51321To Benjamin Franklin from William Alexander, 15 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 268–9. I told you last time I had the pleasure of seeing you at Passy, that I would make a trip to London, but had no notion it would be so soon. On coming to town last evening, I found such pressing letters that I propose setting off this evening or...
51322From Benjamin Franklin to William Alexander, 15 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress I thank you for informing me of your intended Journey. You know so well the prevailing Sentiments here, and mine in particular, that it is unnecessary for me to express them; and having never been believ’d on that side the Water, it would be useless. I will say, however, that I think the Language you mention, very proper to be held, as it is the Truth; tho’ the...
51323From Benjamin Franklin to Edmund Burke, 15 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Sheffield Central Library; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I did myself the honour of writing to you about two Months since. I have not heard whether that Letter was receiv’d; and being told that a Packet Boat was lost about that time, I fear it miscarried, and therefore send a Copy. With great Respect, I am, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant, Endorsed: Dr....
51324From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 15 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted in William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 269. I received your favour of September 26, containing your very judicious proposition of securing the spectators in the opera and play-houses from the danger of fire. I communicated it where it might be useful. You will see by the inclosed that the subject...
51325From Benjamin Franklin to William Hodgson, 15 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : William L. Clements Library; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress It being long since I have had the Pleasure of hearing from you, & understanding that a Packet Boat has been lost; I fear some of my late Letters may have miscarried, and therefore send the above Copies. With great Regard, I am, Dear Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant Hodgson’s last extant letter, written...
51326From Benjamin Franklin to Georgiana Shipley, 15 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Library of Congress I imagine the good Family is by this time establish’d in London for the Winter. The Bearer Mr Alexander, will give you an Opportunity of acquainting me how they do, as he returns immediately. It is therefore I write this Line by him, which I cannot lengthen, having too Short a Notice of his Departure. It may serve at the same time to inform you, who I know...
51327To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Saint-Auban, 15 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Vous nous avez fait l’honneur, Monsieur, de nous promettre a m. de st. auban et a moy que Vous nous feriez celuy de venir diner avec nous a notre retour de la campagne que nous avons quittée depuis 15. Jours. M. de st. auban n’auroit pas laissé passer ce temps, sans vous aller rappeller cette promesse s’il n’en eut eté empesché par un gros rhume. Dans la...
51328From Benjamin Franklin to Castries, 16 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete copy: Library of Congress Le Major Franks qui a eu l’honneur de vous presenter ma Lettre du huit du mois passé est allé par mes ordres à Brest pour y attendre une Occasion pour s’en retourner en Amerique, sur l’Esperance que vous avez bien voulu me donner de lui accorder cette permission, sur le premier des Bâtiments de Sa Majesté qui partiroit pour ce Pays. Cet officier m’écrit...
51329To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 16 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society I have at last recieved Letters from Mr. Dana. Mr. Sayer arrived in town yesterday with Letters to me, and dispatches for Congress, which I shall transmit by the best opportunity. Three days before I had recieved a Letter which came by Sea, but had been almost four Months upon the passage. Mr. Dana appears to be...
51330To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte d’Estaing, 16 December 1781 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Le Cte. d’Estaing a l’honneur d’assurer Monsieur franklin de son Respect. Comme il compte avoir l’honneur de diner avec lui demain Lundi chez Madame la Douairiere des Deux-Ponts et qu’il s’est fait assurer qu’elle N’avoit pas Vû la piece nouvelle à la Comedie Françoise, il demande la permission d’offrir pour le même Jour une place dans une Loge à Monsieur...