52541To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Putnam, September 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania While I beg Permission to inform you of my extreem Mortification for so long & unexpected Detention at this Place, unfortunately occasioned by a violent Attact of Fever, which, tho’ declining, will for some days render me unable to Journey, ’tis with equal regret for the common Good and Anxiety for your personal Health I hear of your Excellency’s...
52542The American Peace Commissioners: Commission for William Temple Franklin, [1 October 1782] (Franklin Papers)
DS : Yale University Library; copies: Library of Congress (two), American Philosophical Society, Massachusetts Historical Society The present document, penned by William Temple Franklin on October 1, was most likely signed by Franklin the same day. It was eventually signed by all the peace commissioners, but not without hesitation (on the part of John Jay) and outright hostility (on the part...
52543Franklin: Discharge of Captain Fage’s Parole, 1 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Three copies: Public Record Office; ALS (draft) and copy: Library of Congress Being informed by Richard Oswald, Esqr., Minister Plenipotentiary. from His Britannic Majesty to treat here of Peace, that General Conway desires much to have an English Officer, Capt. Fage of the Artillery, absolved of his Parole, having occasion for his Service as Aid de Camp; and Application being made to me for...
52544To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 1 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai Reçue votre lettre du 10 Septembre elle m’a fait un très grand Plaisir parcequ’elle a mit fin a vôtre long silence car j’etois en peine de vous n’ayant point de vos nouvelles. J’ai regardé vôtre silence à Legard des livres dont je vous ai parlé comme vôtre Consentement et comme Mr Marignac craignoit qu’on ne les vendit il les a acheté. Je suis très...
52545To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 1 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We were happy in hearing from you by the Eagle Frigate; you honored me likewise by her with an Introduction to the Prince De Broglii & Count De Segur; these Gentlemen set off immediately for Camp, but as probably they will spend the Winter here, I hope to have an opportunity of shewing them every Civility in my Power—the latter strikes me, as a very amiable...
52546To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 1 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I should think it wrong to let any opportunity slip without informing you of the Welfare of my little Family, they are well and lovely the Youngest, one Year old this day, and as an infant she is perfect, I have just weaned her, Willy a fine tall straight Lad, this week he began to go to dancing School, Betsy and Lous go to my Old Madam Marsh, how happy...
52547To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 1 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society (two), Syracuse University Library; copy: Library of Congress In my Letter of the twenty seventh of September last I express my Wish “that the Court of Spain should give Orders for the Shipment of a Million of Dollars at the Havanna free of Duties, and to be convoyed by One or more Ships of the Line to an American Port, &c.” Upon farther Reflection I am...
52548To Benjamin Franklin from Caleb Whitefoord and Richard Oswald, 1 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr Whiteford & Mr Oswald present their best respects to Doctr Franklin & will do themselves the honour to wait of him to Dinner on Friday next. Mr Oswald begs leave to Send the Letter he mentioned Respecting Capt Blair, & will call on the Doctr to morrow in hopes of having a favourable answer to General Conways Request. Mr Fitzherbert is to dispatch a...
52549Bettally & Noseda to William Temple Franklin, 1 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This document concerns an invention that Jean-François Pilatre de Rozier had described and announced for sale in the previous day’s Journal de Paris: bougies phosphoriques , or self-igniting candles. A precursor to matches, bougies phosphoriques were the first instruments capable of generating a flame without the arduous use of flint and tinder. The public...
52550To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 2 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I got at last an account of Pere Barletti’s pamphlet in an italian journal et will peruse it for the farther elucidation of the notes you was so good as to send me. Mr. le Begue acquaintd me that you begin to make experiments with air. I am glad of it. But have you laid aside the reflexions you were making two or 3 years ago on fire places principaly in...
52551To Benjamin Franklin from Rolland frères, 2 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Le Navire Wolf appartenant au port d’Edenton et Commandé par le Capne. Sam Butler chargé de 138. boucauds de Tabac de la Virginie et quélqúes Milliers de Merin [merrain]; est arrivé dans Ce port depuis quélqúes jours, ce Capne. qui N’avait aucune Connaissance dans Ce paÿs a bien Voulû s’adresser à Nous, et comme les Administrateurs de la ferme Généralle...
52552To Benjamin Franklin from Georgiana Shipley, 2 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Altho: you will very lately have heard from my father, I have too much pride as well as pleasure in the correspondence to relinquish my part of it; the difficulty of finding a safe conveyance for my letter can alone induce me to be silent. We had the pleasure of breakfasting with Dr Priestley on our return out of Wales, he has an exceeding pretty house 1...
52553To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Rodolph Valltravers, 2 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society None of the five Letters, which I had the Honor to write to Your Excellency in the Year 1778, from Switzerland, having been so happy, to meet with the Favor of a Reply: I could not know, how to account for My Misfortune.— Having since that Time left my native Country, to sollicit in person in Germany, several Sums due to me, from several Courts, as well as...
