52751The American Peace Commissioners to Robert R. Livingston, 14 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : National Archives; AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society; transcript: National Archives We have the honour to congratulate Congress on the Signature of the Preliminaries of a Peace between the Crown of Great Britain & the United States of America, to be inscribed, in a definitive Treaty...
52752From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 14 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Connecticut State Library, New Jersey State Library, New Hampshire Division of Records Management and Archives, Delaware Public Archives Commission, National Archives I received duly your several Letters of Septr. 25th. 27th. 28th. and 30th. October 1st. 5th. 7th. all by Capt. Barney, and October 27th. since. I immediately made the Application so strongly pressed by the Congress for a...
52753To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Le Baron, 14 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je ne puis m’empêcher de vous exprimer le plaisir que j’ay ressenti lorsque j’ai appris que l’Angleterre venoit de reconoitre l’Indépendance des 13. Provinces unies de l’Amérique; je partage bien sincérement celui que doit vous causer un événement aussi glorieux, et qui termine touttes vos peines et vos inquiétudes. Je prie le seigneur qu’il daigne...
52754To Benjamin Franklin from Pierres, 14 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser le sr. saudot auquel vous pouvez remettre les deux alphabets que vous voulez bien me prêter. Je me ferai un grand plaisir de vous offrir ce que j’ai de mieux en vignettes mais Je desirerois savoir de quel genre & de quelle grandeur. Si vous pouvez, monsieur, être utile à l’honnête infortuné que je vous adresse vous ferez...
52755To Benjamin Franklin from the Baron de Thun, 14 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library En conséquence de votre conseil, le Sr. Schneider habitant de Germantaun, a payé au Sr. Richard Bache votre gendre 200 l.t. en especes, faisants la valeur de 1200 florins, et celui-ci en a délivré la quittance, ci-jointe en copie. Le Sr. Auer Ministre de l’église d’Ebingen dans le Wirtemberg, a eu l’honneur Monsieur de vous en donner avis, dès le mois...
52756From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 15 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères I have the honour to acquaint your Excellency, that our Courier is to set out to-morrow at Ten aClock, with the Dispatches we send to Congress by the Washington, Capt. Barney, for which Ship we have got a Passport from the King of England. If you would make any Use of this Conveyance, the Courier shall wait upon you to-morrow at Versailles,...
52757To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bancroft, 15 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I went again yesterday to Mr. de Beaumarchais but found, what had not been told me before, that he is at Bourdeaux, & therefore it will be impossible for me to obtain the Certificate Mr. Deane desires until his return— I must therefore write Mr. Deane to day & wish to inclose in my Letter a Line or two from you importing something, or so much as you may...
52758To Benjamin Franklin from John Holker, 15 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is hoigh time that I make you my Complements on your having obtaind Peas, & puting your Contery at Liberty; to which wee may Justley say, your Manly Conduct, & Supereor Judgment, has don the Business. May you long Live my Good friend, to Injoy the Sweets of it, which is what I wish from my very Soule being most sincearly attached to you, & the Causes you...
52759To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 15 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Je puis etre surpris, Monsieur, après l’Explication que j’ai eue avec vous et la promesse que vous m’aviez faite que vous ne presseriez pas l’obtention d’un Passeport Anglois pour l’expedition du Paquet bot le Wasington, que vous me fassiez part que vous avez reçu ce meme passeport et que demain a dix heures du matin votre courier...
52760To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Barclay, 16 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Captain Casson of the Ship Washington arrived here last night from Philadelphia, which place he left the 20th November. He brought the Inclosed Packet for you Just in the Condition which I send it. I do not hear that he brings any News of consequence, except a report of the Evacuation of Charlestown. All the Public Goods that were at Brest are now on their...
52761To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Vaughan, 16 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Altho no person occupies so much of my thoughts or after whom I make so frequent enquiries as your self, yet knowing the importance & weight of public affairs on Your hands, I purposly avoid troubling You with uninteresting correspondence, but I now take the liberty of introducing to Your acquaintance Lady Juliana Penn, whose character in every point of...
