34101To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Andrews and Alexander Shaw, 9 April 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I am under the disagreeable necessity of acquainting you of my present Situation which is that of being confin’d in the Castle at Dunann amongst the English Prisoners. & am inform’d that notwithstanding I am an american born, that I shall be Transported to England with the English Prisoners, a thing very unjust— I must inform you that a few weeks ago I...
34102To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Rogers, 29 September 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Between Burdin Town and West Amboy in my Way to this City Unfortunately lost my Pockett Book which I cannot as yet recover tho’ have taken every the most expedient means; Amongst other papers of Consequence to myself only, Was the Copy of my Parole with the Committees permission for my going to New Hampshire or where else I had Occasion. I have...
34103To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 25 July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed is a Letter which I have written to Mr. Holkar. If you think there is no impropriety in it I shall take it as a favour if you will send it him, letting him know at the same time who I am, as perhaps he may not reccollect me. I hear you intend coming here soon to see the Salt works, if so it will be best to make haste as the Season advances fast. In...
34104To Benjamin Franklin from Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, 20 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I must beg the favor of your Excelly to forward the enclosed Letter to London. The Father of Mr. Lowndes who wrote it, is a worthy Citizen, and very desirous of seeing his Son in America before the 1st. of March 1782, the time limited by a Law of the State of Maryland for the return of absentees in the British Dominions, under penalty of forfeiting to the...
34105To Benjamin Franklin from [Thadée-Humphrey?] O’Doüin, 15 November 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My request to you, I dare say so, bears a Character of Justice for you promised me, about Eight Months ago, strong Letters of reccommandation to the Honourable Congress in favour of a young Gentleman which Desired to go over to our friends as a Volonteer in hopes of an Employement. A strong fit of Sickness that left his health in a very bad Condition,...
34106To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 2 June 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Mrs. J. De Neufville & fils ont promis d’accepter les deux Traites dont j’ai eu l’honneur de vous parler dans ma Lettre de mardi dernier, afin d’empêcher qu’elles ne soient protestées. Le fils a été ici exprès, non seulement pour savoir si j’étois instruit de quelque chose concernant Mr. 484, mais aussi pour voir avec moi...
34107To Benjamin Franklin from Marie Catherine Biheron, 10 September 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis tres sensible à l’honneur de votre souvenir et vous remercie de votre grasieuse lettre; je saisis avec empressement l’occasion de Mr. Walsh pour vous envoyer le discours de notre Cour des Aides fait par notre Celebre Magistrat Mr. Malherbe. Jaurois souhaité qu’il fut imprimé tel qu’il est je desire qu’il vous soit agreeable. Je suis bien faché que...
34108To Benjamin Franklin from Claude-Valentin Millin de la Brosse, 19 August 1778: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society <Paris, August 19, 1778, in French: As you certainly remember, I tried to join the American forces two years ago under Mr. Deane’s sponsorship. I failed and was subsequently treated by Mr. Deane and yourself with a severity I am now disposed to forget. My wish at present is to cross to America, a country I love, not as an officer but as an eager citizen. I...
34109To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris: Two Letters, 25 September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) LS : Yale University Library, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress; (II) LS : Yale University Library, Independence National Historical Park, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I do myself the Honor to enclose for your Perusal Acts of Congress of the twenty seventh of...
34110To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Newenham, 11 May 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honour to inform your Excellency, that I have this day, received a Letter from my worthy Friends Messrs: Folsh and Hornbostel of Marsailles, enclosing a Copy of his Excellencys the Count de Vergenne’s Letter to the Marquiss de Pilles Governor of that City, granting me and my Sons permission, at your recommendation, to remain there; having been...
34111To Benjamin Franklin from Hope & Co., 16 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We presume on the Strength of the personal Acquaintance we have the honour of & the Sentiments of Esteem inseperable from this advantage to present to You our estimable friend William French Esqr., prior of the Firm of French Crawford & Co. one of the most opulent & respectable Houses at Glasgow, who with Peter Spiers Esqr. a Young Gentlemen of Family there...
34112To Benjamin Franklin from Cuming & Macarty, 31 July 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We take the Liberty again of troubling you with the papers, relating to a prize taken by the Brig General Galvés Capt. Silas Jones of Salem— We beg leave to request your Execellency will please to Order the necessary paper to be forwarded to us by post, as Soon as possible. We are most Respectfully sir your most obedt Serts. Endorsed: The Anthony, a...
34113To Benjamin Franklin from Cecilia Davies, 24 September 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society No words can express the Obligations we are under to our Dear and most Worthy Friend for his truly kind Letter, ’tis so great a proof of that Friendship which you have always shewn to our family that our Gratitude can only end with our Lives. How rejoiced we shall be to see you again Dear Sir, ’tis a happiness we shall hope to enjoy, and the very...
