52801To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 30 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer of this, Mr. Benjamin Morris, is the youngest Son of your old Friend Mr. Samuel Morris, lately deceased; he visits Europe upon a plan of Business; I believe him to be a deserving young Man; as such, and from the regard I have for his Family Connections here, I beg leave to introduce him to your Friendship & Civilities,—I am ever Dear Sir Your...
52802To Benjamin Franklin from John Dickinson, 30 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I cannot deny Myself the Pleasure of introducing to the Honor of your Acquaintance Mr. Benjamin Morris, the youngest son of your Friend Mr. Samuel Morris. Your Regard for the Memory of his Father, and his own Merit, will, I am persuaded, place him before You in that Light, which his Relations desire. I am with perfect Esteem sir, your most obedient & hble...
52803To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens, 30 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
L : University of Pennsylvania Library Mr. Laurens presents his Compliments to Doctor Franklin and requests the honor of his company at dinner on thursday next at 3 oClock. In the hand of Henry Laurens, Jr. Laurens sent a separate invitation to WTF on the same day ( APS ). He was still in ill health, and on Jan. 9 he asked WTF to procure passports for himself, his son, and a servant to return...
52804To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, 31 December 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I inclose you an extract of a letter from Dr. Priestley to my brother William, on the subject of his late supposed discovery. At the same time I inform you that I have procured a small glass jar, for the purpose of observing the cause of the phœnomenon of the small bits of tea-leaves, which you find whirled to the centre of the bottom of your breakfast cup,...
52805Franklin: Proposed New Version of the Bible, [1782 or after] (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin … (3 vols., 4to, London, 1817–18), III , 308–9. It is now more than 170 years since the translation of our common English Bible. The language in that time is much changed, and the stile being obsolete, and thence less agreeable, is perhaps one reason why the reading of that excellent book is of...
52806Passport for Cartel Ships, [1782] (Franklin Papers)
Passy, printed by Benjamin Franklin, 1782. Printed form and AD (draft): American Philosophical Society Whereas an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain has been lately passed for the Exchange of American Prisoners; and in pursuance thereof, sundry Vessels are by that Government engaged as Transports to convey to America those Prisoners of War who have been confined in the Goals of England and...
52807To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper, [1782?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Before you left America, I believe I mention’d to you the great Losses I had sustain’d from the Enemy, in my Household Furniture, Books, Debts from Persons who took Refuge in Howe’s Army &c. so that take all together, I am perhaps, as large a Sufferer, in Proportion to what I possess’d, as any one in this Town; nor would two thousand Pounds Lawf: Money make...
52808To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Favier, [1782?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Mes malheurs ne vous Sont pas connus, et si l’on vous en a dit quelque chose, ce ne peut être que sous un paliatif. J’ai regret de ne vous en avoir rien dit dans le temps où je le pouvois, ou vous l’avoir donné par écrit et bien détaillé, ce tissu de miseres! Aujourd’hui on débite que vous m’avez renvoyé parce que je vous ai fait des torts, et cette...
52809To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Catherine de Ligniville Helvétius, [1782?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mon cher, ami je Comte vous avoire adiné mecredi, avec votre enfant, jespere avoire Mr. le Comte destin [d’Estaing] bonjour je vous embrasee de toute mes force, elle sont bien grande pour vous. Proposé a Mr. de chaumon de venire je ne lui donnerai que du rie, et de la gelée. Addressed: a Monsieur / Monsieur franklin I. Minis Hays catalogued this letter as...
52810To Benjamin Franklin from Mademoiselle ——— Juppin, [1782 or after] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mon papa lon ma priée de vous demander, si les papiers que je vous envoyes ont quelque valeur, si la personne a qui ils appartiennent peut esperer en tirer quelque argent, et sil ne faut pas ladresser a Mr Jay. Je vous presente mon papa, mes civilites, et amities et mes compliments a Mr votre petit fils. The Brillons’ former governess: XXVIII , 8n. Dated on...
52811To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy: Two Letters, [1782?] (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai vu hier Mon Illustre Docteur a Versailles de belles Dames qui s’ont desoleès d’avoir èté Si Long-tems Sans avoir eu lhonneur de vous voir ce sont Made. Dangiviller et Made. De Flahaut cette jolie personne qui parle si Joliment anglois. Elles ont fait la partie d’aller vous demander du Thé Vendredy prochain à cinq heures du soir Et comme...
52812To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbé Gabriel Bonnot de Mably, [1782] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society La personne dont l’abbé de Mably a eu l’honneur de parler à Monsieur jay, et qu’il vouloit aussi avoir l’honneur de recommander à monsieur franklyn, s’appelle Rochas, c’est un jeune homme âgé de vingt quatre ans, il est bien né d’une famille de riches marchands de Romans en dauphiné. Il y a trois ans qu’il est à Marseille pour s’instruire et se former au...
52813To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbesse Marie du Saint Esprit, 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le respect et La reconnoissance nous font également un Devoir de vous offrir nos vœux fasse Le Ciel que vous Jouissiez D’une santé aussy parfaite que nous Le Desirons. Nous Le Demandons avec ardeur. Daigné monsieur être persuadé De L’interest que nous y prenons. La Confiance que nous avons en votre Charité nous fait espérer La Continuation de vos bienfaits....
52814To Benjamin Franklin from Balthazar-Georges Sage, [c. 1782?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Sage salue et Embrasse Monsieur francklin, auquel il envoye un ouvrage D’un de ses amis qui l’a prié de Lui offrir. La personne qui lui remettra Ce Billet est un medecin de ses amis qui accompagne Les princes de Carlath qui desirent avoir Lhonneur De Voir Monsieur francklin. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur francklin / De Lacademie des / sciences It is...
