51331To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 10 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society Your Favour of October 5. is just now brought to me, and I beg your Excellency to accept of my Thanks for your Congratulations on my Recovery, which is however, as yet but imperfect. I am much Surprized to find, So many appearances, which Seem to Shew that certain neutral Powers of whose Sagacity and great Spirit, the World had formed an high...
51332To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library This will be presented to you by Mr Foster March Penny the son of one of my Friends in Boston. His Fathers Estate lies in the Island of Jamaica and He desires me to send this young Gentleman to London whence he is to embark for that Island. I take the Liberty of reccommending Mr Penny to your friendly notice while in Paris, and I request you to assist...
51333From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 12[–16] October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society I received the Letter your Excellency did me the honour of writing to me the 4th. Instant. I have never known a Peace made, even the most advantageous, that was not censured as inadequate, and the Makers condemn’d as injudicious or corrupt. Blessed are the Peacemakers , is I suppose to be understood in the other World: for in this they are more frequently...
51334From Benjamin Franklin to Madame Brillon, 12 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Je reçois hier au soir la precieuse Lettre de ma chere fille, datée à Lyon le 6e. & je renvoyois tout de suite celle qui a été incluse pour Made le Veillard. Vous vous plaignez de nous que vous n’aviez pas de nos Nouvelles. C’est que nos Lettres sont envoyées à Nice, pour vous rencontrer là, ou j’espere que vous serez bientôt, afin d’y vous reposer aprés les...
51335To Benjamin Franklin from John Foulke, 12 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As a child of Science, & a person who owes to you a protection & numberless attentions during my Stay at Paris which will do me profit & honor all my life—I feel toward you more than that duty & veneration which would be due to a natural parent for such obligations— Those advantages afforded me by the many learned & honorable acquaintances wh. which your...
51336To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 12 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having occasion to be absent a few days on business, I gave orders to reply to the Letter you honor’d me with of the 14th Ulto: & concluded untill this day, it had been duly answer’d.— My surprize & vexation was extreme to find it had not. One of the Packets for America, I have forwarded by the Ship Anne, Captain Josiah, who sail’d the 3d Inst., the other...
51337Certification of a Deed, [12 October 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society I the underwritten do hereby certify, that the within Writing appears to me to be a genuine Deed, being in all the Forms customary in Philadelphia, where it purports to have been executed. Based on a certificate d’Autun himself had drafted in French for BF to use as a model. It began by asserting that the signature of John Miller, “un des Juges de paix pour...
51338To Benjamin Franklin from Alexander Gillon, 14 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Two ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honour of addressing Your Excellency the 30th. Past since when we have refitted our Ship as well as the conveniencies of this Port & Circumstances would admit, & have now our Supplies on board paid for, by part of the State of South Carolina’s effects on board, & the Ballance in Your Accepted Bills which I was happy enough to pass...
51339To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [c. 14 October 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mon illustre Docteur avez vous beaucoup de monde à dîner aujourdhui dites moi le Sans façon parceque si vous n’en aviez pas beaucoup Je vous demanderois à dîner pour ces Dames qui glorieuses de vous connoître et s’en allant ce Soir à Paris souhaiteroient de passer encore quelques momens avec vous. J’imagine et J’espere que la Jeunesse de Monsieur votre petit...
51340To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 14 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Yale University Library The Interuption given to the Progress of Learning, the Distresses which the several Seminaries in this Country, have undergone, the various lucrative Employments, to which Masters, and Tutors, have been invited, in the Progress of the present War; are Circumstances, which operate powerfully to the Disadvantage, of the...
51341From Benjamin Franklin to Edmund Burke, 15 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and two copies: Sheffield Central Library; two copies: Library of Congress I received but a few days ago your very friendly Letter of August last, on the Subject of General Burgoyne. Since the foolish Part of Mankind will make Wars from time to time with each other, not having Sense enough otherwise to settle their Differences, it certainly becomes the wiser Part, who cannot prevent those...
51342From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 15 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères I have just received a Letter from Corunna of which I take the Liberty of enclosing a Translation. Your Excellency will see by it, that you formed a right Judgment of Gillon’s Intention in leaving behind him the Vessels that he had agreed to take under his Convoy, viz. That instead of going directly to America, he would Cruise for his own...
51343To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 15 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am got thus far on my Journey, much fatigued by the Vehicle in which we travelled; We set off from Paris at 12 the Night I left you, & have been, ’till an hour ago, on the Road to this Place. No stopping for Sleep, & no means of taking any in so Rough a Machine. It is the first, & I hope will be the last time, I shall ever climb into such a Thing. I made,...
