49501To Benjamin Franklin from Jan Ingenhousz, 3 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I hope you are not so entirely involved in the troublesome business of the world Politic, as to have abandon’d entirely the world of Nature, whose laws, made by the supreme wisdom are as constant, and inalterable as its Legislator himself. It would, indeed, be hard to me to concieve, that a man, a Philosopher so often and so successfully employed in researches of the...
49502Franklin: Answers to Queries from Dr. Ingenhousz, [after 3 May 1780] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress Question I. Answer By the Circumstances that have appear’d to me, in all the Jarrs that I have seen perforated at the Time of their Explosion, I have imagined that the Charge did not pass by those Perforations. Several single Jarrs that have broke while I was charging them, have shown, besides the Perforation in the Body, a Trace on both sides the Neck,...
49503From Benjamin Franklin to Duvivier, 4 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society J’ai montré les Epreuves de la Medaille à plusieurs Personnes, qui les ont trouvées bien, a l’exception des Lettres qui composent l’Inscription dans l’Exergue. Elles sont si irregulieres, que je vous prie de les corriger s’il est possible. J’ai l’honneur d’etre A M. du Vivier, Graveur du Roi aux Galeries du Louvre See Vote about the Medals—
49504From Benjamin Franklin to Simon-Pierre Fournier le jeune, 4 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society Je parle si mal François que je ne suis pas surpris de trouver que vous ne m’ayez pas bien compris relativement au Portrait que vous avez desiré. Quand j’ai fait Mention de M. du Plessis, c’etoit pour dire, qu’ayant fait un bon Portrait de moi en grand pour M. de Chaumont, votre Artiste pouvoit le Copier ce Portrait en Miniature pour vous. Mais comme...
49505To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, [4] May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Je ne manquerai pas de vous rendre compte de ce qui se passe ici. Vous avez bien raison d’appeller interessant ce qui S’y passe avec la Russie. C’est un grand coup, entr’autres pour l’Amérique: car à présent il est sûr que la Rep. ne pourra être entrainée dans cette guerre en faveur des Anglois, qui, d’ailleurs, par leur...
49506To Benjamin Franklin from James Lovell, 4 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot write with official authority nor have I time to enlarge now upon our public affairs owing to the particular Circumstances of the Mass: Delegation which forces me to attend in Congress and the Vessel will probably sail before our Adjournment this Afternoon. I refer you to the Journals & Gazettes together with Mr. Robert Mease’s Conversation. It is...
49507To Benjamin Franklin from Gabriel-Louis Galissard de Marignac: Bill for Benjamin Franklin Bache’s Schooling, [5 May–5 … (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society Monsieur Franklin doit pour la pension de Monsieur son petit fils depuis le 5e. May au 5e. 7bre 1780 £175.10.” Papier, encre plumes & cahiers 4. ”.” pr. racommoder ses bas 3. ”.” Une Médecine 1. ”.” pr. l’achat de 12. Mouchoirs 9.10.” pr. une ligne ”.12.” comptes à Mr. Aval 10.10. ” Prix des bonnes Notes ”.10.” pr. differens ports de lettres 5.”.”
49508To Benjamin Franklin from Sartine, 5 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 13. du mois dernier. D’après la Demande qui m’en a été faite par M. Le Ray de Chaumont, J’ai donné des ordres à Dunkerque pour faire remettre à la Disposition de son fondé de Procuration la Corvette La Cesse. De Scarboroug. Cette affaire est terminée depuis le 14 Janvier dernier ainsi vous...
49509To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 6 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je Souhaiterois beaucoup d’avoir de vos nouvelles, mais je pense que les affaires vous empechent de m’écrire, car sans cela je serois fort en peine, mais du moins je voudrois que mon cousin me donnât de vos nouvelles, et en même temps des siennes, ainsi que mon ami Cockran, je voudrois aussi avoir des nouvelles de mon papa et de ma mama. Je me porte très...
