48201To Benjamin Franklin from John Paradise and William Jones, 1 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Paradise and Mr. Jones present their best respects to Dr. Franklin. Being informed that the King’s passport was absolutely necessary for them to go out of France, they sent to Versailles for that purpose, and have just received the enclosed answer. May they trouble his Excellency to insert in his passport what they seem to want namely, that Mr. Paradise...
48202From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache, 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete copy: Library of Congress; extract: reprinted from William Temple Franklin, The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. F.R.S. &c. … (2nd ed.; 2 vols., London, 1817), I , 40–2. I have received yours of june [Jan.] 16. You observe that you Seldom hear from me, I have the Same reason to complain; but I do not complain of you. This [’Tis] the Loss of Ships, and the Sinking...
48203From Benjamin Franklin to [William Carmichael], [2 June 1779] (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete copy: Library of Congress … Copies of the Letters, Votes &c relating to that Amiable and excellent young Man. He was mighty well received, at Court, and has a Regiment given him. Ever Since his arrival he has been industrious in moving or projecting Something or other for the Advantage of America. I am Sorry to hear of Dissensions in Congress, You are now one of that Body, and will,...
48204From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Carroll, 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress This will be delivered to you by the Chevalier de La Luzerne, who Succeds M. Gerard. He is a Gentleman of a most amiable Character here and a Sincere wellwisher to America. As Such I beg leave to recommend him to your Civilities. You must have heard much of M. De Malesherbes Son of The Chancellier Lamoignon , and late President of the Cour des Aides, famous for his...
48205From Benjamin Franklin to Chaumont, 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library You stay long from us, and every body wishes your Return. The Paving in the Court is finished, and the Passage thro’ the Terras nearly so. Your Garden is in great Beauty, with Plenty of Green Peas & Cherries: Will you stay till they are all eaten? Since my last, I received the following Paragraph in a letter from Holland; it is quoted from a Letter written at...
48206From Benjamin Franklin to [Horatio Gates], 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : New-York Historical Society I received your obliging Letter by the Chevalier De Ramondis who appears extreamly sensible of the Civilities he received at Boston, and very desirous of being serviceable to the American Cause; his Wound is not yet right, as he tells me there is a part of the Bone still to be cut off. But he is otherwise well and chearful, and has a great Respect for you. The...
48207From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Royal Library, Windsor; copy: Library of Congress; transcript: Columbia University Library I received a few Days since by way of St Eustatia, the Duplicate of a Letter you did me the honour to write to me of 3d Jany. But the Act of Congress of Decr 23d which you mention is not yet come to hand. Col Diricks whom the Secretary names to you called here in his way to Holland, and brought me a...
48208From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I know no more than you the Reasons of the Change respecting the Marquis But suppose they are good ones. I have no new Instructions to give. Perhaps you will receive some Instruction of the King’s Pleasure. I can only wish you Health and success, being ever, with great and Sincere Esteem Dear sir y. &c. In response to Jones’s May 26 letter. New plans for Jones’s...
48209From Benjamin Franklin to James Lovell, 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives, Library of Congress I received a few Days since, via Eustatia & Holland the Triplicates of your several Favours of Dec 8. Jan. 29. and Feb. 8. The preceding Copies of the same Dates never came to hand. I thank you very much for the News-Papers, tho’ the Disputes...
48210From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Boston Public Library; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress The Chevalier de la Luzerne, who goes over to succeed M. Gerard, will I hope have the Pleasure of delivering this into your hand, and of being by that means introduced to your Acquaintance. He has a most amiable Character here, and I am persuaded will make himself very acceptable to our People, as he has the most sincere Good...
48211From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Trumbull, 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Mrs. C. Phillip Miller, Chicago, Illinois, (1963); incomplete copy: Library of Congress I received by Col. Dircks, the Letter your Excellency did me the Honour to write to me of the 12th December last. I also had the great Pleasure of reading your Letter to Mr. Vander Capellen, agreeable to your kind Permission. Col. Dircks went from hence immediately to Holland, and I have not since...
48212To Benjamin Franklin from Bordot, 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Two English Privateers, one under the name of the Defiance, from falmouth, and the other call’d the Ladies Resolution, from London, were brought Yesterday into these Roads by the frigate L’hermione; the first mounting 18 four and Second 18 Six pounders; both of them taken the latter end of last week, about fifty leagues off the Channel.— As they made very...
