52651To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 14 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I duly reced your favor of the 4th. & am much obliged to you for writing to L’Orient, from whence I have not yet heard—it gives me much Concern that our great Folks here neglect their Business so much, they did absolutely agree with me three months ago. To send away the Prisoners immediately , I have been teizing Nepean the Under Secretary to Mr Townshend,...
52652To Benjamin Franklin from Sir Edward Newenham, 14 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Last post I had the Honor of writing to your Excellency in regard to Irelands being mentioned in the intended treaty between the Belligerent powers; Permit me, now, to acquaint your Excellency, that I have seen my most Worthy and respectable friend Mr John Christopher Hornbostel (Partner with Mr: Folsh, the swedish Consul) who was on former occasions & has...
52653To Benjamin Franklin from Charles-Joseph Panckoucke, 14 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Panckoucke Présente tous Ses respects à monsieur francklin, et Lui envoye La Lettre cy jointe. This is the only extant letter from Panckoucke, the leading Parisian bookseller and publisher. For a biography see George B. Watts, “Charles Joseph Panckoucke, ‘l’Atlas de la librairie française,’” Studies on Voltaire and the Eighteenth Century , LXVIII (Geneva,...
52654From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 15 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me the 13th. Inst, and I loose no time in forwarding to your Excellency the Orders you desire for the 4 English Vessels destined to pass between Dover and Calais; tho’ I am persuaded the Passports they are furnished with from his most Christian majesty; would have been sufficient...
52655To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 15 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I wrote this pacquet as soon as possible Because My Cousin told me that there was an opportunity of sending them and as Mama Desires it all in english I wrote them with much of dificulty by that means I hope to make some Progress in the english language. I hope you have received the picture and the letter I sent you. I shoud be very happy if I had my...
52656To Benjamin Franklin from Castries, 15 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives de la Marine Je vois, Monsieur, par ce que M Le Cte. d’hector Commandant la Marine à Brest, me marque, qu’il a prevenu le Commre. des Guerres chargé des Effets des Etats Unis de l’Amerique, qu’il doit les tenir prêts a etre embarqués et qu’il lui sera fourni des moyens pour les faire passer à l’orient, et à Rochefort; mais comme M le Cte. d’hector estime qu’il est necessaire que...
52657To Benjamin Franklin from William Jones, 15 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I should have hastened, if an earlier opportunity had presented itself, to impart to you a piece of intelligence, which, I flatter myself, will give you pleasure. My profile will, I hope, have the honour of being hung up in your apartment with those of a family, whom you love and revere, and by whom you are loved and revered with the greatest cordiality. My...
52658From Benjamin Franklin to All Captains and Commanders of American Vessels, [16 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
DS : American Philosophical Society, Biblioteca Estense of Modena, Italy To all Captains and Commanders of Vessels of War, Privateers and Letters of Marque belonging to the United States of America His most Christian Majesty having consented to the Proposition of the Court of London for renewing the Communication between Dover and Calais, and having to that Effect granted Pass-ports for a like...
52659To Benjamin Franklin from William Carmichael, 16 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Jays acquaintance with the Ct. de Rechteren who does me the honor to ask an Introduction to your Excy might preclude the necessity of the present Address, If I had not a strong desire of convincing the Count of my sense of his Civilities and of my connection with you— I might from your Long Silence conclude that he will owe much more to his own merit...
52660To Benjamin Franklin from Johann Thaddeus de Ehet and Other Consulship Seekers, [16 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
The expectation that the independence of the United States would soon be recognized by all the powers of Europe caused many to anticipate the need for agents to represent American commercial and other interests in Europe. On November 16, Johann Thaddeus de Ehet wrote in German from Augsburg, offering his services. Franklin wrote on the letter: “Mr Grand is requested to procure a Translation of...
52661To Benjamin Franklin from Luigi Pio, 16 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M. de Pio, chargé des affaires de la Cour de Naples, a l’honneur de faire bien des complimens à Monsieur Franklin, Ministre Plénipotentiaire des Etats-unis de l’amerique septentrionale, et de Le prier de lui dire, si dans le tems il a reçu une Lettre de Mr. Filangieri de Naples, L’Auteur de l’Essai sur la Legislation . Il en est inquiet, d’autant plus que...
52662To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 18 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have for Some time been intending and wishing to write to you; and I now embrace with great pleasure the opportunity of doing this which offers itself by Mr Laurens, now in deep affliction occasioned by the loss of his Son, but happily restored in some measure to health after his long and hard and cruel confinemt: in the Tower. He is, I understand, going...