34114To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 26 [November] 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Voici mon bon papa des nottes sur votre charmant dialogue, j’ai voulu prouvér que vous disiés mieux que tout autre, mesme dans une langue que vous ne sçavés qu’imparfaittement: quélques puristes pourroient nous chicanér, parceque ces éspéces d’animeaux pésent les mots a l’alembic d’une froide érudition; moi qui ne les pésent, n’y ne les comparent; animal...
34115To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Allemand with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 22 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser la Note que vous m’avés demandée; je me reproche la peine que vous voulés bien prendre pour coopérer à la perfection de mon ouvrage sur les Canaux. C’est un tribut d’estime que je paye à votre Nation, et dont je me plais à m’acquitter, en la proposant pour exemple à ma patrie. J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un très-profond respect...
34116To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 24 December 1774 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This and the following letter from William, which went on the same ship, brought Franklin the news of his wife’s death. Until her final stroke neither his son nor son-in-law had warned him that she was failing, at least in letters that survive; both had written frequently and at length but had scarcely mentioned her. Perhaps they saw no change in her...
34117To Benjamin Franklin from James Parker: Bond, 15 May 1767 (Franklin Papers)
Printed form with MS insertions in blanks: American Philosophical Society Know all Men by these Presents, That I James Parker of the City of New-York, Printer, am Held and firmly bound unto Benjamin Franklin, of the City of Philadelphia Esqr in the Sum of Two Hundred and Thirty-One Pounds , Current Money of Great Britain To be paid to the said Benjamin Franklin or to his certain Attorney,...
34118To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, [22 March 1782?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recd yesterday from Mr Grand your Remittance for £300 for the use of the Prisoners, this together with the former Remittance in Jany makes in all £460..10 s. recd this Year, from the Number of Prisoners which I have before informed you were about 1000 Men, you will easily judge that I was all the amount of this last remise in advance prior to my receiving...
34119To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Rush, 23 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr Rush’s most respectful compliments to his venerable father, and friend Benjamin Franklin Esqr &c and begs the favor of him to forward the enclosed letters to the persons to whom they are addressed.— He has left one of them open for the Doctors perusal—in which he will see that the good old cause continues to flourish under the auspices of heaven and our...
34120To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Cumming, 7 October 1763 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It was a happy Opportunity I had, in Capt. Stout’s return to Philadelphia; as, unless it had been for that, I should not have been so fully convinced, of thy Readiness, to pay Regard to my Recommendations. I acknowledge myself thy Debtor; but alas, I must rely on thy Goodness, to accept of that Acknowledgment, instead of Value received! Even that Request...
34121To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Todd, 17 October 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Royal Mail Archive I received on Tuesday Night last at 12. the Letter you were pleased to write me the 9th: Instant, and consequently too late to thank you for it by that Post. My Lord Foley and Mr Carteret are both in the Country at present, but I have not a doubt of their approving the plan d’Arrangement which you have put into French, exactly as...
34122To Benjamin Franklin from Duportail, 7 February 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je desirerois avoir l’honneur de vous voir pour arreter quelque chose au aujet de notre depart; je vous seray obligé de me recevoir aujourd’huy à sept heures du soir. J’ai l’honneur d’etre votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur francklin à l’hotel / d’hambourg Rüe jacob / A paris
34123To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 7 May 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Monsieur Tardiveau is connected in Business with Monsieur Tarvouillet Merchant in this place and proposes to settle in Philadelphia. For this purpose, he wishes to obtain a Letter of Introduction from you and in consequence has desired Mr. Montaudouin to write to you in his Favour. Mr Tarvouillet is a Gentleman who has shewn me a great deal of...
34124To Benjamin Franklin from John Blair, 13 January 1767 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Blairs Compliments to Dr. Franklin and begs leave to acquaint him that Lady Irwin and one or two Ladys with her propose making him a Visit next Tuesday at twelve if agreable. Mr. George Lewis Scott, and Mr. Strahan of Suffolk Street are to be of the Party. Addressed: To / Doctor Franklin / Craven Street For Dr. John Blair, the chronologer and divine, see...
34125To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 22 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Wharton presents his Compliments to Mr. Franklin & sends the News Paper, containing the Spanish Declaration of War. Mr. W’s Friends write Him, That the Merchants & Stock Jobbers keep the Price of Stocks, from an Opinion, That Spanish War was a good Thing & would produce great Quantitys of Silver & Gold. Almodóvar’s declaration was published in London...