48213To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Hardoüin, 2 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Les sieurs Witel et fauche imprimeur a Neuchatel en suisse mon fait scavoir de vous donner avis que Lon delivroit actuellement chez moy, La premiere Livraison des œves. [œuvres] Complette de M. charle Bonnet 3 volumes in 4º. ou en 6 volumes in 8º. Le prix de l’in 4º. est de 12 l.t. chacque volumes et L’in 8º. 3 l.t. Mr, si vous estes jaloux dacquerir cette...
48214From Benjamin Franklin to Sarah Bache, 3 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D. F.R.S. &c . … (2nd. ed.; 2 vols., London, 1817), I , 42–5 I have before me your letters of Oct. 22, and Jan. 17th: they are the only ones I received from you in the course of eighteen months. If you knew how happy your letters make me, and considered how many miscarry, I think you would write...
48215From Benjamin Franklin to the Marine Committee of Congress, 3 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copy: Library of Congress I received the Honour of yours by the Marquis de la Fayette, who arrived safe and well in the Alliance Fregate, which you were pleased to put under my Orders. There had been a Conspiracy on Board to seize and run away with the Ship to England. Thirty eight of the Crew concerned in the Plot were brought in under Confinement, and the Captain was...
48216To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Conway: Certificate, [3 June 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ADS : American Philosophical Society Je certifie que j’ai eu L’honneur De servir en amerique avec Mr De saintuary; que cet officier qui ÿ servoit a ses Depens, etait aimé et consideré par ses superieurs. J’ai vû Mr De santuary montrer Beaucoup De Zêle et D’activité aux Batailles De Brandÿweine et De Germàntown. Je certifie que Mr De santuary a eté fait prisonnier en Novembre 1777 auprés De...
48217From Benjamin Franklin to Dumas, 4 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Haverford College Library It is not a pleasant thing to be called upon for one’s Sentiments of Persons & Characters; but when Matters of Importance to our Country, our Friends or ourselves, depend on a true Judgment of Men, it is right to ask one another’s Opinions & to give them frankly in confidence that no inconvenient Use will be made of them. Mr. S. has always been a Friend to the...
48218From Benjamin Franklin to William Greene, 4 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I received your kind Letter of Decr 10. with the Bills of Exchange for two hundred and sixteen Dollars, & with the List of Goods you would have in return. As I live far from any Seaport and am unacquainted with Merchandize, I sent the Bills, with your Order directly to my Nephew at Nantes, who will I doubt not accomplish it to your...
48219From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Hopkinson, 4 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I received your kind Letter of the 22d Octr. last, which gave me great Pleasure as it inform’d me of your Welfare, and of your Appointment to the honourable Office of Treasurer of Loans. I think the Congress judg’d rightly in their Choice. An Exactness in Accounts, and scrupulous Fidelity in Matters of Trust, are Qualities for...
48220From Benjamin Franklin to the Massachusetts Council, 4 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Archives; copy: Library of Congress The Commissioners at this Court received the Letter you did them the Honour of writing to them, recommending the Marquis de la Fayette. I immediately sent it to be perused by the Minister, who desired to have a Copy of it. He was very favourably received by his Majesty, and has had given him a Regiment of Dragoons. He retains the warmest...
48221To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Boulainvilliers, 4 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Puisque nous n’allons point a passy il faut aumoins avoir lhonneur et le plaisir de nous rapeller au souvenir de Monsieur francklin; il y a des Siecles qu’il n’a eu le bontés de se Souvenir de nous: sa bonne amie s’en plaint parcequelle luy est: toujours tres attachée. Elle sera saigné demain samedy et gardera quelques jours la Maison: Monsieur francklin...
48222To 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...
48223To Benjamin Franklin from Marat, 4 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The honour of your company at dinner on thurday next (with Mrs le Comte de Maillebois, de Montigni, le Roy & Sage) is desired by the author of the experiments on the igneous fluid. The honour of Mr … .. your grand-son company is likewise desired. If the time keeps clear; it will be to him an oportunity to see the experiments. The dinner on the table at tow...
48224To Benjamin Franklin from François-Pierre de Séqueville, 4 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Le Roi ne verra point Mardi prochain huit du mois, Messieurs les Ambassadeurs et Ministres étrangers. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur francklin / Ministre Plenipot. de La / Republ. des Provinces Unies / de l’Amerique Septentrionale / a Passy / De Sequeville. Notation: Advertisements & ceremonial Notices. In 1761 Séqueville (1725–93), a commis in the...
