48301To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Sarsfield, 23 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M De sarsfield Envoie Savoir des Nouvelles de Monsieur franklin et le prier de lui faire Lhonneur de diner demain chez lui avec Made la duchesse d’Enville. Elle n’est a paris que pour fort peu de Jours et Monsieur franklin aura peu d’occasions de la voir parce qu’elle y est Sans Sa maison. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin Ministre / plenipotentiaire...
48302To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 23 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer le memoire que le Sieur deguis prisonnier en Angleterre vous adressé et qui s’est trouvé souscrit à mon adresse. J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec la Consideration la plus distinguée votre tres humble et très obeissant Serviteur. Missing. The prisoner may have been Charles-Antoine Guez, a young surgeon BF had once recommended: XXIII...
48303Invitation to an Independence Day Celebration, [before 24 June 1779] (Franklin Papers)
D : American Philosophical Society Franklin’s celebrated press at Passy has left surprisingly few traces beyond the now-rare imprints which were its products, and even those are sometimes impossible to date. No one knows precisely when the press was established, or from whence Franklin procured the initial printing equipment. We do know that he had met Jean-François Fournier fils in the summer...
48304To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 24 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Je fus mardi au soir chez notre Ami. Nous nous félicitames réciproquement du grand événement qui vient d’avoir lieu. Quant à l’Affaire des Convois, les deux Villes privilégiées (who, as I have said already, have reason to sit down contented) ne peuvent rien de plus, que d’appuyer les villes souffrantes: c’est donc le tour...
48305To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley: Two Letters, 24 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) transcript: Library of Congress I shall hope soon to have an opportunity of writing to you by a private hand, & shall defer what I have to say till that opportunity. In the mean time let me only tell you that I am still of the same opinion that I have always held that there is not yet any alienation between the nations of GB & NA. I think likewise that what has passed in the way...
48306To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Holtzendorff, 24 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I think it incumbent on myself to inform you, that yesterday in the after noon I found young Mr. cocheran quit Sick, possessed by a very strong Feever, which I fear may be the Effect, or consequence, of an accident, called in french, un Effort , he proved, so told me Mr. Le coeur, on thursday last week. His father, very much estimed, I believe, by yourself,...
48307To Benjamin Franklin from Edmund Jenings, 24 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Have the Honor of receiving your Excellency’s obliging Invitation to Dinner, in order to celebrate the Anniversary of the Declaration of American Independancy, which I should accept of with the greatest Pleasure, if I was not setting out on my intended Tour. I shall Keep the Day in my remembrance & Concur with you in wishing perpetual Liberty & Happiness...
48308To Benjamin Franklin from Thompson, Farley & Co., 24 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Dr. Busch who came from England the beginning of May took charge of a Small parcell with some letters and papers given him by Mr Thompson at Dover to be delivered us here, where he proposed coming after paying his Respects to you at Passy. Since that time we have been in daily expectation of seeing him but without Success; we therefore are under the...
48309To Benjamin Franklin from C——, 25 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your Letter of the 17 April gave me infinite Pleasure & I am more exceedingly obliged to you for the very kind reception you gave my Son, as well as your warm commendations of him. I wish this detestable war was at an End, that Friends who love each other might cordially meet & embrace, & I am sure you wish you could put an End to it. All your Friends here...
48310To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Digges, 25 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I am happy to inform You that I have found out Mr. Peters after I had given over hopes of Him & supposing Him dead. He desires of me to place the remittance intended for him in the hands of Messrs. Fuller & Co. Bankers in London to whom I have applyd to accept my bill on You for the one hundred pound you limit Me to go to, but they being unusd to...
48311To Benjamin Franklin from John Green, 25 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I sailed from Philada: 2nd. May last Commander of a new Brigt: named the Nesbitt bound to France laden’d with Tobacs. and on the 1st of June before day light fell in with a British Cruzer of 18 six Pounderes about 23 Leauges to the Westward of Bell Ilse who overpowered us with sail & Took and carryed us into Falmouth, on the 13th Inst: made my Escape and...
48312To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bennett Lloyd, 25 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg pardon for giving you this trouble but as the enclosed Letter is of some consequence to the writer of it, I take the liberty of placing it under your care—. Mr. Stephenson is the Gentleman who waited on you at Passy about eighteen months ago— He is a Friend to our Country and a particular Friend of mine— I flatter myself I shall be favoured with a...
48313To 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...