52762From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 17 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères I received the Letter your Excellency did me the Honour of writing to me the 15th. Instant. The Proposal of having a Passport from England was agreed to by me the more willingly, as I at that time had Hopes of obtaining some Money to send in the Washington, and the Passport would have made its Transportation safer, with that of our...
52763To Benjamin Franklin from Chalut and Arnoux, 17 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Nous assurons notre respectable ami de notre estime et de notre amitié et nous lui envoyons un exemplaire de l’ouvrage que M. l’abbé de Mably vient de donner au public. L’auteur en fait hommage au patriarche de la raison et de la liberté. Il nous tarde d’aller Celebrer le retour de la paix et l’independence de l’amerique avec notre ami. Nous faisons des...
52764To Benjamin Franklin from Williams, Moore & Co., [before 18 December 1782] (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library Nous avons l’honneur de vous remettre cy inclus Les papiers de la mirauté pour la Condamnation de la chambre faite, par le Corsaire ameriquain Le Buccanéer, nous vous suplions aprés l’examen de nous honnorer du renvoy de la piece qui constate La validité de ladite prise. Nous Sommes avec un profond Respect honnorable Monsieur Vos tres humbles & trés obts...
52765Franklin: Certificate Concerning Silas Deane, [18 December 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Silas Deane, An Address to the United States of North-America … (New London, Connecticut, 1784), p. 21; draft: American Philosophical Society Certain paragraphs having lately appeared in the English newspapers, importing, that Silas Deane, Esqr. formerly Agent and Commissioner Plenipotentiary, of the United States of America, had sometime after his first “arrival in France,...
52766To Benjamin Franklin from Nicholas Geoffroy, [18 December 1782] (Franklin Papers)
ADS : American Philosophical Society Le né. [nommé] Bonnefoi a remis à la secretairerie de M Le Comte De Vergennes la Lettre de Monsieur francklin aujourd’hui 18 Xbre. 1782 à sept heures et demie du Soir. Notation: Comte de Vergennes 18th. Decr. 1782 Versailles A sous-commis under Vergennes and later Montmorin, Geoffroy was the only member of their staff to desert the royalty during the...
52767To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Parent de Bellehache and Other Favor Seekers, 18 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Requests for recommendations or positions in France or America continue to arrive on Franklin’s desk during the five months covered by this volume. Sometimes the supplicant frames his request as a response to an offer Franklin has made, as Parent de Bellehache suggests in his letter, printed below. Another of these supplicants is Frère Frederic, a...
52768To Benjamin Franklin from Jean-Frédéric Perregaux, 18 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr: Perregaux has the honour to enclose to His Excellency Mr Franklin a Packet Just received for him from London & recomended to his Care. He will be obliged to him to let him know he received it. The banker who had forwarded letters to BF before: XXXV , 556n. We have confirmed his identity, as he is listed at this address in the Almanach royal for 1782, p. 468.
52769To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 19 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society Je vous recevrai demain, Monsieur, avec bien du plaisir et J’espere que vous voudrez bien me faire l’honneur de venir diner avec moi. J’ai celui d’etre avec une parfaite Consideration, Monsieur, votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur. For this meeting, at which Vergennes granted the loan of six million livres , see BF to...
52770The American Peace Commissioners to Robert R. Livingston, 20 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : National Archives The Proposal inclosed, has been transmitted to us by Mr Bridgen, a Gentleman in London, who has been uniformly a Friend to America, and in a Variety of Ways, and at a great Expence has Served her Cause. It is a Project for introducing Copper Coins into the United States, and Seems to Us to merit the early Attention of Congress, to whom We have the Honour to recommend...