34126To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon: Two Letters, [1783] (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) AL : American Philosophical Society Mon aimable papa, il fait si beau que cela me donne l’ésperance de vous débaucher ce soir pour prendre le thé a la maison, venés de bonne heure pour avoir le tems de vous reposér et de retourner doucement avant la nuit; Mr votre fils et Benjamin seront assés aimables pour vous accompagner: Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / [ In another...
34127To Benjamin Franklin from John Fothergill, 28 [December 1774?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr. Fothergill presents his respects to his Friend Dr. Franklin, and would be glad of the favour of his company this evening about 5 ’o clock, if the Drs. Engagements permit. Dr. Fothergill is so much engaged the rest of the day, as to put him under the necessity of fixing an hour, which he fears may be inconvenient to his Friend but cannot avoid it....
34128To Benjamin Franklin from Eleazer Dorlay, 17 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As your Honour must be entirely unacquainted with my person, I would wish to Recomend myself as an Officer who was Gunner of the Continential ship Confedracy when taken sent into N York put on board a prison Ship from thence was sent to England suffering every Act of Cruelty which they thought proper to inflict, Then thrown into Mill prison and Commited for...
34129To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Johnson, 3 April 1778 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Expecting that Mr. Joshua Johnson of London has removed to France we have empowered him to apply for a Loan of Cloathing etc. for the Use of this State and have taken the Freedom on the uncertainty of his being there to give the like Power in Case of his Absence to such Person as you may nominate hoping that you will take the Trouble of appointing a proper...
34130To Benjamin Franklin from Deborah Franklin, 20–27 November 1769 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society yisterday I reseved yours dated September the 9 whare in you was so kind as to sende me Sir John Pringels advise to me all I am much obliged to you and to so worthey a good man as Sir John but I muste tell you as well as I Can my disordor was for this reson my distres for my dear Debbeys misforten and hers being removed so far from her friend and such a...
34131To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 23 March 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I left Amsterdam the 10th. and have been here ten days; I Came on the incouragement given me by a Merchant of this City, that he wou’d exchange the products of the Netherlands, for such British Manufactures as wou’d suit him, chosen from those in my hands belonging to the United States, and which I Cou’d not ship to America unless I did it in Contradiction...
34132To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 1 July 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have wrote you four or five Times not long since, but from all our Arrivals from France of late have not the Pleasure of a single Line, but I know your Crowd of important Business. Accidentally hearing of a Vessel that sails for France this day, I enclose you a Philadelphia Paper bro’t by a swift Post last Evening, and containing the Proceedings of the...
34133To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 25 October 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Your very agreable and friendly Letters I have recd. and shall take an early Opportunity of answering fully.— I have no Reason as yet to think a Loan here will be practicable. Bills on me arrive daily. Be pleased to send me a Credit for Residue of our Salaries.— America rises in the general Estimation here. Tell Mr. Deane I have recd. four of his Letters & written...
34134To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 25 January 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The same Courier, who, as I told you in my last, has brought, on the 21st. instant, the Treaty Signed by each of the contracting Parties, has delivered another Letter from the Dutch Embassadors at Petersb. to Mr. Fagel the Greffier of their H.M., communicated by him to the Gr. Py. [Grand Pensionary], wherein they add this more: that Sir Harris, the English...
34135To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 4[-9] July 1777 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society I think it my duty as an Individual to communicate to you some information which you may not perhaps receive in a more formal or authoritative way. The treaties made with the Chevalr. de Borre Mr. Du Coudray &c. &c. have given infinite trouble being inconsistent with each other, and all of them, except the one you signed with 4 Engineers, inconsistent...
34136To Benjamin Franklin from Laval & Wilfelsheim, 6 March 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a 15. Jours que nous avons remis a Monsieur Grand le pere une Lettre pour votre Excellence qui nous est venue de Bremen. L’Amy pense qu’elle ne nous est pas parvenue, & nous en demande des Nouvelles. Nous supplions votre Excellence, de nous rendre le Service, & de daigner y faire une Reponse, le Courrier part deman. Nous avons l’honneur d’etre avec...
34137To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Kéralio, 21 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Made. la comtesse de Forbach m’a chargé de vous faire passer la copie ci-jointe de la Lettre qu’elle a reçue de M. Le Marquis de la fayette, et de vous assurer en même temps de toute son amitié. Je lui avois mandé que vous l’aimiés—toujours beaucoup; elle vous répond qu’elle en est tres flattée, qu’elle y est plus Sensible que personne au Monde, mais cela...
