32011To Benjamin Franklin from the Georgia Commons House of Assembly, 13 March 1774 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I have the Honor to communicate to you the high Opinion the Representatives of the People entertain of your Conduct as their Agent. In consequence whereof they have directed me to transmit you their Thanks. I do therefore in the Name and by Order of the Commons House of Assembly of Georgia give you their Thanks for the just discharge of the important Trust...
32012To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 6 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): New-York Historical Society The College of Dartmouth in New Hampshire having suffered materialy in its funds since the war by the loss of those contributions which it till then recd. from England—Docr. Wheelock son of the worthy first founder proposes to solicit a subscription in France & Holland for its support— He flatters himself that the charity of an institution whose chief...
32013To Benjamin Franklin from J. Cusson Ainé, 17 May 1777: résumé (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society <Carcassonne, May 17, 1777, in French: I manufacture textiles and blankets suitable for America. A number of French dealers have asked for them and, I know, sold them profitably to the Americans, whom I should like to see profiting directly from my inexpensive goods. My offer would have a better reception if it came under your auspices. I enclose a price...
32014To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Newenham, 25 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On my arrival at Ostend this morning, I had the honour of your Excellency’s Letter with the two passports, for which I return you my most Sincere and gratefull thanks; I was delayed on my Journey to Ostend much Longer than I expected, or should sooner have acknowledged the receipts of your Letters & favours, which I assure your Excellency never shall be...
32015To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 4 January 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Was theire ever an Example of aney person in Life to be abandoned as I am, you may be asured it is with great Reluctance that I persist in adressing my Self to you, in my last I took the liberty of asking you what Mr Barclay had Concluded to do for me, as Mr Barclay before his departure Refered me to you for an Answer of what you had Concluded upon at...
32016To Benjamin Franklin from Landais, 13 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Received your letter of the 10th Inst, which you did me the honour to write to me the Same day, I am very Sorry that I cannot have Sooner than next week, those extracts which I beg of your Excellency by my letter of the 9 Inst; but Since Your business require to postpone till that time, I will be Satisfy’d of that new favour. According to your Order I...
32017To Benjamin Franklin from Jacob Duché, Jr., 21 April 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty of addressing your Excellency on a Subject, in which I am sure you will find your Philosophy as well as Humanity not a little interested. The eldest Daughter of Mr George Meade, a respectable Merchant & Citizen of Philadelphia,—a young Lady of about 15 Years of Age, has now been above Six Months in England, under the Care of some of the...
32018To Benjamin Franklin from the Veuve de Précorbin and Other Commission Seekers, 28 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Even as the peace negotiations were getting under way, Franklin continued to receive letters soliciting commissions in the American army. The earliest of these, printed below, is from a widowed mother of four who seizes on Franklin’s reputation for generosity toward the unfortunate to plead the case of her irresponsible eldest son. Franklin’s endorsement...
32019To Benjamin Franklin from Marie-Elisabeth Fournier, 30 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Connoissant votre bon Coeur toujours disposé à obligér et mon mari et moy nous trouvans forcés de Chercher à nous procurer quelque dedomagement des pertes que nous avons essuyes par des Banqueroute et en manquant douvrage de notre Etat pour La fonderie. Permetez moy de madressér à vous pour vous prier trés instenment Monsieur de vouloir bien nous procurer...
32020To Benjamin Franklin from [Richard Price], 8 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society The writer of this presents his best respects to Dr. Franklin. Mr. Brown, the Bearer, is he believes an honest man. Identified by the handwriting.
32021To Benjamin Franklin from the Georgia Assembly Committee of Correspondence, 28 May 1770 (Franklin Papers)
AD (letterbook copy): Georgia Historical Society We are now to take under Consideration the Instructions of the Assembly respecting a Claim of Lands made by the late Sir William Baker of London deceased, in this Province, which We are directed to instruct you to Represent to his Majesty. These Resolutions were drawn up tho’ the Substance of them was long before agreed to, in too great a hurry,...
32022To Benjamin Franklin from David F. Barber, 6 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Haveing had the Missfortune to be taken about 6. months ago, and makeing my escape to this place, with a few American Bills of Exchange, On paris, which were forwarded to a french Gentleman, On paris, the 13th. day of Jany. past. The Gentleman they were forwarded to, presented them to your Excellency for acceptance, on the 19th. of Said month, and wrote to...
32023To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Rouaix, 12 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je viens d’apprendre par une lettre du superieur général de nôtre congrégation, que vous avés bien voulu accepter la dédicace d’une these générale de philosophie dans nôtre college; et je m’empresse de vous temoigner, combien je suis flatté de rendre un hommage public a un des plus grands physiciens de ce siecle, et au representant D’un peuple, qui fixe...