52771From Benjamin Franklin to Gabriel Johonnot, 20 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society I have this Day drawn on you for 1026 Livres 3 Sols & 6 deniers, being what I have lately paid for your Son’s Education to the 5th of October last. Another Quarter will be soon due. He is a fine Youth, and I make no doubt but his Improvements are more than equal to the Expense. You will be pleas’d to honour the Bill, and transmit a Fund for...
52772To Benjamin Franklin from Francesco Favi, 20 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai L’honneur de vous envoyer un portrait qui a etè adressè de Vienne à M. Le Comte de Mercy. Ce Ministre m’ayant chargè de vous Le faire passer de sa part je m’empresse de remplir cette commission, qui me procure L’honneur de me dire avec Le plus grand respect Monsieur Votre très humble, et très Obeissant Serviteur Notation: Favi 20 xbre. 1782. We cannot...
52773To Benjamin Franklin from the Conde de Sousa Coutinho, 20 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
L : Historical Society of Pennsylvania L’Ambassadeur de Portugal a l’honneur de faire ses compliments à Monsieur Francklin, et de rapeler à son souvenir le passeport et lettre de recommendation en faveur du Pere Patrice Ôcleary qui se dispose a passer en Amerique relativement à la succession dont il lui a parlé il y a quelque tems: L’Ambassadeur de Portugal auroit été voir lui même Monsieur...
52774To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, 21 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Henry E. Huntington Library I know not how to express my Obligations to you for introducing me to the Acquaintance & Friendship of Count Segurs. I have known him but a few days and yet he has induldged me wth an Intimacy. So many shining, so many amiable Qualities we seldom see united in one Man. He has inspired me with an Esteem, a Respect, and a Love coexistent with myself. Think, my...
52775To Benjamin Franklin from Penet, 21 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Je viens d’Etre informmé que votre Exelance est Continuellement assailli de la part de mes Creantiers qui nont ny pretantions ny droits meme de L’interompre a Ce Sujet. Cette Conduite Est ausi enprutande que mechante puisque je les ài prevennuë que mes engagements nav’oient rien de Comun avec Votre Exelance, et que Ceux a quis il est Düe pour L’Etat de...
52776Receipt for John Adams, 22 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
DS : Massachusetts Historical Society Reçu le Pacquet que m’a envoyé son Exe. M. Adams addressée a M. Livingston Notation: Receipt Dr. Franklin. for a Packet addressed to Mr. Livingston 22. Decr. 1782. WTF drafted the basic statement; BF added “addressée a M. Livingston” and “22 Decembre”. This packet contained JA ’s journal of the peace negotiations as well as several letters for Livingston....
52777Charles-Etienne Gaucher to William Temple Franklin, [before 23 December 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Printed invitation, signed, with MS insertions: American Philosophical Society L∴ R∴ L∴ des Neuf Sœurs, Est convoquée pour le Lundi 23 du 10e mois D∴ L∴ D∴ L∴ V∴ L∴ 5782, en son local, rue Coquéron, à 5 heures précises. On traitera des Lectures et autres objets relatifs à la solemnité de la fête St. jean et à celle de la prochaine loge de rentrée qui, aura lieu le même jour . Vous êtes prié...
52778From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris, 23 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Connecticut State Library, New Jersey State Library, Virginia State Library, New Hampshire Division of Records Management and Archives, Delaware Public Archives Commission, National Archives When I wrote to you on the 14th: I expected to have dispatch’d the Washington immediately, tho’ without any Money. A little misunderstanding prevented it. That was after some Days happily got over,...
52779To Benjamin Franklin from Matthew Ridley, [23 December 1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr. Ridley presents his Respects to Dr. Franklin & begs the honor of his Company at Dinner on Wednesday the 25. Currt.— M R begs Leave to inform Dr. Franklin it will be a Christmas dinner &, the principal dainty a Round, of Beef Addressed: A Son Excellence / Son Excellence Monr. Franklin / a Passy The only year that Dec. 25 fell on a Wednesday during...