48314To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Steele, 25 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The political difference between our Nations, can not make me forget or suspend the Affection & Esteem that grew out of an acquaintance with private worth: I therefore take the opportunity of conveying to you, by the favour of Ser. Anduaga secretary of the Spanish Embassy, my friendly & Affectionate Respects: And tho’ I must suppose you are much employed in...
48315To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 26 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Captain John Green arrived here the 23d Inst. to which port he had been carried by a privateer that took him on his passage from Philadelphia, he destroy’d all his Letters & papers these miscarriages cruelly suspend the execution of the proposed Operations of our friends on the other side whose disapointments as well as Loss’s come heavy. A Courier from...
48316To Benjamin Franklin from the Duchesse de Deux-Ponts, 26 [June] 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je fait demander a Monsieur francklin des Nouvelles de sa santes, ses ordres pour Lalemagne, et La Lorraine, et sil a recue Les Ciseaux que jai eut Lhoneur de Lui envoyér il y a quelques jour Addressed: a monsieur / Monsieur francklin / Ministre des etats unis / a La Cour de france / a passis She had sent the scissors mentioned in this letter on Sunday,...
48317To Benjamin Franklin from John G. Frazer, 26 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You will please to excuse me for taking the liberty of inclosing to you a Letter from one of our unfortunate countrymen, now a prisioner at Aix in Provence, he wou’d be very happy to obtain his liberty and return to his native Country, (Virginia) he is a young Gentleman of very good Family and Fortune in that Country—and is very capable of rendering some...
48318To Benjamin Franklin from Ralph and Alice Izard, 26 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. & Mrs. Izard present their Compliments to Dr. Franklin, & will have the honour of waiting on him to dinner on Monday the 5th. of July.— Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis de l’Amerique / à Passy.— In the husband’s hand.
48319To Benjamin Franklin from Le Couteulx & Cie., 26 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons l’honneur de vous remettre avec la presente une lettre de Mrs. P: M: de Murquia et Isidore de la Torre Membres de la Compie. des Assurances de Cadiz. Quoique nous pensions inutile de joindre nos Sollicitations a celles de ces Messieurs pour vous determiner a acquiescer a leur demande, nous venons vous prier de vouloir bien appuier leurs...
48320To Benjamin Franklin from Arthur Lee, 26 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr A. Lee returns his Compts to Dr. Franklin; & will have the honor of waiting upon him on the 5th. of July. Mr Lee will be very much obligd to Dr. Franklin, if he will order an authenticated copy to be made for him, of the Letter, from the Commissioners, to Count de Vergennes, on the agreement with Hortalez & Co., dated Passi Sepr. 10th. 1778 with a copy of...
48321To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Montgomery, 26 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I find Myself under the Necessety of Troubling your Excellency to Inform you, that Notwithstanding I have Every time that the foraigne Merchants Established here ware Called by the Governour to Declare of what Nation they ware, always declared and Subscribed Myself a Subject of the Thirteen United States of North America yet Yesterday on A proclamation of...
48322To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Petrie, 26 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Petrie presents his Compliments to Dr: Franklin &, if he is able, will have the honour of waiting on him, Monday se’nnight. Addressed: Son Excellence le Ministre / Plenipotentiare des Etats Unis / de l’Amerique. For the Scottish merchant see our annotation of BF ’s March 14 letter to Oliver. I.e. , on Monday, July 5, for the Independence Day celebration.
48323From Benjamin Franklin to the Duchesse de Deux-Ponts, [after 26 June 1779] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): University of Pennsylvania Library I received my dear Friend’s kind Present of the Scissors, which are exactly what I wanted, & besides their Usefulness to me have a great additional Value by the Hand from which they came. It is true that I can now neither walk abroad nor write at home without having something that may remind me of your Goodness towards me; you might have added,...
48324To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbés Chalut and Arnoux, 27 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Les abbés Chalut et Arnoux assurent de leur respect Monsieur franklin, ils auront l’honneur de se rendre à son invitation pour Celebrer l’heureuse et éternelle independence de l’amerique. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur franklin Ministre / plenipotentiaire des états / unis d’Amerique / à Passy Elderly friends of the American cause ( XXV , 382), replying to...
48325To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 27 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Virginia Historical Society By the Letter you did me the Honor to write to me the 17th. instant, I perceive you are still under a mistake relative to the Contract made with D’Acosta & Co.— There never was to my knowlege any Contract made with that house for the same things that I requested you to apply for to the French Ministry on account of the...
48326“The Morals of Chess”, [before 28 June 1779] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from The Columbian Magazine , I (December, 1786), 159–61; incomplete copy: American Philosophical Society Franklin and chess have long been associated in the popular mind largely because of this bagatelle, which was the most widely reprinted product of his Passy press. Made public for the first time in 1786, it would be reprinted at least a dozen times by the end of the century, and...