51344To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Petry, 15 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Je m’empresse de faire hommage a votre Excellence, des nouvelles que vient de m’envoyer un frere que j’ai en Amerique et qui a le bonheur de travailler avec notre Armée au grand ouvrage de la liberté que vous preparés a votre Pays: Je me flatte qu’il se rendra digne des bontés que vous avés eues pour lui a la recommandation de M. l’abbé de Chalut et de...
51345To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Thibouzet: Poem: résumé, 15 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AD : American Philosophical Society <Rue Jean-Robert, hôtel d’Estrées, Paris, October 15, 1781, in French: Thibouzet dedicates to Franklin three pages of rhymed couplets, unequal in length and erratic in spelling. The poet wishes to rally a discouraged America, unhappy victim of more than four centuries of tyrannical oppression. He praises France as America’s courageous defender and Franklin...
51346From Benjamin Franklin to William Jackson, 16 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I received yours of Sept. 26. from Corunna. The Conduct of Gillon tho’ it provokes does not surprise me. I have not yet the second Letter you promise me, but in the mean time have wrote to Mr Jay & have obtain’d a Letter from M. le Comte de Vergennes to the French Ambassador at Madrid, requesting them to assist you in what they can, for securing the...
51347From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 16 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Columbia University Library; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I received yours by Major Franks, which I shall answer fully per Saturday’s Post. The Letters you sent me of Capt. Gillon & Mr. Searle, give me, as you expected, abundance of Chagrin. I am afraid that Gillon will loiter at Corunna as he did at Amsterdam, and sell the Goods of the United States as he did those of the...
51348To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 16 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I beg leave to refer to the letter I had the honour of addressing your Excellency the 24th. Sepber. last, per which I Sent two receipts for £.672.—.— paid to Sundry american prisoners, and advised your Excellency of my draft for £.1530. 3. 9. in favour of Vandenyver freres & Cie. A Severe attack of the gout which has kept me confined to my room for near...
51349To Benjamin Franklin from Dorcas Montgomery, 17 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs. Montgomerys Respectful Compliments wait on Doctr. Franklin. and takes the liberty of Introducing Her Son. As fatigue & a Slight Indisposition prevents Her paying Her Compliments to the Doctr. at present, flatters Her self with having that Honor in a few Days, Her Compts. attend Mr. W— Franklin. Addressed: His Exellency / Benjn. Franklin Esqr / Passy...
51350To Benjamin Franklin from Margaret Stewart, 17 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mrs Stewart’s Respectfull Compliments attend Dr Franklin she wrot to Calais the day after she had the honor of Seeing him; for a Copy of the Work, as Mr Wallop; Lord Portsmouths Brother had one that was not paid for; but she hears, he has left Calais; therefore has wrot to England for one, which was bound for a Younge gentleman, that is dead; the berrer of...
51351From Benjamin Franklin to Gabriel Johonnot, 18 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Enclosed is a Letter I have just receiv’d for you under my Cover from Sweden. There is another for your Son which I shall forward. I suppose you have heard of his safe arrival at Geneva, & of his Welfare, of which he has acquainted me. I would advise you not to depend in the least on obtaining a Passage in a Ship of War. The Permitting them to take Passengers is found...
51352To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 18 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society Thomas Beer, with his Wife and two small Children came to my House this forenoon, and presented me a Letter from Mr. Coffyn of Dunkirk of the 2d. of Octr, recommending Beer to me as a Person who had been obliged to fly from England, for having assisted American Prisoners to escape; and inclosing a Copy of a...
51353To Benjamin Franklin from William Temple Franklin, 18 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Notwithstanding I left Orleans on Tuesday Morg, I did not get here ’till this Day at 11 .00— The shortness of the Days, & the Loire being at this Time extreamly low, occasioned our being so long on the Water: there are so many Sand Banks in the River that it was impossible for us to proced but from Sunrise to sunset: & notwithstanding; our Boat often got on...
51354To Benjamin Franklin from Martha Johnson, 18 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take this opertunity to write to Return you my most Humble thanks for your kind favor which was of grate sarvis to me in my Dredfull Distress which is out of my power to Describ. I had Ben in a Bad state of Health all the winter with a slow Nervous fevor and had Ben in the Country for 2 or 3 weeks which was of grate sarvis to me. I had Ben at home But a...
51355To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 19 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; AL (draft [partial]): Yale University Library The Gentleman who brings you this, I beleive you are acquainted with, as I have often heard him speak of you, he has been obliging enough to call on me, and has promised to deliver my letters into your own hands, Mr Morris’s Sons go under his care to Geneeva, how delighted little Benjamin will be to have...