52663British Counterproposal to the Second Draft Treaty: Selected Articles, [19 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society When Henry Strachey arrived in London on November 10, the British Cabinet was summoned to review the second draft treaty. Shelburne urged the members to come to a “provisional agreement” with America. The King reluctantly agreed to accept independence, rationalizing that “knavery seems to be so much the striking feature of [America’s] Inhabitants that it...
52664To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron d’Espagnac, 19 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library Le Baron d’Espagnac prie Monsieur de francklin d’agréer Ses Excuses et Ses Regrets de L’Impossibilité où il Se trouve de se rendre a L’honneur de Son invitation Jeudy prochain vingt un du Courant, lui étant Survenu depuis Dimanche dernier des Coliques d’Entrailles qui ne lui permettent d’aller manger nulle part; dès que Sa Santé Sera rétablie, Il aura...
52665To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 19 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I take the opportunity of Mr Laurens going to Paris to transmitt one line to you, only to express to you my constant & affectionate remembrance of you, in your public character, & as a private friend; And my sincerest wishes for your personal health & happiness, and for success to all your pacific Counsels. The report wch prevails at present on this side of the water,...
52666To Benjamin Franklin from Mathew Carey, [before 20 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society This brief undated note, Carey’s first extant letter to Franklin and the only one we know that either man sent the other during the year Carey lived in France and worked for Franklin as a printer, has bedeviled the editors of these papers since we first considered publishing it in Volume 31. The dating of this letter hinges on when Carey was actually in...
52667To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 20 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; transcript: National Archives J’ai l’honneur, M. de vous adresser la copie du memoire qui m’a êté presenté par le Sr. Louis Anty marchand a Nantes, ainsy que de la note dont il l’a accompagné. Vous y verrez l’exposé des pertes que lui ont occasionné Ses liaisons de commerce avec le Sr. Penet Agent general de l’Etat de Virginie. La fortune de...
52668Lafayette to the American Peace Commissioners, 21 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Newberry Library; transcript: New York Public Library Since the Early Period When I Had the Happiness to Be Adopted Among the sons of America, I Ever Made it My Point to do that Which I thought Would prove Useful to Her Cause or Agreable to Her Citizens. After We Had Long Stood By ourselves, France did join in our Quarrell, and So Soon as Count d’Estaing’s departure Made My Presence...
52669To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 21 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; transcript: National Archives Congress a few days since passed the enclosed Resolution No. 1. by which they have added Mr Jefferson to the Commission for concluding a peace; the established character of this Gentleman gives me reason to hope, that his appointment will be very acceptable to you, and the other Gentlemen in the Commission, I have...
52670To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 21 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : reproduced in Lion Heart Autographs, Catalogue No. 22 (1991), item 98; draft and transcript: Library of Congress The Credentials with which Mr. Wheelock is furnished are so ample, and so fully set forth the benevolent purposes of the Institution over which he presides, that I am confident nothing more is necessary for me, than barely to introduce him to you and to recommend him to your...
52671To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 21 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Yale University Library I arrived here safe the day before yesterday and found that the Ship Marquis de la Fayette Capt Buffington had arrived to my address from Salem with a prize which was bound from New-york to London with 50 hhds of Tobacco. In this Ship are several Brittish Officers some of whom were in Cornwallis’s Army & are under parole from Genl Washington. Some others are...
52672To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [on or before 22 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress Mis. [Marquis] de Lafayette’s Best Respects Waït Upon Mr franklin and Would Be Much obliged to His Excellency for a Copy of His Memorial to the french Court As He Intends Pressing Upon this Subject in a Letter to Count de Vergennes. The Mis. de Lafayette Begs Also to know at What time Captain Barnay Has Set out for L’orient, and When His Courier is Expected Back— Count...
52673From Benjamin Franklin to François Steinsky, 23 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Museum, Prague J’ai reçu, Monsieur, la Lettre très obligeante que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 12. Septembre 1781, par la quelle je suis charmé d’apprendre que vous étez arrivé en bonne Santé chez vous. Une longue et pénible Indisposition m’a privé du plaisir de vous repondre plustôt et de vous remercier de l’élégant et beau Présent de la Nape à Caffé que vous avez...
52674To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Barney, 23 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have the honor to inform you that I only arrived last night owing to My carriage having broke down on the Road. I have found the Dispatches and According to Your orders have Dispatched a Courier with them to You. Your not having Given any Directions to Mr. Barclay concerning the Dispatches he Declines having any thing to do with them except providing...
52675To Benjamin Franklin from Castries, 23 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives de la Marine Jai recû, Monsieur, la lettre que vous m’avez fait l’honneur de mecrire le 17 de ce mois pour m’informer que vous avez fait connoître à M Barclay qui est actuellement à l’orient quelles sont celles des munitions deposées à Brest et appt. au Congrés qui doivent etre embarquées de preference. En consequence de ce que vous m’avez marqué, je donne mes ordres á Brest...