34138To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Maseres, 17 June 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am much obliged to you for the favour of your letter and the remarks on my proposal, concerning which this is what I have to say. In page 46, I think it unnecessary, and rather inconvenient, to limit the expence of these grants in the act of parliament itself. I hope it will be as small as possible, and mean that these grants should be printed with blanks...
34139To Benjamin Franklin from William Heberden, [before 20 March 1761] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Dr. Heberden sends his compliments to Dr. Franklin and desires the favor of his company at dinner on friday the 20th of March at half an hour past three. On Dr. Heberden, see above, VIII , 281 n. March 20 fell on a Friday in both 1761 and 1767. According to editorial practice, this document is placed at the earlier of the two dates.
34140To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 3 February 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the honour of receiving your Excellency letter of the 15th. of last Month with the Invoices and papers Mentiond in it— The Goods Purchased by Mess: De Neufville & son for the United states are in my Possession, but the rest that Mr Gillon left behind are in the Stores of Mess: Van Arps— Mess: De Neufville want to hold them as a security and say their...
34141To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Valentin Embser, 9 May 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous obéissons aux ordres de Votre Excellence, en Lui faisant parvenir par le canal de Monsieur Grand à Paris les 26 volumes de la Collection complette des anciens auteurs Romains publiés jusqu’ici, & 1 volume des Grecs, pour la somme de 55 Livres de france. Nous souhaitons, que ces ouvrages puissent mériter l’approbation éclairée de Votre Excellence. Elle...
34142To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Dana, 6 April 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives (two), Massachusetts Historical Society; transcript: National Archives Having agreably to my Instructions, as well as my own inclinations, laid before your Excellency all the papers which I have received from Congress, relative to my Mission for the Court of , and my correspondence with his Excellency the Comte de Vergennes, in consequence of the same, for the benefit...
34143To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine Bret, 19 February 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Ayant appris que vous etiés chargé par le congrès de faire faire une Epée d’or pour Monsieur Le marquis de la fayette, et sachant q’un de mes amis en possedoit une de la façon du fameux Germain dont il cherchoit à se défaire, j’ai cru pouvoir Lui donner cette Lettre à votre adresse afin quil pût vous faire présenter L’arme superbe dont il sagit et qui avoit...
34144To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Sr., 8 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am honour’d with your favours of novr. 27 by Capt Collas, & of Apl. 22. 1779 in boath your pleas’d to place a Confidence in me, that I will answer your Intentions in Supplying your Worthy Sister if nead in this you do me Great honours as well as aford me one of the Greatest pleasures, in Life. I wish for every Opportunity to Express my Greatitude for the...
34145To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 29 April 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have at Length recved a Leter from you in your own Hand writing, after a Total Silance of three years, in which Time Part of an old Song would Some times Intrude it Self in to my mind, Does He love & yet forsake me for can he forgit me will he Niglegt me. This was but momentary at other times I concluded it was un Reasonable to Expect it & that you might...
34146To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 17 September 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You have above an extract of a letter from the Honble Mr. Jefferson, to me by which you will perceive that he wants one of your late invented Machines for Copying Writings, he desires me to write to England but if I am not much mistaken France is the place. You however will know where his order can be best executed, and give orders accordingly, shou’d it be...
34147To Benjamin Franklin from Fairholme & Luther, 5 June 1778 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We took the liberty of writing you sometime ago in regard of some French officers that were going to America with Captn. De La Plainne and who wanted us to answer for their passage to the master of the Ship which I wou’d not do without having your orders on that account since which time have not been favour’d with your answer. The Congress Friggat the...
34148To Benjamin Franklin from Octavie Guichard Durey de Meinières, 31 August 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Illustrioux Legislator of your Country, I Would be Very obliged to you, if you Would and Could give me, the book, of the Constitution, translated by M. de la Rochefoucault. Some body told me, that it is not Sold. I Should be lofty to have it of your hand, and gratefull to you for your Kindness, my dear Neighbour, loved and revered by your most humble...
34149To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 27 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer les procedures instruites par les Officiers de l’Amirauté de Brest concernant la prise le jeune Domnique, et huit rançons faites par le Corsaire Americain le Prince Noir. Vous savez, Monsieur, que le Conseil des Prises n’a pas jugé convenable de prendre connoissance de ces Sortes de procedures; et je vous prie de m’accuser la...
34150To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 4 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society J’aurois cértainement un grand plaisir mon bon papa á devinér des énigmes que vous auriés faittes, et a taschér de découvrir vos secréts; cependant cet espéce d’exercisse entraisne avéc lui une sorte de fatigue, que je n’éprouve point en lisant vos léttres; la vértu, la sagésse s’y montrent a découvért; j’y trouve des conseils dictés par une áme dont la...