52780From Benjamin Franklin to Francis Hopkinson, 24 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft): Library of Congress I received your very kind Letter of Oct. 18. I am glad you have at length got the Battery from Mr Coombe. He had had it long enough in his Possession to believe it his own, it being lent to him in 1756.— He had also of me a nine Inch Glass Globe, well mounted; and a Vol. of the Philosophic Transactions. If they still exist I wish you could recover them also. I...
52781To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 24 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society; copy: South Carolina Historical Society Mr. Laurens presents his Compliments to Doctor Franklin & requests him to give a place to the Inclosed Letter for Robt. R. Livingston Esqr among his dispatches for the Ship Washington & to inform him whether he will be in time for saving the Courier with other Letters any time to day. Addressed: His Excellency /...
52782From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Laurens, 24 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
L : South Carolina Historical Society Dr Franklin presents his Compliments to Mr Lawrens, has recd his Packet for Mr Livingston, and will forward it by the Courier, who will not leave Paris ’till Thursday, being to wait for Count de Vergennes Dispatches: so that any thing else that Mr. Lawrens may wish to send, will be time enough if it is here by Tomorrow Night. Addressed: His Excellency /...
52783From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 24[–25] December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives Sundry Circumstances occurring since mine of the 5th & 14th. have hitherto retarded the Departure of our Dispatches. They will now go under the Security of a British Passport, be accompanied by a Sum of Money, and by some farther Intelligence from England, which show the still unsettled State of Minds there, and, together with the Difficulties and small...
52784To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 24 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society As I don’t know Mr Ls: particular address I take the Liberty to inclose a Letter for him to your care and at the same time to embrace this opportunity to return you my best thanks for the attention you were so good to pay to the proposal he was so kind to charge himself with he accquainted me with the reception it met with from the concerned to whom also I...
52785To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Hirigoyen, 24 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Comme super Cargue du navire Le Camberwell cape. Silas Ewers armé de dix Canons & pret a partir pour le dit lieu au premier tems favorable, j’ai crû devoir retarder mon depart de quelques jours dans l’espoir d’une heureuse paix prochaine & ne pas exposer les interets de ceux qui m’ont accordé leur Confiance avant d’en avoir la Certitude; Nous trouvant...
52786To Benjamin Franklin from Valltravers, 24 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Still ignorant of the Fate of mÿ several Letters to Your Excellency, written in the Year 1778; and lately, on the 2d. of Octr., conveÿed by Monsr. Lieutaud, a french Man of Letters, who had visited this Capital; And not conscious of ever having forfeited the Honor of your invaluable Esteem, and antient Friendship: I still attribute your Silence, rather to...
52787To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte d’Albon, 25 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society C’est avec empressement, Monsieur, que jai l’honneur de vous envoier mon ouvrage. L’hommage que je vous en fais vous est dû mieux qu’à toute autre personne. Je m’y suis attaché à défendre Les intêréts d’un peuple opprimé dont vous êtes aujourdhui le representant, comme vous en fûtes le créateur, car, le vrai créateur d’un peuple est celui qui lui donne de...
52788To Benjamin Franklin from James Carr, 25 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I James carr Late Second mate & carpenter of the Brigantine active Capt John Hodge in the Service of the united States was taken Prisoner on our Passage from Philadelphia to the Havana by one of his Britanick Majestys Ships & sent to England where with a Large number of others I have Lain some time & haveing with five others made our escape in a small sloop...
52789To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 25 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: National Archives, Library of Congress, Massachusetts Historical Society; transcript: National Archives J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer, Monsieur, mes Depeches pour Mr. le Chevr de la Luzerne. Le pacquet est volumineux mais il renferme beaucoup de Duplicata. Je voudrois pouvoir lui mander que notre Negociation est au meme point que la Votre, mais elle en est encore fort eloignée. Je ne...
