31176Deed from Israel and Mary Pemberton Discharging Ground Rent, 13 December 1775: résumé (Franklin Papers)
Copy of abstract: Department of Records, Recorder of Deeds, City of Philadelphia <December 13, 1775: Israel Pemberton, merchant of Philadelphia, and his wife Mary, in consideration of £350 on lawful Pennsylvania money, release and confirm to Benjamin Franklin the annual ground rent of fifteen Spanish pistoles, or the equivalent in Pennsylvania currency, due from James Pearson to Pemberton by...
31177To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 10 July 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I did myself the Pleasure of writing to you pr. Mr. Carmichael; since which, I have not heard from you in Return, but flatter myself there may be a Letter on the Way. Come when it may, it will be truly acceptable.— Since your Departure my chief Pleasure is in conversing with Mr. Rittenhouse on Philosophical Subjects. This Gratification, however, I but...
31178To Benjamin Franklin from Augustin Mottin de la Balme, 14 December 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Au moment ou je me rejouissois d’avoir en mains deux letters de recommandation pour vous remettre a philadelphie, la renommée qui precède vos pas m’a appris votre arrivee a nante ou dit-ons vous devez sejourner. Frustrés de mon Esperance souffrés que j’aie L’honneur de vous Les Envoyer et vous prier de vouloir bien reparer un peu la perte que je crois faire...
31179To Benjamin Franklin from Staël von Holstein, 30 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : Library of Congress Le Baron de Stael est passé chez Monsieur Francklin pour avoir l’honneur de lui faire part qu’il a eu le 29 du courant ses audiences comme Ministre plénipotentiaire du Roy de Suede chez leurs Majestés et la famille royale. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin / en son hotel / A Passy
31180To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 14 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this day received your esteemed letter of the 9th—The Alliance arrived here the 12th. and the Sensible is this day arrived at Port Louis (at the entrance of this Harbour)—There is also this day arrived here a Cutter of 18 Guns from Cherbourg—this last I hope will be added to the Armament—the Pallas with the rest of the small Vessels from Nantes have...
31181To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de Villequier, [8 July 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. le Duc de Villequier a l’honneur de faire part à Monsieur Franklin de la perte qu’il vient de faire de m. le marquis de Courtanvaux Son beaupère. Le convoy se fera à St. Roch aujourdhuy Dimanche 8. Juillet 1781. à Sept heures du soir. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / A Passy Who had written BF in 1779 about lightning rods: XXX , 425n. The...
31182To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 15 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Algemeen Rijksarchief En vous confirmant mes précédentes, & notamment celles qui concernent Mrs. Van de Perre & Meyners & Mr. Van Oudermeulen . J’aurai l’honneur de répondre à l’honorée votre du 5e. Le Mr. que vous me nommez, m’est connu de réputation pour un fort galant homme; & je sais qu’il fait des affaires avec Mr. 165. Quant à ce qu’il vous a...
31183To Benjamin Franklin from Schweighauser, [7 September 1780] (Franklin Papers)
Extract: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Your Excellency wants me to have my Recourse on the above House [Puchelberg & Co. respecting the Disbursements for the Alliance] unless I excuse them. I cannot excuse them interely; because they have acted against my positive & repeated Orders; but it seems that they have been so much intimidated by Capt. Landais’s Threats, that they have...
31184To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 14 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Will you be so good as to get the inclosed letter convey’d to Mr A——r Lee, if he is near you and it can be done easily? If not, be so good as to burn it. Being obliged for particular reasons to avoid politics, it is a short acknowledgmt: of the favour he did me by a letter I received from him at the beginning of last Summer, and contains nothing of much...
31185To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron d’Arendt, [10 October 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Baron Arendt, qui est arrivé icy de L’amerique par Londres & la Nouvelle York, ayant eù le malheur d’avoir été pris par Les Anglois souhaite avoir l’honneur d’assurer ses respects a Son Excellence Mr. Le Docteur Franklin pour Lui remettre une Lettre de La part du Mr Robert Morris, et se presentera demain le Vendredi chés Lui vers Le Midi. Le Baron a...
31186To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Meunier, 1 December 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je m’empresse a mettre sous vos yeux le Mémoire de M M Risteau de Bordeaux; peut-être que leurs moyens vous paroitront assez puissants pour que vous determiniez le capitaine Macknil a finir une affaire qui dure depuis trop longtems. J’ai cherché, Monsieur, a mettre de la conciliation dans cette affaire; mais je n’ai pas été assez heureux pour trouver ceux a...
31187To Benjamin Franklin from John Coakley Lettsom, 13 September 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society May I request Dr. Franklin’s acceptance of the publications herewith sent. The octavo volume by Captn. Carver is more interesting, on acct. of the importance of a Country whose back settlements it describes, and which is one day destined, I hope, to form the hemisphere of freedom— I expected to include in two 8vo volumes the whole of Dr. Fothergill’s works,...