52554William Temple Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 2 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and transcript: National Archives I am directed by my Grandfather to forward you the inclosed Papers, which were put into his Hands by the Ambassador from Portugal, and to request you would take them into Consideration.— With great Respect, I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Sert.— Oswald reported to Townshend on Oct. 2 that BF was still unwell and not able to...
52555To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, [on or after 3 October 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu Par Mr Griffiths la lettre de mon cousin du 18 Septembre avec le livre que vous avez eu la bonté de m’énvoyér. J’en ferai un bon usage et je veux en apprendre plusieurs Morceaux me conseille de faire je vous envoye vôtre portrait fait de ma main d’après la gravure que vous m’avez envoyé la paix ne se fait pas et c’est ce qui me fait beaucoup de...
52556To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, [3, 10, or 17 October 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I have the honor to Enclose for your Excellencys perusal the Speches of Mr. Fox &c &c which I am well assured are Genuine— The London paper of the 1st Instant, has done me the honor of mentioning that I Breakfasted with Mr Laurens— The same paper contains the Important resolutions of the most respectable Volunteer Corps against the raising of the...
52557To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse de Ponteney, 3 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Jait Eü lhonneur il Lia quatre ans de diner avec vous la veille de mon depart pour Litaillie rue du Bacq chez Mr. de la faye. Je suis de retourd depuis plusiers semaines. Le 12 du Mois passé jeü lhoneur de remettre a la Reine une lettre que la Reine de Naple luy a Ecrit an ma faveurs. Je suis obligee dailler demain Vendredy a la muette et Comme jignore le...
52558To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 3 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
L (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; two copies and transcript: National Archives J’ai l’honneur, M. de vous renvoyer la patente par laquelle le Sr. Thomas Barclay a êté nommé Consul des Etats unis pour resider en france, et j’y joins l’exequatur qui lui est necessaire pour legitimer Ses fonctions. Je dois vous prevenir que cette derniere piece doit etre revetue de...
52559To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Mercy-Argenteau, 4 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society L’ambassadeur de LEmpereur aura grand soin de faire parvenir Le Paquet adressé a Mr d’Ingenhouse, que Monsieur Franklin Lui a fait l’honneur de lui envoÿer, il a celui de lui offrir ses hommages tres humbles. Notation: de l’Empereur. 4. Oct. 1782 The ambassador of the Holy Roman Empire, who had forwarded books and letters to Jan Ingenhousz from BF and...
52560Preliminary Articles of Peace: First Draft Treaty, [5–7 October 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete copy and copy: National Archives; copies: Massachusetts Historical Society (three), Public Record Office ; four transcripts: National Archives Articles agreed upon, by & between Richard Oswald Esqr. the Commissioner of his Britannic Majesty for treating of Peace with the Commissioners of the United States of America, on the behalf of his said Majesty on the one part, and Benjn....
52561To Benjamin Franklin from Laurent Josselin and Other Applicants for Emigration, [on or before 5 October 1782] (Franklin Papers)
L : University of Pennsylvania Library Many of the applicants for emigration during the period covered by this volume claim solid technical skills or commercial experience which they hope to exploit in some fashion in America. Laurent Josselin, whose letter is printed below, is an expert surveyor and civil architect. On November 27, M. des Rosières writes from the château de Vincennes on...
52562To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 5 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I have the Pleasure to enclose you the Copy of an Act of Congress of the ninth of September last. I shall make no Comments on this Act which as it relieves you from farther Trouble and Anxiety on the Subject it relates to will I am sure be agreable. I am Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient & humble Servant Endorsed: Office of...
52563To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Powel Griffitts, 6 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I arrived here Yesterday from Geneva, where I left young Mr. Bache very well the Day before. He, as well as his School-Mate, Mr. Johnnot were very happy to hear from you: They both appear to be contented with their Situation & what is more Monsieur Marignac seems very well satisfied with their Conduct— He treats them as Friends, & they repay him with...
52564To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 6 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I hear Freequently of the Arival of Vesals From France to all Parts of America but not won Scrape of a Pen has your Sister Recived from you two-years & half Past. Thank God I hear of you by others that you are in Health and spirits, Sill Labouring in the way of Duty for our poor Country; and that is a comfort to me, but I can’t help wishing, tho I have...
52565To Benjamin Franklin from William Lee, 7 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copies: Virginia Historical Society (three), University of Virginia Library I have the Honor to send you herewith, Copy of a Letter from Mr. Robt. R. Livingston Secretary of Congress for Foreign Affairs—of the 18th. of July last, & of an order of Congress of the 2d. of the same Month, to which be pleased to refer. As you inform’d me in you Letter of...