52790Elkanah Watson, Jr., to William Temple Franklin, 25 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I write this principally to acquaint you that I find the Unfortunate Captn. Hardy sick in my Appartments—but is determined if possible to go out with Captn. All who waits the Event of Peace or War. His Situation is really distressing; & I beg you’ll make a little Exertion to accomplish what I assured him last Septr. would be done through your Influence. If...
52791From Benjamin Franklin to Richard Bache: Extract, 26 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania You will hear of the progress made towards a Peace from various quarters. It is not yet concluded, and perhaps it may be some time first. But as soon as it is, I hope to be permitted to return home, there being nothing that I more desire, than to spend my last days with my family & lay my bones to rest in America. Written on what is presumed to be the...
52792From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper, 26 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; extract: Library of Congress I have received several kind Letters from you, which I have not now before me, and which I shall answer more particularly hereafter. Your Grandson was well not long since, & I hear good Account of him. I hope his Improvements will answer your Expectations. We have taken some good Steps here towards a Peace. Our...
52793To Benjamin Franklin from Catharine Greene, 26 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I did my Self the Pleasure to write you A few days Since by Count Segar by his Request, was exceedingly Pleasd with him and wisht him to Spend a good deal of time with us but they are So attentive to there Duty that they allow them Selves but little time to Ramble he Says his wife is Neighbour to you and She Visets you often you Play Chex with her but...
52794To Benjamin Franklin from Jane Mecom, 26 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I wrot to you two months ago From Warwick, which cousen Williams has yet to carry, Afterwards I concluded to come Hither & spend the Winter as most agreable by being more Retiered, & Less Exposed to Doers opening on me which in cold wether Increeces my cough & is very Tedious to me, but on my Arival at Boston I had the maloncholy acount of a Distressing...
52795To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, 27 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Had it pleased the wise disposer of Events to have permited our inestimable Friend & Colleague, to have lived until this day; I should have been spared the melancholy , ’tho pleasing reflections of that good man’s multiplied great Actions— Doctor Lyttsom a physician of London, has undertaken, & I think has well executed, the Biography of our late dear...
52796To Benjamin Franklin from David Barclay, 28 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having been informed of the intention of Lady Juliana Penn to go to Paris, as an Advocate for the Representatives of the Founder of Pensilvania, I feel my self impress’d with a desire to cast in my Mite, unsolicited, & I trust, unnecessary, because that family have better Advocates— Justice , on their side, & my honourable Friend so large a share in the...
52797To Benjamin Franklin from Le Couteulx & Cie., 28 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Nous avons Eu L’honneur de vous écrire le 6 novembre pour vous communiquer la Lettre que nous avions reçu de Monsieur Morris portant ordre de vous demander Si vous aviez la possibilité de remettre en nos mains une somme de 2,500,000. l.t. tournois pour en Suivre les dispositions que le dit sieur Morris nous avoit ordonné pour Compte des Etats unis de...
52798To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Putnam, 28 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I feel hurt at the thought of troubling you so immediately— my forgetfulness of yesterday & Engagements today, must be my Appology for the Occasion & Mode. I am bound for North Carolina; in my Passage, I shall take the Circuit of New-Providence from Expectations of procuring by Purchase, or Address a Clearance of a Cargo of Tobacco from that Island to...
52799To Benjamin Franklin from Vergennes, 30 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress M. de Vergennes prie Monsieur francklin si sa santé peut le Lui permettre de vouloir bien se rendre demain mardi a Versailles a lheure qui Lui sera la plus Commode, si Ce pouvoit Etre a neuf heures du matin, il y auroit moins de risque dEtre interrompû. M. de Vergennes auroit a entretenir Monsieur francklin dun objet tres interressant pour la Cause Commune. M. de...
52800From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 30 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress Mr Franklin will have the Honour of Waiting upon M. le Comte de Vergennes, tomorrow Morning at 9 oClock, agreable to the Notice just received. He begs leave to assure M. le Comte of his most sincere Respect Written on the bottom of Vergennes’ letter, the preceding document.