32024To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 8 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Il y a une erreur de précipitation dans ma derniere. Ce n’est pas aux Provinces, c’est à l’Assemblée d’Hollande que l. h. pes. ont envoyé le Meme. de Sir J. Y. Il a eu le sort mérité, c’est-àdire, de ne pas produire le mauvais effet qu’on en attendoit. Mr. le Gd. Pensione. lui-même a justifié le Gazettier, en produisant la...
32025To Benjamin Franklin from John Charretié, 2 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty to Send you the Report from de Committee of the house of Commons relating to the French and Spanish prisoners. If you Will condescend to peruse it, but espeacially the 49th page you Will find that the Memorial Which I had the honour to present to you is exactly agreeable to the truth. If thro’ your good offices and Kind interest I am...
32026To Benjamin Franklin from John Prichard, 21 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Franclen I hear that you are At paris and that you want Sogers for A maraca I am a yong man know Sarvng in the Regiment Barwicks gravellean flanders wheir I have servid 5 years. I am a Corporal and I think my self capebel for a Sargent In Eny Sarvice. I am a mericen Born In Bostun knew England. My father has good farm In the town of hingham Fifteen...
32027To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Mary, 15 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You may have been informed by M. le ray de Chaumont of the event which procured me the honor of calling upon your Excellency. The Minister of the Marine has granted me my passage upon the first vessels which would go to North America. I do not think that in those that are arriving now in Brest there are any bounded for that part of the world. M. Pellerin,...
32028To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Shipley, 12 January 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I think as You do that the highest Pitch of human Honour is the approbation of a free and virtuous People. I have had much more of it than falls to my share but that pleasure is temperd as it ought to be with a proper sense of my own Unworthiness. But I can only be consider’d by them as a distant unconnected Well wisher. Your Name will justly be reverd by...
32029To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 16 December 1769: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society [New York, December 16, 1769. Crept back from Woodbridge two days ago, in order to send by packet anything of interest. Mr. Colden has applied for a bill for £200, which was promised him today; but he was disappointed because Mr. Watts, who signs the bills together with Mr. McEvers, was out of town. Will send the bill by Captain Davis, eight or ten days...
32030To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Rousseaux, 29 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Je me Suis fait Lhonneur de vous Ecrire deux Lettre par Les quelle je vous priay de vouloir massiste dans Le besoin ou jette et vous demandant une Chose que jay Bien garnie [gagnée] a La Sueur de mon Cord. Je crois Monsieur que Je ne vous demande pas une chose qui met pas deu [qui ne m’est pas due] informe vous a Monsieur Cornic a qui jay mene une prize...
32031To Benjamin Franklin from Harriott Heathcote, 3 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Amidst the multiplicty of bussines in which your Excellency is involv’d, many apoligies would be nessesary for troubleing you with this letter. But the man who could so nobely enter into the cause of Liberty and his Country must have a heart that will ever plead for involuntary errors. Upon that goodness alone it is that I must rely for takeing this...
32032To Benjamin Franklin from Feutry, [9 April 1777] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Feutry supplie Monsieur de Francklin &c. de vouloir accepter cette foible marque de son estime et de son respect. Ce Robinson et ces opuscules pourront peut être amuser ses petits Enfans. A demain à onze heures Jeudi matin hôtel de hambourg. Feutry attend ses autres ouvrages, moins frivoles, mais peutetre plus tristes, pour des français S’entend. This and...
32033To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 30 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Le Manifeste n’a pas encore été publié de la part de cette Rep. parce que les Villes d’Amstm. & de Dort ne sont point contentes de celui qui est dressé, ne le trouvant pas assez fort; on en fera donc un autre.— Le Courier parti pour Petersbourg le 12 seulement de ce mois, afin de demander les secours de l’Union neutre, ne...
32034To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 13 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Yesterday Captain Barney brought me your much esteemed Favor of 26th: Decr.— I hope we shall not be long ’till we hear that Peace is concluded on, it is an Event much wished for here, except by a few self-interested Individuals— Should you upon a Peace determine upon returning to your native Country; my inclination would lead me to pay a visit to...
32035To Benjamin Franklin from William Watson, 31 July 1772 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Doctor Watson presents his complements to Doctor Franklin. He has twice called at his house in hopes of Seeing him; At his convenience if he will call in Henrietta Street, it may be Settled when the expedition to Purfleet may take place; as it Should be, before the Summer is too far advanced. Mr. Cavendish Seldom fails of coming there. Whenever the meeting...
32036The Society of Arts: Notice of Committee Meeting, 10 June 1761 (Franklin Papers)
Printed form with MS insertions in blanks: American Philosophical Society In the Franklin Papers there are a number of printed notices of committee meetings at the Society of Arts (above, VI , 187 n), an organization to which BF was devoted as his attendance record—some fifty-odd appearances at meetings between 1759 and 1762—attests. At various times he sat on the Committees of Agriculture,...