52566To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris: Three Letters, 7 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) LS : American Philosophical Society; (II) LS : American Philosophical Society, Independence National Historical Park; copy: Library of Congress; (III) LS : American Philosophical Society (two), Syracuse University Library; L (draft): Yale University Library; copies: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères, Library of Congress This Letter will be delivered to you by Joshua Barney...
52567To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Nesbitt, 7 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d in course the honor of your Excellencys Letter of the 30th Ulto: inclosing one for the Captains Cain Josiah & Deale, which I have deliver’d them.— They are extremely sensible of your Excellencys attention to their request, & beg that you will accept of their most sincere thanks.— Inclosed, I have the honor to transmit you a Letter from them.— I...
52568To Benjamin Franklin from Patience Wright, 7 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society With most Sincere Distress of mind I herd last from France You was ill and Since not had the good news of your Recovery I beg Mr Thare the Barer of this may give me the Early Inteligence of your helth and wellfare— My hopes are Placd high on your life health and Situation— May almighty Ruler of Kings give you the blessing of long life is the Prayer of dr...
52569To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 8 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I had the honour of addressing your Excellency the 30th. Past, Since which I have taken as much Information Concerning the probability of Sending the Supplies forward at the expence of the Court of France as I could, and I do not find that there is the least. The Intendant Informs me that the want of Transports for the Kings Service is So great that...
52570To Benjamin Franklin from the Chevalier de Kéralio, 8 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Après cinq mois de course et de travaux, monsieur et respectable ami, je suis arrivé avant-hier chès nôtre céleste amie, et déja nous nous sommes beaucoup entretenus de vous; inquiets de votre santé qui a été altérée pendant l’été dernier, nous supplions monsieur votre petit fils de nous en donner des nouvelles: recevés en même temps le tendre hommage de la...
52571To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Wyld, 8 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library We have all got our Bonds discharged, but with a great deal of trouble and expence, we still wish to persevere in the first design, but our Circumstances being greatly impared we shall not be able to proceed directly, yet as there are hopes of a more free passage through a Peace which we conclude by our Prints not to be far off we wish early to arrive...
52572From Benjamin Franklin to John and Sarah Jay, 9 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
L : Columbia University Library Dr. Franklin regrets exceedingly that his Health does not permit him the honour & Pleasure of waiting upon Mr. & Mrs. Jay, according to their obliging Invitation.— He hopes Mr. & Mrs. Jay will condescend to indemnify him for the Loss he sustains, by honouring him with their Company at Dinner on Saturday next.— The Dr. would be happy to see Mr. Murowe at the same...
52573To Benjamin Franklin from Anthony Kennan, 9[–12] October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I the subscriber your Excellencies most Humble Pettioner, an American Subject, my place of residence, when at home, is in Orange County North Carolina, where I have resided for a number of years past, till Cornwallis, attacked General Green at Guilford Court House, then I went out to the West Indies, with a small property on my own Accot.; and traded...
52574To Benjamin Franklin from Williams, Moore & Co., 9 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library Le Corsaire ameriquain Le Ciceron, Capitaine hill a nôtre consignation, est arrivé ce matin en ce port avec deux prises venant de la Jamaique; Sur une desquelles ce Sont trouvés Le lieutenant en pied & 29 hommes de L’Equipage du Vau. du Roy Le Romely, qui avoient été Sauvés par Cette prise Lorsque le Général Gaÿes qui le Commandoit, avoit Jugé a propos...
52575To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron d’Arendt, [10 October 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Baron Arendt, qui est arrivé icy de L’amerique par Londres & la Nouvelle York, ayant eù le malheur d’avoir été pris par Les Anglois souhaite avoir l’honneur d’assurer ses respects a Son Excellence Mr. Le Docteur Franklin pour Lui remettre une Lettre de La part du Mr Robert Morris, et se presentera demain le Vendredi chés Lui vers Le Midi. Le Baron a...
52576To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 10 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Yale University Library Onboard of one of the prizes lately arrived at L’Orient to the address of my House Williams Moore & Co, are part of the Crew of his Brittanic Majestys ship Ramilies which sunk at sea. One of them being an Officer has desired to know if he & his Comrades are to be prisoners of War or not, having fallen into our Hands in...
52577To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Johnson, 11 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I Take the liberty to Inclo: you a letter from some Americans who are taken out of some Merchant Ships. and sent off to serve his Majesty the King of France. On Receipt of the letter I waited on the Commissary General here. respecting the matter. He told me as they had served in the Merchant Ships. and got great Run money. that they ought to serve the...
52578To Benjamin Franklin from Cuming & Macarty, [before 12 October 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permit us to request your Excelleny to Transmitt us the Necessary Order’s, for the Sale of the Two Prizes, mention’d in the Papers herewith Inclose’d— We are very Respectfully your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Very Humble Servts. Notation: Cuming & Maccarty Probably in William Macarty’s hand. These were doubtless the Luxford and Will , two of the three...