31188To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 14 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser le sr. saudot auquel vous pouvez remettre les deux alphabets que vous voulez bien me prêter. Je me ferai un grand plaisir de vous offrir ce que j’ai de mieux en vignettes mais Je desirerois savoir de quel genre & de quelle grandeur. Si vous pouvez, monsieur, être utile à l’honnête infortuné que je vous adresse vous ferez...
31189To Benjamin Franklin from John Hancock, 13 February 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Maine Historical Society I am reduc’d to the last moment of the Departure of the Ship, that I have only Time to Solicit your Notice of Mr. William Cooper Son of Mr. Wm. Cooper of this Town, and Nephew of the Revd. Docr. Cooper; he is on board the Boston Frigate; if you can Devise any mode of effecting his promotion in the Service, or fix him in any place of tolerable Emolument, it would...
31190To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 12 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copy: United States Naval Academy Museum The Bowsprit of the Bon homme Richard, having been landed and examined is found not only Sprung in 2 places but in several others much decayed and Rotten:— It is therefore condemned as being Unfit for future Service.— The Old Bowsprit mentioned in my last is now Undergoing a Survey and...
31191To Benjamin Franklin from [Edward Bancroft], 23 December 1775 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society The difficulties and Dangers attending all American Correspondence have for sometime suspended those Communications which Friendship would have inclined me otherwise to make you. I am however several Letters in advance with you and of which you have not acknowledged the Receipt. This will be Delivered by Mr. Wrixon a Gentleman who was formerly a Field...
31192To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Franklin, 14 October 1765 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I returnd from Burlington last night, were I have been at Mama’s very Particular desire. I left my Brother very well. Sister is very Poorly. Cousin Laycock was found dead in her Bed, Yesterday morning without any Ilness. Your Friend Joseph Morris has passed Meeting with Samuel Mickels Daughter: She has a fine fortune. Our Neighbour Keples son is married to...
31193To Benjamin Franklin from Philip Thicknesse, 16 December 1776 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My Being one of the indirect sufferers in the Cause of American liberty, I hope will plead my excuse in takeing this; My private misfortunes Sir fell upon me, for speaking, and sometimes writing, my honest sentiments, relative to your public ones. But I will not trouble you with the sorrows of an Individual, who I hope has the charge, and will protect...
31194To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., [before 21 September 1773] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives I received your kind Letter inclosing one for Mr. Cowan purser of the Glasgow, who is now at Hallifax, but as the Ship is ordered here in about 3 Weeks, shall keep ’till that time as the most certain way of getting it speedily to his hands. I am sorry to find that the East India Company do not intend to send a Ship to America, but am not the less obliged by your and...
31195To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker: Bond, 15 November 1763 (Franklin Papers)
Printed form with MS insertions in blanks: American Philosophical Society Know all Men, by these Presents, That I, James Parker of Woodbridge in the County of Middlesex and Province of New Jersey Printer, am Held and firmly bound unto Benjamin Franklin, Esqr. of the City of Philadelphia in the Sum of Three Hundred and fifty Seven Pounds, Sixteen Shillings and one penny , Lawful Money of New...
31196To Benjamin Franklin from Jacob Duché, Junior, 6 May 1757 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As you kindly offered me your best Services before you left Philadelphia, which, as I had then no Commands to trouble you with; I declined the Honor of accepting, I now beg Leave to make Use of the Liberty you permitted me, to request you to take Charge of the inclosed Letters. I believe you are personally acquainted with the Gentlemen to whom they are...
31197To Benjamin Franklin from John Temple, 9 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society It is with no inferior degree of Pleasure that I have it in my Power to tell you I am now upon the Continent of Europe, & at liberty to write an Innocent Letter to a Friend in another Kingdom without running the Risk of having Mr. Wedderburn’s very extraordinary Tallents at Constructive Treason , exersised upon it. I have...
31198To Benjamin Franklin from Felix A. Castrioto, 2 December 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This is to give you notice, that at my arrivel in this Capital I found the Court was gone to villa-viçoza: I thoght proper to go there, and deliver your Memorial to the Minister, inforcing it with all the reasons I could think of. The mater was to be considered, and he to send me an answer here; but till now he has not done it. In few days the Court will be...
31199To Benjamin Franklin from John Bartram, 5 November 1768 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have often intended to have wrote to thee this several years but has often been tould that thee was soon to return to thy family and friends so I omitted it, but lately hearing that thee was likely to stay longer I now not onely write a letter of friendship but allso request a favour which the death of our warthy dear friend Peter Collinson hath obliged...
31200To Benjamin Franklin from Castries, 10 November 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress J’ai reçu la Lettre que Vous m’avés fait lhonneur de m’écrire pour me demander un passage sur un bâtiment du Roi, en faveur de M. franks, Major au service des Etats Unis, qui est chargé par Vous et par le Ministere Espagnol de porter des Dépêches à l’Amérique septentrionale. Je n’aurai rien de plus empressé que de remplir, à cet égard, les vues de Votre Excellence, et...