32037To Benjamin Franklin from the Maréchal-Duc de Mouchy, [before 7 February 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je serois tres flatté que Monsieur francklin voulut bien accepter le diner que Me [Madame] la Maale [Maréchale] et moy Lui proposons pour le Jeudy 7 fevrier, mon neveu le Mis [Marquis] delafayette, et mon fils le Vte [Vicomte] de Noailles partageront Ma satisfaction. A great-uncle of the marquise de Lafayette’s: XXVI , 327. 1782 was the only year during BF...
32038To Benjamin Franklin from Feutry, 8 May 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Un heureux hazard m’a fait enfin rencontrer, dans une vente publique, L’exemplaire, ci-joint, que je cherchois depuis plus de 15 mois, et dont l’édition étoit épuisée il y a fort longtemps; Je vous supplie de vouloir bien en recevoir l’hommage, et le placer a coté de mes autres foibles oeuvres. Dans ce choix d’histoires, Monsieur, sous le voile de...
32039To Benjamin Franklin from Silas Deane, 13 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: National Archives The Letter which you did me the honor to write to me on the 19th. ultimo, did not come to hand untill last evening— I pray you to accept of my thanks for your attention to Mine of the 30th, of March, and I can but flatter myself that Congress will be induced by your Letters to take decisive measures, on the subject of my acco’ts. As I did not expect an answer to my long...
32040To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, 12 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress La Lettre que vous m’avèz fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 11. avril m’autorise a ouvrier un Credit à M. Jay sur le Marquis d’Yranda à Madrid de 142220 Pes [Piastres] fortes, dans le Cas que Mr. Jay ne pourroit obtenir cette Somme de la Cour l’Espagne . J’ay l’honneur de vous observer que ce Credit est conditionel et que dans la Situation où Mr. Jay se trouve, si je le...
32041To Benjamin Franklin from Giacomo Francisco Crocco, 15 July 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and press copy of copy: American Philosophical Society; three copies and transcript: National Archives His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Morroco did me the honour to appoint me to be the bearer of his Answer to the United Provinces of North America with whom he is willing to sign a Treaty of Peace & Commerce, & in conseqce. has already given orders to his captains of Men of Warr not to...
32042To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 13 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society It is but this moment that the Court martial has finished the affairs of the Bonhomme Richard and the Alliance being run foul of Each other. I inclose you the Whole proceedings of that Court, Which being the only one of Consequence, it is unnecessary to trouble you With bundles of papers Where the Conclusions have only Amounted to Whipping Which has been...
32043To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Benezet, 5 May 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A good oppertunity offering, by a french Gentleman who offers to take a letter to thee my kind Friend, I make use of it affectionately to salute thee, wishing that the best of comforts, indeed the only comfort worthy the notice of a rational mind; the recollection of having done the best in our power for the true welfare of mankind, in the promotion of...
32044To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library In the Newspapers which Mr. Johnson sent you last post you will see an Extract from one of my Letters to Mr Dean in which the word Connection is mentioned and represented as a proof that I had some commercial Concerns with Mr Dean. I send you enclosed a Copy of the whole of the Letter & you will see that the Paragraph has no...
32045To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Haag and Other Favor Seekers, 1 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Money, as usual, was at the core of most requests addressed to Franklin in the course of this volume: outright pleas for financial help or inquiries for clarification of the American currency system. Jean Haag, whose letter is published below, needs money to get back to Charleston. A painter who gives his name simply as Paul writes on December 29 to ask for...
32046To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 14 August 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu des Représentations, Monsieur, de la part des Armateurs du Corsaire Madame, du port de Granville, au Sujet de 23. Etrangers provenant du Corsaire qu’on fait passer à l’Orient pour l’armement du Sr. Paul Jones; Ils demandent ou que ces Etrangers leur soient rendus, ou de leur rembourser les Avances qu’ils leur avoient payées, les ayant engagés à de hauts...
32047To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 8 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress J’ai eu l’honneur, M, de vous prévenir, le 13. 7bre. d., que M. de Sartine enverroit aux administrateurs de la guadeloupe l’ordre de faciliter au Sr. Stewenson les recouvrements qu’il avoit à faire dans cette ile. Vous verrez par la letre du 4. juin que ce Ministre vient de mécrire sur cet objet que le debiteur...
32048To Benjamin Franklin from Guillaume-Pierre-François Delamardelle, 17 December 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Comme je Crois que vous pouvez Etre instruit de La demeure de Mr. Barclay, Et que je desirerois de Le voir; ozeroisje vous prier de m’indiquer sa demeure. On m’a dit qu’il Etoit agent de L’Etat de virginie, Et Chargé En Cette qualité des interets de son Pays. J’ay L’honeur d’Etre avec La plus haute Estime Et Le plus grand Respect Monsieur de votre...