49510To Benjamin Franklin from the Board of Admiralty, 6 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives By the enclosed affidavits and protests you will perceive that James Robinson Esquire late commander of the continental Sloop Fly being dispossed of that sloop by a Majority of the Crew at Sea, was together with his Docter and Pilot put on board a Schooner called the Daphne bound from Providence to New York which schooner they also took possession of and carried her...
49511To Benjamin Franklin from Chantereyne, 6 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Jespere que votre excellence aura bien reçu par le dernier ordinaire, la procedure de MM. les officiers de lAmirauté de Cherbourg concernant la Prise hollandoise la flore Chargée pour Compte des Negts De Dublin, faite par Le Corsaire Americain le Black prince armé à Dunkerque, par M. J. Torris qui est parti depuis quelques jours pour Paris, & qui aura...
49512To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 6 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I wrote you the 18 April informing you of the Cloathing I had at different Times sent to Brest by M. de Chaumonts direction. I have since Advice that the said Cloathing arrived in Time but that the Transports were all full & Consequently but a small part is embarked. This being the Case I concluded not to send any more...
49513To Benjamin Franklin from Gourlade & Moylan, 8 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We have received a letter from Doctor Laurence Brooke late Surgeon of the Ship Bon Homme Richard, dated at Lisbon the 6th. ulto. extract of wch. we have the honor of transmiting you agreeable to his request. We are with the utmost respect Honord sir Your most obt. & most humble Servts Extract from Doctor Laurence Brooke’s Letter “I saild from Curuna the 10...
49514To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Pougens, 8 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoïer un paquet que je suis chargé de vous remettre. Le mauvais état de ma santé et de ma vüe m’empeche de venir vous le porter moi même, n’aïant pas la certitude que vous Soiés visible, voulés vous bien me fixer le moment où je pourrai Sans indiscrétion venir vous offrir mes respects et mon admiration. Je joins ici le plan d’un...
49515To Benjamin Franklin from Fournier, 9 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je Suis on ne Peut Plus Sensible au Cadot que vous voulez Bien me faire de Permettre aux Peintre de Prendre deux a trois Séances Pour avoir votre Portrait je me suis arrangé de Prix avec luy: je n’ai jamais compté, monsieur, que vous me Le fériés faire a vos Dépens, C’est Bien heureux Pour moi de L’avoir: quand il m’en couteroit 20. Louis je Les donnerais...
49516From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas White et al., 10 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 5th. Instant and am glad to hear that you are safely arrived at Dunkirk. But the Letter you mention of the 4th. April, is not yet come to hand, Though I have one of the 11th. from the french Consul at Bergen. He gives me such an Account of your good and prudent Conduct while there, as affords me great pleasure. I had complain’d in strong Terms...
49517From Benjamin Franklin to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received yours of the 18th. past and the 6. Inst. and approve of the steps you have hitherto taken to dispatch the Goods. It Grieves me to understand that the ships from Brest could not take them. At this distance from the Ports, and unacquainted as I am with such affairs, I know not what to advise about getting either that Cloathing, or the small arms and Powder at...
49518To Benjamin Franklin from Cabanis, 10 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mon pere qui me parle bien souvent de vous, Monsieur, ne Connait qu’une très petite partie de vos ouvrages, et voudrait avoir des Détails sur La Construction des Conducteurs pour garantir Les maisons de La foudre, et sur celle des para-tonnerre dont Les personnes se servent en Amérique. Je prends la Liberté de m’adresser à vous pour cela. Il m’est égal que...
49519To Benjamin Franklin from the First Medical Society in the Thirteen United States of America Since Their Independence … (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society A number of Reputable Physicians belonging to the States of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, having in May 1779 formed a Society by the name of the first Medical Society in the thirteen United States of America Since their Independence, and having lately had information of a Royal Medical Society in France Constituted by letters Patent of his most...
49520To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have been applied to by Capt Thomas Molloney an english Prisoner whose Case seems a hard one and in consequence of his earnest Sollicitations and the Desire of Messrs Galleweys of this Place I have promised to lay it before you. He was taken by Capt Jones off Ireland in a little Brig which he commanded, & he owned half...