52579To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Regnier, 12 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pendant que je m’occupois à ramasser et à mettre en ordre la suite des Constitutions des Etats-unis de l’Amerique j’ai appris que M. le Duc de la Rochefoucault s’amusoit à traduire le Recueil imprimé par ordre du Congrès. Ce Seigneur, auquel j’ai eu l’honneur de presenter mon premier volume, et à qui j’ai fait voir ce que j’avois déja ramassé pour former le...
52580From Benjamin Franklin to Gérard de Rayneval, 13 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society With this you will receive the Copy you desired of Mr Oswald’s Commission. I request your kind Care in forwarding the enclos’d Letter to Spain, by your first Courier. I have the honour to be with sincere Esteem & Attachment Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant...
52581To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy, 13 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Comment estes vous mon bon papa? Jamais il ne m’en a tant coutté de m’éloigner de vous, chaques soirs il me semble que vous seriés bien aise de me voir, et chaques soirs je pense a vous; lundi 21 j’irai vous retrouver, j’espere qu’alors vous serés bien Sur vos jambes et que le thé du mercredi samedi, et celui du dimanche matin reprendront tout leur lustre....
52582From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 14 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives I have but just received Information of this Opportunity, and have only time allow’d to write a few Lines. In my last of the 26th. past I mentioned that the Negociation for Peace had been obstructed by the Want of due Form in the English Commissions appointing their Plenipotentiaries. In that for treating with us, the Mentioning our States by their public...
52583From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris: Extract, 14 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: National Archives The three millions you mention previous to 1778 were two of them given & the third was an Advance on a Contract with the Farmers general of tobacco. Excerpted from a now-missing letter probably written in response to Morris’ letter of July 1 ( XXXVII , 568–72). An extract of BF ’s earlier response is above, Sept. 26. In Arthur Lee’s hand. During 1777 the...
52584To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbés Chalut and Arnoux, 14 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Les abbés de Chalut et Arnoux assurent de leur amitié leur respectable ami. Ils lui envoyent quatre lettres de recommandation pour M. le Chevalier Neuvenham. Ils sont à ses ordres dans toutes les choses qui dependront deux. Mille amitiés au cher petit fils. In the hand of Guillaume Arnoux. The first names of Arnoux and Jean Chalut have been supplied to us by...
52585To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 14 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recd your two favors of the 25th & 30th Ultimo, it rejoices me much to hear you are getting the better of your late Complaints, the World cannot afford to part with you yet— You must not sing the Nunc Dimittis, untill you have compleated that great & glorious work which is to teach future Kings & Ministers that the Liberties & propertys of Mankind...
52586From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 15 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society A long and painful Illness has prevented my corresponding with your Excellency regularly, but I paid the Bill you drew upon me and advised me of in your last Letter. Mr Jay has I believe acquainted you with the Obstructions our Peace Negociations have met with, and that they are at length removed. By the next Courier expected from London, we may be able...
52587To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard Brantsen, 15 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library Mr. de Brantsen, Ministre Plenipotentiaire de LL. HH. pp. les Etats Generaúx des Provinces Unies des Pays bas a l’honneúr d’assurér Mr. Franklin de ses tres humbles civilités et de lui envoÿer ci jointe úne lettre dú Professeúr Ingen-Hoúz, qu’il a reçue hier dans son paqúet de Vienne. Il lui offre en même temps ses services poúr faire parvenir en sureté...
52588To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Preble, 16 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Haveing the Misfortune to be Capturd by the Intriped of Sixty four Guns in the Ship Called the Retaliation Merchantmen my father in Law the Principle Owner Liveing at Newbury Port his Name is Stephen Cross Esqr Hond Sir I am on my Parole of Honour and Should beg the favour of your Kind assistance in Supplying me with ten or twelve Pounds Sir I will Give my...
52589To Benjamin Franklin from Girardot, Haller & Cie., 18 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons Lhonneur de vous presenter mr Housberg chef d’une manufacture de fonte de fer a qui nous donnâmes il y a Trois ans une Lettre d’introduction auprès de vous Monsieur. Nous Serons charmés si Les propositions quil a vous faire peuvent vous Etre agreables c’est dans cette vue que nous nous sommes prêtes à L’instance de mr housberg. Nous avons Lhonneur...
52590To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 18 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library It is very long since I have had the Satisfaction of a Line from you. This I attribute to the great Uncertainty of Opportunities. The last Letter I received from you mentioned an Electrical Battery, which you said was in the Hands of Mr. Coombe. I have at last got the Battery you mention, & found five of the Bottles broke. The Rest are in good Order. All your...