32049To Benjamin Franklin from Michel-Guillaume St. John de Crèvecœur, 5 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The news of the Great victory Lately gained in Virginia by that wise & excellent man General Washington, must necessarily convulse with Joy the hearts of every Loyal American as well as those of every good Frenchman. I who enjoy the Privileges of this double Citisenship have thought it my duty to Congratulate, on this memorable Event the representatif of...
32050From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 17 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have been honord with your favour of the 2d April by Monsieur De Cenis written in behalf of that Gentleman on the credit of Monsr Turgot’s recommendation. I should have been happy had it been in my power, in deference to your recommendation, founded upon that of so respectable a character as Monsr Turgot, to afford Mr De Cenis the encouragement, his zeal and trouble in coming to America to...
32051To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 12 March 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de souhaiter le bonjour à Monsieur franklin; nous avons oublié moi de lui remettre le memoire quittancé de sa Lingere, et lui de me remettre le traité original entre les fermiers generaux et moi. J’ai besoin de celuicy actuellement; ainsi je le prie de me le renvoyer par le porteur. J’ai annoncé sa visite a M. Turgot pour demain; il le...
32052To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker, 26 December 1769: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society [Woodbridge, N.J., December 26, 1769. Had intended this to go by Captain Davis, but he sailed before it reached New York. Has received since then the enclosed bill from Mr. Colden for £200, drawn by Watts and McEvers on Harley & Drummond, “cost 65 per Cent the Exchange at this Time.”] John Drummond (1723–74), of Drummond’s Bank, and the Hon. Thomas Harley...
32053To Benjamin Franklin from J. Torris & Wante, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 16 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons appris par Mrs. Maussallè & Bertrand L’acceuil Obligeant dont Vous les avez honnoré, et la promesse que vous Leur avoit faite de nous addresser un passeport du Nombre des cent que vous attendez de la Cour de Londres, avec une Lettre de Recommandation pour la maison de Messrs. Bache & Shée à Philadelphie, la multitude d’Armement qui Se fait Tant...
32054To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 20 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy and transcript: National Archives Congress having lately thought it adviseable to alter the arrangement of their great executive departments, & to desolve the boards & committees under whose direction they formerly were, I am to inform you that they have done me the honor to appoint me their Secretary for foreign affairs. In which capacity...
32055To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 18 January 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; draft: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives Jai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer un mémoire qui intéresse des sujets de l’Empereur, et qui m’a été recommandé par le Gouvernement général des Pays bas. Je ne doute pas que vous ne vous fassiez un devoir de faire passer cette pièce au Congrez, et que...
32056To Benjamin Franklin from Mary Stevenson, 8 July 1761 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Soon after my Eyes were open this Morning they were blest with a Letter from my dear and honour’d Friend. Mrs. Hawkesworth (for I have not seen the Doctor, but they seem to have both one Soul) bids me tell you they approve all your Scheme except that part of it which relates to me; and they shall expect to see all their Friends, who design them that...
32057To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 17 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ay Eté Bien affligée de voir hier a ma porte Le nom de Mon Cher Et Respectable Docteur, je le prie D’Estre persuadé de mes Regrets Et Du Desir que j’ay depuis Longtems de le Voir Et de le feliciter De L’heureuse paix qui Va Couronner sy heureusement Et sy Glorieusement ses Voeux Et Ses traveaux; puisqu’il Vient quelques fois a paris je puis me flatter De...
32058To Benjamin Franklin from the Continental Congress: Instructions, [14 August–16 October 1779] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society (two), New-York Historical Society; AL (draft): National Archives Much of Congress’ time in 1779 was spent drafting peace ultimata, a task imposed on it by Spain’s offer in April to mediate Britain’s conflicts with the Americans and French. France, which conveyed the offer, used Conrad-Alexandre Gérard, her minister in...
32059To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Cashinberry et al., [2 November 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The Humble Petition of several of the private Men of late belonging to the Brig Cabot Sheweth That your Petitioners have now been in Captivity three years the 22nd October last in the former Part of our Captivity we were Prisoners in Ireland along with Mr. George Thayer and after being in Ireland nine Months we were brought to Mill Prison were we still...
32060To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Shippen, 8 February 1754 (Franklin Papers)
Letterbook copy: American Philosophical Society After paying yourself for the Postage of the Inclosed Letter to Boston please to send the remainder of the Piece of 8/8 in a few [of] your best Quills (I mean English) by our Post. Some time ago I sent a six shilling bill to Doctor Shippen for some and he sent me feathers which he Sayd he had from Mr. Halls. If you can send me a few good ones you...