52676To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Fanning, 23 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society That nothing could have enduced me to have troubled your Excellency with these lines, but the way, and manner of my being committed to this loathsome Goal, & the little hopes I have, (as a Stranger) of recovering my Liberty; notwithstanding my Perfect innocence of the Charge laid to my Crew which runs as follows (Viz) Louis Jean Marie de Bourbon Duc de...
52677To Benjamin Franklin from Juliana Penn, 23 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In consequence of Your obliging Permission, I loose no time in begging Your Assistance & Protection, in the recovery of the rights and Possessions of an unfortunate Family, who have so heavily felt the Misfortunes of this War, and who are likely still to be dreadful Sufferers, if They are not properly consider’d. You, Sir, are so well acquainted with our...
52678To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, [24 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress Mr Oswald expressed his Desire to me last Evening that we would meet him, at any Time & place that might be convenient to us. As Mr Strachey is confined by a swelled Face, at Mr Oswalds; I promised the latter to propose to you our meeting there at 11 OClk. Tomorrow. I am Dear Sir Sincerely Yours &c Endorsed: recd Nov. 24. 82 For this meeting, which opened the final...
52679To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 24 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Since writing you about the Prisoners on Parole and others who wanted their Parole, I am informed by the Officer of the Garrison here that if I will add these Prisonners to those now in Rochelle a Cartel may be immediately procured to send them off together, specifying the Distinctions of the Flags under which they were taken...
52680Henry Strachey’s Remarks to the American Peace Commissioners, 25 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: New York Public Library Strachey’s return to Paris opened a new round of intensive negotiations which culminated in the signing of a provisional peace treaty on November 30. The present document is Strachey’s recollection of what he said to the American peace commissioners when he presented them with the British counterproposal to their second draft treaty. This meeting was held at...
52681To Benjamin Franklin from John Jay, [25 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress The Marquis de la Fayette is about to depart, & wishes for a speedy answer to his Letter— The enclosed Draft of one, meets with Mr Adam’s approbation, & if it also meets with your’s, be pleased to sign a Copy of it, and send it by the Bearer— I am Dr Sir sincerely Yours & Addressed: His Exy. / Doctr. Franklin / Passy The date of Lafayette’s departure for Brest; see...
52682To Benjamin Franklin from François-Pierre de Séqueville, [25 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Printed announcement with MS insertions: American Philosophical Society Le Roi ne verra pas demain mardi 26 . Messieurs les Ambassadeurs et ministres Etrangers. La Cour prendra le Deuil le 27 de ce mois, à l’occasion de la mort de la Psse Charlotte Amelie, de Dannemk . Sa Majesté le portera cinq jours. Addressed: a Monsieur, / Monsieur francklin ministre / Plenipre. des Etats unis de /...
52683From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Oswald, 26 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : William L. Clements Library; copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society (two), National Archives, New-York Historical Society, William L. Clements Library, Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society; transcript: National Archives You may well remember that in the Beginning of our Conferences, before the other Commissioners arriv’d, on your mentioning to me a...
52684From Benjamin Franklin to the Earl of Shelburne, 26 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Reprinted from Christie’s auction catalogue “Important Autograph Letters from the Historical Archives of Bowood House” (London, Oct. 12, 1994), p. 35. Mr Vaughan brought me some time since from your Lordship a Remedy you were so kind as to send me for my Gravel. I intended to thank you by him. He staid here much longer than I expected, and when he went it was so suddenly that I had not...
52685To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [26 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress Having Waïted some time for Mr. jay, I Was told By doctor Bancroft that the two other Ministers Now Agreed With You in Opinion that After What I Had done in the Affair of Monney, it was Better for me Immediately to join the Convoy— However I Waïted once More Upon Count de Vergennes on My Passage at Versaïlles, and Had a long Conversation With Him— Let the dispatches...
52686To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Oswald, 26 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress By a Letter from Mr Dundass, Lord Advocate of Scotland, dated 12th Novemr, he writes that a Nephew of his, Son of the Lord presedent of the Court of Session, Francis Dundas a Captain of the 1st Regimt of Guards is now at London a Prisoner upon his Parole, having Served in Lord Cornwallis Army. And wishes much to be discharged under any Obligations or Conditions of...
52687To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Pigott, 26 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I ought in duty to have wrote before this time to express the Satisfaction I Receivd at Paris from the honour of your Acquaintance, & also to acknowledge your very many Civilitys, and If I have been guilty of an Omission in this particular, The cause arose from an apprehension of being troublesome. No Person can have a greater respect & more sincere regard...