49521To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 11 [May?] 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Je voulois vous écrire avant hiér mon bon papa; mr votre fils vint me voir et je le chargai de vous dire que je vous attendois hiér; hiér vos affaires vous ont empêchés de venir; aujourd’hui mon coeur Souffriroit trop s’il se refusoit au besoin de vous dire qu’il vous aime: aimér, le dire, avoir besoin d’éstre aimé, est d’une aussi grande nécéssité a l’éstre...
49522To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Millon, 11 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je m’apercois dans le moment que ma memoire me servit bien mal avant hier mardy 9. lorsque, dans la rüe de la Pelleterie ou vous vous trouviez, pour lEssay ratté d’une Pompe, je vous citay un passage de Diodore de sicille que j’estime appartenir a lElectricité. Je vous indiquois le XIIe. Livre de Cet historien, et Je me trompois. Cest le XIe. Livre,...
49523To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 11 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Library of Congress (two), National Archives; transcript: National Archives Mr. le Brn. de golz a fortement desiré, M, que je vous recommandasse M. darendt, officier prussien attaché au Service des Etats-unis, et je me porte d’autant plus volontiers à Satisfaire à La demande de ce Ministre, que vous vous ferez certainement un...
49524From Benjamin Franklin to the Judges of the Admiralty of Dunkirk, 12 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress By the Declaration and report to me made by the honble. Captain Cottineau de Kerloguen who commanded the Pallas frigatte in the late Cruise of the American Squadron under the Orders of the honble. Commodore John Paul Jones Esqre, Commissioned by the Congress of the United States of America, a Copy of which Declaration, verified by the said commodore, I here with send...
49525Franklin and Le Roy: Report on Lightning Rods at Strasbourg, 12 May 1780: résumé (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Académie royale des sciences, Paris Started between 1015 and 1028 in Romanesque style, the magnificent cathedral of Strasbourg underwent many transformations over the centuries. Around 1320, the intersection of nave and transept was marked by a Gothic construction resembling a bishop’s miter, hence called the Mitre . By 1365 the twin towers of the façade had been erected, and were...
49526To Benjamin Franklin from Gourlade & Moylan, 12 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed letter for Captain Jones contains a certify’d Copy of a delaration made by the Officers of the late ship of war Bonhomme Richard, at the Admiralty, regarding the Capture of the English ship Serapis, wch. he desird shou’d be immediately forwarded him. As we think it possible said letter might not overtake him at passÿ, we take the liberty of...
49527To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 12 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I reced in course your favor of the 11th Ultimo, the Substance of which I communicated immediately to the Board of Sick & Hurt, but as what may hereafter be determined upon depends in a great measure upon the French Minister, the Board were of Opinion it wou’d be better to wait those further explanations (which you promised to send to Mr Hartley per first...
49528To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 12 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress Dr. Hamilton had a letter for you some weeks ago; but I find him still in Holland. The bearer of this is of his party, & as Dr. Crawford gives him a character, I inclose the Drs. letter in case you should meet with him. By the present opportunity you have two packets from Dr. Jebb. The MS. he had prepared for another conveyance which he missed; and as I thought you...
49529To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron d’Arendt: Two Letters, 13 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
(I) AL : American Philosophical Society; (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Baron de Arendt a l’honneur de présenter Les trés humbles respects a Monsieur le Docteur Francklin et de Lui remettre une lettre de la part du Comte de Vergennes, crajnant que M. le Comte L’aura deja prevenû. Le Baron a attendû ce moment de reïterer sa demande en quéstion a M. le Docteur, pour ne l’importuner...
49530To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Poellnitz, 13 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Arivés dépuis quélques Jours à Bordeaux je n’ais plûs Dissimule le Désir que J’ai d’etre Comptés parmis Les Hommes Libres De L’amerique, & dépuis içi J’ai renvoyés à S.M. Le Roy De Prûsse ma Commission, & la Clef de Chambelan—a present je n’attens plûs que La Paix, pour m’embarquer pour MarieLand, ou Nd Caroline. En attendent, je prie Votre Exellençe de me...