48327To Benjamin Franklin from Barbeu-Dubourg, 28 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous renvoyer cy joint votre manuscrit sur la morale des echecs dont j’ai gardé copie, que j’enverrai au 1er. jour a imprimer dans le journal de Paris, si vous ne vous hâtez de me le defendre. Et apres en avoir laissé gouter au public le plaisir pur, je pourrai bien le lendemain ou surlendemain le faire suivre de mes petites reflexions,...
48328To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Coffin, 28 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Refer your Excellency to Mr Sayers Letter Which he Says will apologize for my Addressing you: Tho I am Conscious that a disposition to Render To Our Country, is always Sufficient ground for it. I have myself been made a Prisoner & it may Soon Be my Lot Again Consequntly I feel most Sensibly The Superiority of the English at Sea. It is Therfore With Great...
48329To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 28 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We hope yoúr Excellency may have approved of the plan of the Loan which we had the honoúr to convey by oúr last; or that we may come to some alterations, which should prove agreable and practicable at the same time, bútt we heard the former loan should not you be shúre, before we should attempt to any further measúres this we should be glad to know exactly,...
48330To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 28 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I send under Cover the News Paper, and learn by several Letters, which I received yesterday from London, That the Ministry and People were under very great Apprehensions of an Invasion, and the Destruction of their Commerce. One of our Friends writes me, That Orders were dispatched to Sir Charles Hardy to return immediately with the Fleet under his Command;...
48331To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, [after 28 June 1779] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Will yoúr Excellency give me leave to transcribe at the foot of the present the latest important news we gott here from the Continent if she knew it already, She will excúse ús Zeal from the pleasúre we natúrally felt on the Arrivall of two bottoms from oúr frends in those qúarters, we have seven Sail in oúr harboúr and some more are dayly expected; may we...
48332To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Amiel, 29 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Capt: Jones haveing granted me leave of absence for to stay at L’Orient: to settle my private Affairs; since his departure, Monsieur De Chaumont has been so kind as to offer me appartements in his Chateau, this Sir is to beg it as perticular favor that you’l be so kind as to extend my leave for his Place. I am Honored Sir your Respectfull Humble Servant...
48333To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 29 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Refering to what I had the honor to write you last post this serves only to advise you that in consiquence of my engagements that become due in the course of next month for the fifty six pieces of artillery I have drawn in favor of Messieurs Bory freres & Co at four Months from this day for ninteen Thousand eight hundred Livres in the following Sums 29 June...
48334To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Gillon, 29 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Letters lately recd. from So. Carolina I am well acqd. with its Situation & therefore take the liberty to address your Excellency thereon requesting you will weigh how far America is Interested in that States success or misfortunes & that if the Object you have in view for the Continental Ships & Vessels of War in Europe is not superior to that of the...
48335To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 29 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; transcript: Library of Congress In the course of a negotiation lately on foot I had at one time entertained hopes of Success. I am still inclined to hope that something is gained, perhaps in the minds of men, wch may hereafter serve as a reference to form some future basis of accommodation upon, when a more fortunate hour may come. You understand that...
48336To Benjamin Franklin from Cradock Taylor, 29 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I make no doubt but by this time Mr. Frazer has acquainted Your Excerlency in what Manner I came into the British Navy but for fear he Shod. not I take the liberty to Acquaint you that I was against my Inclination taken out of a Nuteral Vessel & Compeld. to serve his Britanick Majesty. I Now embrace this oppertunity of Returning to my Native Cuntry America...
48337To Benjamin Franklin from “Daniel Thomson”, 29 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania We natives of America, and, from one cause or other, residing in this city, have formed ourselves into a weekly society: and as the result of our last meeting seems to us of great national importance; it was unanimously resolved, to have the whole that passed upon the subject, laid before your Excellency, as the proper channel for procuring the...
48338To Benjamin Franklin from Alexandre-Henry-Guillaume le Roberger de Vausenville, 29 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai eu lhonneur de vous envoyer un exemplaire de mon ouvrage intitulé: Essai Physico-géomètrique sur la quadrature du cercle dont le texte imprimé est ci-joint. C’est M. le Roux au colege de boncourt a qui je lai remis & qui s’est chargé de vous le faire parvenir. Jespere qu’il s’en sera acquitté; mais sil l’avoit oublié, je me ferois un vrai plaisir de...