52688The American Peace Commissioners to Lafayette, [27 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Columbia University Library; copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society We have recd. the Letter you did us the Honor to write on the 25th. Inst. Our Country has had early & repeated Proofs both of your Readiness and abilities to do her Service. The Prospect of an inactive Campaign in america, induced us to adopt the opinion, that you might be more useful...
52689Franklin: Order for the Release of Captain Francis Dundas, [27 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
DS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AD (draft) and press copy of DS : Library of Congress; copies: Public Record Office, National Maritime Museum A Request being made to me by his Excellency Richard Oswald Esquire, Minister Plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majesty for treating of Peace, in favour of Captain Francis Dundas, of the first Regiment of Guards, Nephew of the Lord Advocate of...
52690To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache: Three Letters, 27 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I), (II), and (III) ALS : American Philosophical Society Give me leave to introduce to you Mr. Stuart, Brother to my particular Friend Colonel Walter Stuart; this young Gentleman has resided some time in America, and has gained the esteem of all his Acquaintanc; as a Person deserving your Notice & Civilities, I therefore recommend him to you. I am Dear Sir Your affectionate Son Addressed: His...
52691To Benjamin Franklin from Ingenhousz, 27 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have at last recieved the German American newspapers as far as august 6th. they have diverted me and many of my friends. I wish to have some more, if you have recieved some of a later date. The almanac is not arrived. I hope mr. wharton will send me soon an answer after having recieved your admonitory note, you was so good as to join to my lettre. I can...
52692To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 27 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives An opportunity offering from this port to write directly to you, I do not chuse to hazard anything by the Post which carries this to Boston, particularly as I did not hear till just now that a frigate was to sail from thence, and it is uncertain whether this will arrive in time to go...
52693To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 27 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), II , 412–13. I am so agitated with the present crisis, that I cannot help writing you, to beseech you again and again to meditate upon some mild expedient about the refugees, or to give a favourable ear, and helping hand to such as may turn up. Both sides agree...
52694To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library The Bearer is Capt George Meggs of the 71st Regiment taken in his Passage from N york to London by the Ship Marquis de la Fayette, arrived here to my Address. As this Gentleman has some pressing Business in London & wishes to return thither as soon as possible, I have taken the Liberty of giving him his Parole as far as Paris,...
52695From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 28 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : D.A.F.H.H. Hartley Russell (1955) on deposit in the Berkshire County Record Office I received your very kind Letters of Oct. 29, 31, & Nov. 8. I thank you much for the Receipt you send me. It may be of use hereafter, tho’ at present the Gravel has left me. I shall send the Book you desire by Mr Vaughan. And you may depend on my doing every thing in my Power to serve the Person you...
52696From Benjamin Franklin to James Jay, 28 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : John Carter Brown Library I received the Letter you did me the Honour of writing to me the 27th past. I have no direct Powers from Congress to transact Exchanges, but have taken the Liberty in your Case, to absolve the Parole of Captain Francis Dundas, of the first Regiment, now a Prisoner on Parole in London, on Condition that yours be also fully discharged. You will know whether this...
52697To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Dana, 17/28 November [i.e., 28 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Massachusetts Historical Society I wrote to Mr: Livingston in Augt: last: to advise Congress of a custom established at this Court by order of Her Majesty, That every Power entering into any Treaty with her, shou’d pay Six Thousand Roubles to Four of her Ministers (making in the whole Twenty four Thousand) upon the signing of the Treaty: And that if any occasion shou’d offer for me to...
52698To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr.: Two Letters, 28 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) Copy: Yale University Library This will be delivered you by Capt. Archd. Balneavis, Lieut Archd. MacLean, Mr. Ochiltree & Capt. Wm. Hamilton all paroled at York town the 26 Oct 1781. & taken on their Passage from NYork to London by the Ship Marquis de la Fayette arrived here to my address as they have pressing business in London they prefer going by land & on their way will wait...
52699Franklin’s Proposed Article 5, [29 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Copy: American Philosophical Society; copy and transcript: National Archives; copies: Library of Congress (five), Massachusetts Historical Society (three) The final day of negotiations was held at Jay’s residence at the Hôtel d’Orléans. In attendence were Oswald, Strachey, Fitzherbert, Franklin, Adams, Jay, and Henry Laurens (who had just arrived from London). They spent the day wrangling over...
52700From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 29 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères I have the honour to acquaint your Excellency, that the Commissioners of the United States, have agreed with Mr Oswald on the Preliminary Articles of the Peace between those States & Great Britain. To-morrow I hope we shall be able to communicate to your Excellency a Copy of them. With great Respect I have the honour to be, Sir, Your...