49531To Benjamin Franklin from George Scott, 13 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself the pleasure to write you a few lines from hence on the 20th. Ultimo under cover to a friend of mine in Paris, in which I enclosed you, copy of a letter I had received from our mutual & very worthy friend Dr. Priestley to whom I wrote lately. The Same I hope has come regularly to your hands. I am in a very hopefull way of succeeding in my...
49532To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 13 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On my return Home I Paid Mr. Coffyn the 144 l.t. your Excellency has been so good to give the Bold De Letang. I Beseech your Excellency will no more advance any money to the People of our Privateers, as they are mostly Paid before hand for their Cruise, they being very extravagant in their Expences. I have Called at M: Le Duc De Penthievre’s & found the...
49533From Benjamin Franklin to Paul Bentalou, 15 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Buckskin not belonging to the United States, but to private Persons, I have no authority to order a Passage for you in that Ship, as you desire. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant Captain Bentalon, chez Mr. Changeur Negt. rue Rousselle à Bordeaux A captain in Pulaski’s Legion and close friend of his, he was wounded at Savannah,...
49534To Benjamin Franklin from [Julien-Pierre] Allaire, 15 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society On February 14, Peter Allaire had asked Temple Franklin to obtain from his grandfather a passport allowing him to leave for Brussels the following day. To Temple’s query at the bottom of the document, Franklin answered a large “No.” On the following morning, Allaire was arrested and taken to the Bastille, where he remained confined until May 24 under the...
49535To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Wharton, 15 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As a News paper of the 8th of April was received by Captain Montgomery, after He left Philadelphia, in which is published a curious, confidential Letter, dated the 30th of January, from General Clinton to Lord George Germaine, and as it gives a very agreable State of Facts, and Arguments, I send your Excellency a Copy of it, taken in a hurry by Captain...
49536To Benjamin Franklin from John Wheeler, 17 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was Born in Ireland, and brought up to the Sea. My Parents went to America & Setteled there, at the Commencement of this present War, I was then Up the Streights And Never Could get an Opertunety to go to America Sience the War, being Mostley Employed in the Norway Trade from Newry in Ireland. I was lately Taken in a Vessell belongeing to Dublin by a...
49537To Benjamin Franklin from Arendt, [before 18 May 1780]: résumé (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library <[before May 18, 1780], in French: While in the service of the Americans with the rank of Colonel, baron Arendt gave full satisfaction. He received one year’s leave to recover from an accident and spent a good part of it nurturing the Prussian government’s goodwill toward the American cause. Because [William] Lee detained him in Berlin on various...
49538From Benjamin Franklin to the Judges of the Admiralty of Vannes, 18 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives de la Marine By the declaration and report to me Made By the honourable Commodore Jones, a Copy of Which Declaration I here With Send you. It appears to me that the British Ship of War the Serapis therein mentioned to be met With, When Convoying a fleet of the Same Nation from the Baltick & taken By the Bonhomme Richard Which Was Commissioned By the Congress and Commanded By the...
49539Certificate for Arendt, [18 May 1780] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Colonel D’Arendt in the service of the United States of America, having had leave to come to Europe for the recovery of his health, and being about to return to his Duty, I do hereby certify at his request, such Captains or Owners of Ships as he may apply to for a Passage, that from his Character for Probity, and the Pay he must have due to him in America, I make no...
49540To Benjamin Franklin from Dumas, 19 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Algemeen Rijksarchief Quoique les Etats d’Hollande soient assemblés ici depuis 10 jours, il ne peut encore s’y passer rien d’interessant, jusqu’au retour de l’Exprès qui a porté à Petersbourg l’acceptation, faite par les Etats-Génx., des propositions de la Cour de Russie. En attendant l’on sait ici, par les Dépêches du Résident de la Rep. à...