48339To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 29 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copy: Yale University Library; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I herewith send you two Invoices—the first for Goods Shipped by your order on Acct & risque of Gr Green of Rhode island on board the three Friend. Capt Colman amounting to £936.12 s. The Second for sundrys for Mrs Bache which you desired me to send with M De Luzernes Baggage (as the three Friends was taken up to Carry...
48340From Benjamin Franklin to John Paul Jones, 30 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; copies: National Archives, Library of Congress Being arrived at Grois, you are to make the best of your Way, with the Vessels under your Command, to the West of Ireland; and establish your Cruise on the Orcades, the Cape of Dirneus, and the Dogger Bank: in order to take the Ennimies Property in those Seas. The Prizes you may make, send to Dunkirk, Ostend, or Bergen in...
48341To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 30 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society My last of the 24th. inst. gives you an account of what passed the same day in the Assembly of Holland. The following day, they resumed , as they call it, the resolution, & confirmed it; which being done the States separated, & will not meet before the end of July, in ordinary meeting. My intention was to set out Sunday, but finding myself not very well, I...
48342To Benjamin Franklin from “Comte” Julius de Montfort de Prat, 30 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society C’est avec la satisfaction la plus sensible que J’accepte L’invitation gratieuse de Votre Exçellence de célébrer avec Elle L’anniversaire De nôtre glorieuse et éternelle indépendance; J’ay L’honneur D’être avec un profond respect de vôtre Exçellence, Monsieur, Le très humble et très obéissant Serviteur Addressed: à / Son Exçellence Le Docteur Franclin /...
48343To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 30 June 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honnour to address your Excellency a Copy of the Particulars of the Cruise of the Black Prince Cutter Capt. Stephen Marchant, per Letter from him dated Morlaix 23d. Inst., received yesterday— The 21 Prisonners He put on shoare at the disposal of your Excellency in Morlaix, you’ll be Please to order Immediatly what you are pleased to do with them....
48344Editorial Note on Franklin’s Accounts, 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Of the accounts discussed throughout the French period, the following still apply: VI, XII, XIII, XVI, XVII, XIX, XXI–XXIII. We offer here a summary of entries which have not found a place elsewhere in our annotation, but which provide insights into Franklin’s private and public life during the course of this volume. Account VI ( XXIII , 21) records an Oct. 13 payment of 32 l.t. for Franklin’s...
48345To Benjamin Franklin from Rodolphe-Ferdinand Grand, 1 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Pour Celebrer LIndependance il faut etre Independant Et la mauvaise Etoille de Mr. Grand ne lui permet pas de l’etre, par des Engagemens pour ce jour la, qu’il ne lui est pas possible de rompre. Il prie monsieur Le Docteur Franklin, d’en agreer touts ses regrets, Et d’etre persuadé qu’il ne la Celebrera pas moins, in petto. Addressed: a monsieur / Monsieur...
48346To Benjamin Franklin from John Hay, Jr., 1 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society After the trouble already given to Your Excellency You may perhaps think it extraordinary to receive more from the same quarter— What I neglected mentioning to You when I waited on Your Excellency this morning was the strong desire the Concerned (in the expedition to which You have granted Your protection) have to know Your Excellency’s opinion of the...
48347To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 1 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): National Archives; copies: Library of Congress, United States Naval Academy On the 19th. Ulto. the American Squadron under my command, consisting of the Bon homme Richard of 42 Guns, the Alliance of 36 Guns, the Pallas of 30 Guns, the Cerf of 18 Guns and the Vengeance of 12 Guns, sailed from hence with a Convoy of Merchant Ships and Transports...
48348To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library My Trial comes on tomorrow at 9 oClock.— As your Letter impowering these Gentlemen to examine my accot was addressed to all, and as according to the old saying “what ought to be taken care of by many is generaly taking care of by nobody” I apprehend this Letter is either mislaid, or perhaps left in the Hands of some one of the...
48349To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 2 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Dhorman of Lisbon whose distinguish’d conduct at that City in favor of America and americans from whom I have received many personal accounts by them who stand indebted to his services, having the honor of receiving his vissit in his road thro’ this City for Paris I take the liberty of giving him the present to serve him as an introduction to your...
48350To Benjamin Franklin from John G. Frazer, 2 July 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Inclosed is a Letter I recd from Mr. Geo: Anderson a young Gentleman of Virginia who was taken in a Vessell of his own by an English cruizer & carried into Lisbon, where he now is, at the House of Mr. Arnold Henry Dohrman the bearer of this, and who will have the Honour of delivering it to you himself. This Gentleman has been a particular Friend to all our...