48225From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 5 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copy: Library of Congress The Chevalier de La Luzerne sat out Yesterday for L’Orient, and will be with you perhaps before this comes to hand. You will find him a very agreable sensible Man, and a hearty Friend to the Cause of America. As you may land in Boston and are not certain of going directly to Philada: I have put under his Care my Dispatches for...
48226To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 5 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Je dînai Mardi passé chez Mrs. De N—— avec 7 Américains, savoir Mrs. Sayre, Sears, Cordes, West, & les Capitaines Cofin, Inkson & Martin. Votre Santé, Monsieur, n’y fut pas oubliée. L’honnête Cofin m’a fort prié de vous présenter ses respects: il m’a dit que vous le connoissiez de longue date, & que c’étoit lui qui fut le...
48227To Benjamin Franklin from Schweighauser, 5 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since the Letter, I had the honor of adressing your Excellency the 22. ultmo. I am without any of your esteemed favor. The purpose of this will serve to inclose the Account of my disbursements for the Alliance amounting to 79237. 9. l.t. & the account of those made for the Brig Morris 12177. 7.10 together 91414.16.10. l.t. on account of which I have...
48228To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de Chaulnes, 6 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. De Chaulnes a L’honneur de faire tous ses complimens a Monsieur franklin, il na pas encore pu aller lui même s’informer de sa santé, comme il l’auroit desiré, parcequ’aprés une longue absence, les embarras sont nécéssairement considérables au moment du retour. Il aura cet honneur aussitost qu’il le pourra; en attendant il prie Monsieur franklin de lui...
48229To Benjamin Franklin from the Vicomte de Sarsfield, 6 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Vicomte de sarsfield a l’honneur dEnvoyer a Monsieur francklin La Lettre cy jointe—. Le derangement de sa santé Là Empechè d’Avoir L’honneur de Le Voir depuis longs temps— Il ira Le Chercher a Passy dans la Semaine prochaine— Il A L’honneur de l’assurer de son sincere attachement. Il Supplie Monsieur francklin d Avoir la bonté de Luy Envoÿer les Nouvelles...
48230To Benjamin Franklin from Georgiana Shipley, 6 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You absolutely spoil me, my dear Doctor Franklin, by your indulgence, for I now expect, with the utmost impatience, the copy from Du Plessis’s picture; altho before I received your last letter I was perfectly happy & content with the small head you had the goodness to send me by Mr Digges: the wax model that has been taken of my father is by no means a good...
48231From Benjamin Franklin to Fizeaux, Grand & Cie., 7 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received the honour of yours of the 31 past and thank you for the News it contained, tho’ not yet confirmed. I know nothing of that Mr. Miller But if he appears to you to be an honest Man, I consent to your supplying him to the value of ten Guineas which I will repay. Please to take three Notes for the sum, that I may send them over by different Conveyances. It is...
48232To Benjamin Franklin from Rocquette, Elsevier & Rocquette, 7 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We observe with pleasure by your much esteemed favour of the 31st. of past month, the reception of the pacquet we sent you the forwarding of it, deserved no thanks, we shall alwaÿs be happy in finding opportunity to be usefull to you, and renew you to that End our most devoted Services. According to your permission we enclose you Two bills Issued by the...
48233To Benjamin Franklin from John Ross, 7 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Ross Respects wait on his Excelly. the Minister plenipoty of the United American States—and send some American papers received today via Holland, by a Vessel arrived from Philada. Mr: Ross has got several letters from America, but none later then 24 March, and not a single Sylable of News from any of his friends— Ross was apparently more conscientious in...
48234To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Sayre, 7 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote your excellency a few Lines upon my arrival here. I requested the great favr of some Letters that might aid me when I arrived in Dominica: for unless I am encouraged from your Excellency to stay longer in Europe, my resolution is to get into America as soon as Opportunity offers, after I have secured some little property for myself in Dominica....
48235To Benjamin Franklin from William Bingham, 8 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I flatter myself that you will excuse the Liberty I take in recommending to your Notice & Protection during his Stay at Paris the Bearer Richard Harrison Esqr—a Gentleman who was employed in this Place in the public Character of Agent for the States of Virginia & Maryland & who has rendered his Country some essential services by his Exertions in that Line—...
48236To Benjamin Franklin from Félix António Castrioto, 8 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having wrote to you several times, giving information of what was passed respecting the Comission I was charged with: and not recieving the honnour of any answer, it would perhapes be proper to desist from the atempt to obtain it, and spare me self the trouble of importuning you any more. But it is impossible for me to belive that, if my lettres was come to...
48237To 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...