49541To Benjamin Franklin from James Milne, 19 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I shall be much obliged to you if you will allow me a moment for an audience, and to fix the day when I may present myself to you at Passy. I have to solicit your attention upon objects which concern America. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect Sir, Your very humble & very obedient Servant Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / en son...
49542From Benjamin Franklin to the Royal Academy of Brussels, [after 19 May 1780] (Franklin Papers)
Passy, printed by Benjamin Franklin; AL : Chicago Historical Society; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress The Académie impériale et royale des Sciences et Belles-Lettres de Bruxelles did not, according to its own historians, produce a body of work of enduring value during its founding decade. It was formed in 1772 in an attempt to raise what had been a small literary society from a level...
49543From Benjamin Franklin to James Russell, Silvanus Grove and Osgood Hanbury, 20 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I have just received from his Excellency Thomas Sim Lee Governor of Maryland a Letter dated at Annapolis in Council the 4th. of January, requesting me to transmit to you the Copy of an Act (which I inclose accordingly) and to desire your immediate answer, whether you will transact the Business, sell out the Stock, & accept and pay the Bills drawn in pursuance of the...
49544To Benjamin Franklin from John Torris, 20 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have had the Honnor to write your Excellency on the 13th. Inst. relative to the Prise Flora Capt. Roodenberg, & on the Titles in your Hands which Prove that the Brig Friendship Capt. Pretty John, & Schooner Peter Capt. Thos. Byrne, were maned by British Subjects, therefore were English Bottoms & subject to Condamnation favour of the Captor; & I hope your...
49545To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 20 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library; copy: Yale University Library I have duely received your Favour of 10th Instant & have kept it by me some time in hopes of being able to give some satisfactory answer to it, but I have not yet found any way of getting the Goods out unless I were to buy a Ship and fit her for the Purpose, this would undoubtedly be the most eligible Plan if Funds were...
49546From Benjamin Franklin to Poellnitz, 21 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 13th. Inst. I think your determination is prudent, to wait for a Peace, in order to make your Voyage to america. The Inconvenience of being taken by the Enemy, is too great to hazard with your Lady and Family. Be pleased to make my Respects acceptable to her, and believe me to be, with great Regard, and...
49547To Benjamin Franklin from Achille-Guillaume Lebègue de Presle, 21 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je prie votre Excellence de recevoir mes remercimens du renvoy que m’a fait mr Grand des Livres de Londres venus sous votre nom; et mes excuses d’avoir differé jusqu’a ce jour a m’acquitter de ce devoir. Le retard a ete causé par mon deplacement qui m’a donné des occupations pressantes et des distractions de toute espece. Les soins de mon depart, au moment...
49548To Benjamin Franklin from Edme-Jacques Genet, 21 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai remis, Monsieur, à Mgr. le Cte. de Vergennes une traduction de la piece en langue angloise ci jointe. Le ministre m’a ordonné de vous en envoyer une copie que je joins pareillement ici, avec quelques gazettes Américaines, en attendant les autres que je vous ferai passer Successivement. J’ai l’honeur d’etre avec un sincere attachement Monsieur Votre...
49549To Benjamin Franklin from Arendt, 22 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Baron de Arendt présente Ses trés humbles rêspects et répéte Ses adieux a Monsieur Le Docteur Francklin, il est trés mortifié d’être obligé de l’incommoder encore car il n’aime pas d’être a charge à quelqu’n, mais se trouvant dans la plus grande peine par le refus que M. Le Docteur lui fit hier, il L’invite d’avoir la complaisance de dire seulement au...
49550From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Huntington, 22 May 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives; copy: Library of Congress The Baron d’Arendt, Colonel in the Armies of the United States, having express’d to me his Desire of returning to the Service in America, tho’ not entirely cur’d of the Wound which occasioned his Voyage to Europe, I endeavour’d to dissuade him from the Undertaking. But he having procured a Letter to me from M. De Vergennes, of...