51356To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine W. Livingston, 19 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Not long since I had the pleasure of forwarding a letter from my Father to your Excellency, but as the casualties attending the receipt of letters in War time are many, it may not reach you Sir before this, if at all— And being furnished with a very favorable opportunity by the gentleman who will honor me with the care of this, I hope you will excuse...
51357From Benjamin Franklin to Palteau de Veimerange, 20 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I received the Letter you did me the Honour of writing to me the 16th Instant, inclosing the Invoice of some Clothing shipt by M. Leray de Chaumont on board the Themis Capt. Griffet, & which he offers for Sale, if it should be agreable to purchase them as a Part of the Supplies you are now providing for the United States, on which you desire my Opinion....
51358To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 20 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honor the 4 Instant to write you and to request you would favor me with a Commission for the Brig Sally Capt James Tucker which I flatterd myself to have receiv’d in Course of Post and as the Armament is greatly advanct and will soon be ready to proceed on her intended Voyage I take the liberty to renew my Application praying you will please to...
51359To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon with a Note from Jacques Brillon de Jouy, 20 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu a mon arrivée ici mon bon papa votre léttre du 1er octobre, elle m’a fait un sensible plaisir, j’y ai retrouvé des marques de votre amitié, et une teinte de cétte gayeté et de cétte galanterie qui fais que toutes les fémmes vous aiment parceque vous les aimés toutes; votre proposition de me portér sur vos aisles si vous étiés l’ange gabriél m’a...
51360To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 20 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Celuy qui s’Est Recomandé De Ma part aupres De Vous Mon Cher Docteur Sous le nom De st. Jean Est Le même que Celuy dont j’ay Eû L’honneur de Vous parler sous Le nom de Crevecoeur que porte son pere Dont je suis L’amie Depuis plus De Vingt Cinq ans. Comme Le fils n’habitait pas ce paÿs cy je n’ay de luy aucunne Connaissance personnelle mais j’En ay toujours...
51361To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 20 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy and transcript: National Archives Congress having lately thought it adviseable to alter the arrangement of their great executive departments, & to desolve the boards & committees under whose direction they formerly were, I am to inform you that they have done me the honor to appoint me their Secretary for foreign affairs. In which capacity...
51362To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas McKean, 20 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Delaware; L (draft): Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: National Archives Inclosed you will receive a letter from Congress to his most Christian Majesty. As it contains a general answer to his dispatches by Lt. Colo. Laurens, and informs him, that we have charged our Minister plenipotentiary at Versailles to render more particular acknowledgements for his zeal...
51363To Benjamin Franklin from John Shaffer, 20 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have the honour to in form your Exelency that I am At libirty And have Arranged with DAutun to A great advantage there is A ballance due me by him of 30,000 Livers wich I Hope he will pay me in A few days then will have it in my power to remet to your Exelency the 12 Louis you was Kind Enough to lend me When in destress for wich I Ever shall Greatfully...
51364To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 20 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I now fulfil a part of the promise I lately made you, of a communication upon the subject of natural history & philosophy. Arthur’s seat you know to be a considerable hill in the neighborhood of Edinburgh. While I was in that city, my excellent friend Professor Dugald Stewart informed me, that Dr. Hutton (one of the philosophical society of that place) had...
51365To Benjamin Franklin from George Hobart, [before 21 October 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr Hobarts best Respects wait upon Mr Franklin. Has sent him enclos’d a Letter from governor Pownall, & a Book. Mr Hobart has also a Paper to communicate to him from the same, which he will wait upon Mr Franklin with any Day which may be most convenient except Wednesday & Saturday in the ensuing Week. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / &c &c &c /...
51366To Benjamin Franklin from George Hobart, 21 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr Hobart presents his Compliments to Mr Franklin, & sends him herewith a Pamphlett wrote by a former Friend & Acquaintance of his both in America & England, by the Desire of the Author. Mr Hobart means to return to England very early in November, & If Mr Franklin has any Answer to send, It shall be taken the greatest Care of possible. Notations: Hobart /...
51367From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 22 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I have written to Messrs. Fizeau & Grand impow’ring them to draw on me at 30 Days sight for the Sums you may want from time to time to discharge the Acceptances of which you have given me Notice. The Queen was this Day happyly delivered of a Prince, which occasions great Joy. Inclos’d I send you Copies of more...
51368From Benjamin Franklin to Fizeaux, Grand & Cie., 22 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I receiv’d the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 4th Instant, wherein you advis’d me either to send Remittances, or to permit the Drawing on me at a short Term in order to discharge Mr Adams’s Acceptances therein mentioned. The latter Method is most convenient to me, and I hereby acquaint you that I will accept & pay such Drafts as shall...