48238To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Hills and Joseph Adams, 8 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library After Receiving your kinness Every officer on Bord the Ship was Content and was Determined to stay on Bord to fulfill what we wrote to your honnor Butt our hopes of this kind soone vanished for Capt Landis his mettod of Govrning his Ship so Contry to all Nations In the world that it is impossable for humane natur to Live with him I would Inform your...
48239To Benjamin Franklin from Jeremiah Peirce, 8 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Beg Lef to eyequant your honnour with my Setuation at Present I am a french Presnour on Porrole at Tenterden I was first Leutannant of the Six Gun Cutter She was Called the alla Croushua from facomp Commanded by Capt Charles fequet Sir I will Inform your honnour how I Com on Bord of a french Cutter as I am an amarican and a Natef of the State of...
48240To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 8 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have had the Honnor of Informing your Excellency the 28th. of last month, that Capt. Stephen Merchant of the Black Prince Cutter Privateer, was to sail in a few days, and in consequence of the Tenor of his Commission and Instructions, he had an Intention to Cruise on the Packet from Dover to Calais & from thence to Dover. I Persuaded him to differ sailing...
48241To 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...
48242To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 8 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recvd your Favour of the 1st Instant & shall do all I can for Mr Dubourg.— I have sent to Nantes for the amt of what I owe the Commrs & expect next Post to receive it when I shall settle with Mr Gourlade as you propose. I shall send Mr Bache the Things you order by the Chr de Luzerne— The 15 Louis to Mr Richards are to your Credit.— I beg your...
48243To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 9 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief En vous confirmant mes Lettres des 5 & 8 du court., je me hâte de vous rendre compte d’un entretien que je viens d’avoir avec N. A. Mrs. du College de l’Amte. d’Amst. sont venus ce soir chez Mrs. les Dep. de la Ville d’Amst., leur témoigner l’extrême embarras où ils se trouvent, quant au préavis que l’Amté. d’Hollde. doit...
48244To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, 9 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS : American Philosophical Society, Historical Society of Pennsylvania I enclose you an act of Congress of the 8th. of this Instant June, directing that Bills should be drawn upon you to the amount of three hundred and sixty thousand Livres Tournois for the purpose of importing Military Stores. I have accordingly drawn four setts, payable to the Honble: Henry Laurens, Francis Lewis, James...
48245To Benjamin Franklin from Stephen Sayre, 9 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have more Letters from some Gentlemen in London pressing the affairs relating to the present State of Ireland mentioned in my last. They assure me that nothing more is required than a small Fleet, under a proper person Commissioned from America. I therefore must beg your Excellency’s immediate Reply to the following questions. Do you think you can,...
48246To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, [before 10 June? 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We should have been extreemly happy, if Y: E: had granted us already the papers relating the Loan, to be in the terms we had reqúested, in case we could there on succeed to engage oúr Subscribers; for we should have gone already a great way and do no doúbt as we had the honoúr to observe; we should have offerd Y E a Sufficient summ to go on upon before...
48247To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Loring Austin, 10 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society I cannot omit the present favorable Opportunity by Capt Thompson, who proposes going himself to Paris, to return your Excellency my most sincere Thanks, for the many Civilities you were pleased to honor me with while in France— The important News I had the Honor of carrying to Passy, which operated so favorably for our Country, the Disposition of...
48248To Benjamin Franklin from Demezandré, 10 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Les Bontés que ma temoigné votre Excellence Dans le passage que javois demandé Sur la fregatte l’alliance et l’intèrest vif que je prends aux etats unis m’engage à vous donner avis que hiers matin 9. du Courant, il est entré le navire le Sartinne de st. malo Venant de charles Town en trente jours étant Sorty de ce port le 9 may. Un officier de ce Bord de...
48249To Benjamin Franklin from [Pierre-Ulric] Dubuisson, 10 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Lorsque je publiai, il y a six mois, l’abrégé de la révolution de L’Amérique Anglaise, j’eus l’honneur de vous en porter un exemplaire; n’ayant pas eu celui de vous trouver chez vous, je le laissai, avec mon adresse, à quelqu’un de vos gens, & j’ai toujours attendu depuis que vous voudriez bien me faire savoir s’il vous était parvenu. Quoique cet ouvrage...
48250To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 10 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Virginia Historical Society I had the Honor of writing to you the 30th. of March & 2d. of April last, requesting the favor of you to apply to the French Ministry for certain Canon, Arms & Ammunition for the State of Virginia; since which, I have not heard any thing from you on the Subject; you will therefore I hope excuse me for desiring to know,...