51369To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams: Two Letters, 22 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
(I) LS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; (II) copy: Massachusetts Historical Society I have recieved your Excellency’s Letter of the 12th. I should be much obliged to You for your sentiments of what is to be understood by accepting the Mediation of a Power or Powers? Is a Mediator to be an Arbitrator, and is the Power that accepts the Mediation...
51370To Benjamin Franklin from Gourlade & Moylan, 22 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Nous avons lhonneur de vous prévenir que nous nous sommes ce Jour prévalû sur vous de la somme de 3270 l.t. 14 s 10 d pour solde de nos debours à la fregatte L’Alliance et pour balance de tout compte avec vous. Nous avons fait cette traite à L’ordre de M Augne. [Augustin?] Perier de Grenoble & vous prions d’en prendre bonne notte pour lhonorer d’un bon...
51371To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, [22 October?] 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu mon Illustre docteur la Gazette que vous avez bien voulu m’envoyer et je vous la rendrai très fidèlement avec l’autre. Je vous avois proposé de venir au Te Deum que nous faisons chanter Mercredy pour la naissance du Dauphin mais outre qu’on le dit à dix heures aulieu de Onze comme je le croyois c’est qu’il Sera précédé d’une Messe et il me Semble...
51372To Benjamin Franklin from Philippe-Denis Pierres, 22 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society M. Fournier m’a remis de votre part les deux mains de papier que vous avez bien voulu lui donner pour moi. Je l’avois prié de vous demander si vous n’aviez pas du papier Grand Raisin aussi sans vergeures ni pontuseaux, c’est-à-dire de la dimension de 17 po. sur 22 po. ½ àpeuprès. C’étoit de cette forme que je le desirois pour un petit volume in-4°. que...
51373To Benjamin Franklin from Margaret Stewart, 22 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As You desired the younge Man I had the honor of Sending to You at Paris; to tell me to write to You on my arival; at Bruxells; I wou’d Not loose the first opportunity; of obeying Your comands; I have had an expencive Law Suit which must be determined in my favor Next term as it is a bond debt; for money lent; when I was [ torn: word or words missing ] in...
51374To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 22 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress; L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères J’ai communiqué à M. Joly de fleury, Monsieur, l’office que vous m’avez passé pour obtenir l’exemtion des droits de transit Sur des toileries &ca. achetées dans le Pays Messin, pour le compte des Etats unis. Je joins ici la reponse de ce ministre; vous y verrez que malgré les raisons qui S’opposent à votre...
51375To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 22 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Library of Congress; copies: Library of Congress, National Archives; transcript: National Archives As the transmission of the inclosed paper thru the usual channel of the department of foreign affairs, would on the present occasion probably be attended with great delay—and recent intelligence of Mility [military] Transactions must be important to our Ministers in Europe at the...
51376From Benjamin Franklin to Queen Marie-Antoinette, [after 22 October 1781] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society Je suis heureux, Madame, de cette Occasion de presenter à vôtre Majesté, les Respects & les Affections de toute les Etats de l’Amerique septentrionale. The day the queen gave birth to the dauphin, Louis-Joseph-Xavier-François: Jour. de Paris , Oct. 23, 1781. The birth, after eleven years of marriage, was the occasion for great rejoicing: the...
51377From Benjamin Franklin to William Temple Franklin, 23 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d your Letter from Orleans, and another since from Chaumont. The Major has got his Pistols. Inclos’d I send you the last Paper from London by which you will see there has been an Action between the French & English Fleets off Chesapeak. It appears even by their own Account that the English have been drubb’d, and oblig’d to leave the French in...
51378To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbés ——— Chalut and ——— Arnoux, 23 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Les abbés de Chalut et Arnoux assurent de leur attachement respectueux Monsieur franklin, et ils le prient de la part de M. de Chalut fermier general de recevoir ses très humbles Compliments et de lui faire l’honneur de venir diner chez lui vendredi prochain 26 8bre. Si M. Le petit fils est arrivé, M. de Chalut espere qu’il voudra bien accompagner Monsieur...
51379To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 23 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Boyetet Consul General for France in this Country has been so obliging as to charge himself with the Works of the Conde de Campomanes & the memorials published by the Society of the Friends of their Country which I have long promised to send you; & which I should have done sooner if an oppertunity had offered— Permit me to Introduce this Gentleman to...
51380To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 23 October 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am now hear on a Visit to my Daughter who lives in this Town, and have Accidentally mett a young Gentleman who is to Sail for France in a few Days. I know it will be agreable to you to hear I am well & my Daughter in much beter Helth than Usiual, but her Husband after makeing won Successfull Voige is again in the hands of the Enemy at Halifax. She Desiers...