52815The Abbé Alessandro (Agostino) Beliardi’s Account of Franklin’s Remedy for a Cold, [1782 or after] (Franklin Papers)
AD : Bibliothèque nationale M. Holcker a appris du docteur francklin qu’une petite cuiellerée à café de quinquinà jettée dans le fond d’un goblet où l’on verse un peu de lait pour Les bien meler ensemble, ensuitte remplissant le reste du goblet avec du lait, et en avalant un verre le matin à jeune, un autre en se mettant à table pour dinner, et un troisieme en se couchant, que çest un...
52816Franklin and Jacques Finck: Agreement, [before 1 January 1783] (Franklin Papers)
D : American Philosophical Society Le Mtre. d’Hotel entreroit le 1r. Janvr. 83. et agiroit en cette Qualité de concert avec le Cuisinier actuel pendant 2 ou 3 Mois pour se mettre au fait de la maniere de vivre de M. Franklin, ainsi que de la Depense que cette vie exige. Il aura des Gages à raison de 600 lt. par an. On lui donnera en outre une Gratification, Si on a lieu d’être content de lui,...
52817To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 1[–2] January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: University of Pennsylvania Library I do not know how I could employ myself more agreeably on the beginning of the new Year, than by writing to my dear Papa, wishing him many happy returns of it, and that I may live to begin and end many of them with him is my sincere prayer, who knows what a Peace may produce— In Mr Bache’s letter you desire I would continue my histories of the...
52818To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 1 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Among your political Occupations I take the Liberty of troubling you with a french Letter wrote in English. Peace has been made this long time in the Mouths of Politicians, tho’ unhappily for Humanity it does not actually exist any where else. We however in this Part of the World have a calm after all our Storms & are pursuing quietly thoug with Ardour our...
52819To Benjamin Franklin from Le Couteulx & Cie., 1 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Nous répondons à la lettre que vous nous avez fait l’honneur de nous écrire le 31. Xbre. der. L’opération qui nous avoit été confiée par Monsieur Morris consiste a acheter en Espagne des Piastres fortes livrables à la havanne. Nous avons pu l’exécuter a 33 Pr% de bénéfice en faveur des Etats unis, nous la croyons encore possible dans ce moment quoique...
52820To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Restiff called to let me know he was going to France, I allways promiss’d him a letter when he return’d: he is an exceeding good Young Man, has been often at our House and can tell you how we all look—as I have just wrote you a long letter, and shall write you again in a few days by Coll Cambray, shall only add the Love and duty of an Afectionate...
52821To Benjamin Franklin from Dominique-Louis Ethis de Corny, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I Would be acquainted if the Washington american Ship has already sailed for its destination. Mr. De Veimerange Who goes to morrow at versailles desires some Knouledge about it, Before his departure. I Was Disposed to Wait on your Excellency in this after noon, in order of Renewing my Best Wishes for the happiness and good health of your Excellency, during...
52822To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Two LS and L : University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I was honored with your Letters by the Danae— I congratulate you upon the promising State of our negotiations, since peace begins to be no less desirable here than elsewhere.— But I will not enter into that subject at present as I mean to write very fully both to Mr Jay &...
52823To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress The Bearer of this Letter is the Chevalier de Chattelleux who sets off to Morrow Morning, for France. There are many Things which I am desirous of communicating to you but which I have not now sufficient Time to commit to Paper and still less to put in Cypher. I have therefore entered very much into the Detail of our Situation with Genl. Chattelleux and requested him...
52824Draft of a Declaration to Be Made by the American Peace Commissioners, 2 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Two D : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères Nous soussignés Ministres Plenipres. des Etats unis &a. Déclarons qu’en agréant et consentant a fixer par notre signature des articles qui avoient été discutés entre nous et M. Oswald muni de pleins pouvoirs a cet effet par S. M. le R. [Sa Majesté le Roi] de la grande Bretagne pour être inserés dans le futur traite de paix, nous n’avons eu...
52825To Benjamin Franklin from Michel-Guillaume St. John de Crèvecceur, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have been Wittness whilst I was in America of a Cir Constance which I think it Imports Your Excellency to Know; my Good Intention will I hope, apologyse for the Liberty I am taking, if your Excellency is acquainted With it; if unknown, it is Certainly my duty as a good Cytysen of that Country to Inform you of what Follows— In the Year 1775 Samuel Bayard...
52826To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania L’Idée de Mr. Rt. Morris de se procurer des Piastres de la Havanne est bien bonne, mais je ne puis en dire autant de ses dispositions pour les faire payer ici. Je présume qu’il comptoit allors sur les fonds qu’il esperoit que vous obtiendriez, mais come ils se reduisent à Six Millions qui suffiront à peine pour faire face au courant des payemens...
52827To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; AL (draft): Library of Congress I arrived at this place a few days ago expecting to have proceeded to Europe in the vessel which carries Count Rochambaud & the Chevalr. de Chastellux; but it sails before I can be ready. I shall follow however in a very few days, & may possibly be with you as soon as this. Conscious that I can add no good to the commission,...
52828To Benjamin Franklin from Le Roy, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Voulez vous bien Mon Illustre Docteur que J’aye Lhonneur de vous recommander M. Envier de Dunkerque que j’ai deja eu l’honneur de vous présenter L’annee derniere et qui Souhaite prendre vos ordres pour Nantes, et M. Williams qu’il compte voir dans cette Ville sous peu de Jours. Je vous Souhaite, Mon Illustre Docteur, et de grand coeur la meilleure Santé...
52829To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society; draft: Yale University Library I do myself the Honor to enclose to your Excellency under flying Seal a Letter to Mr Grand which I pray you to peruse. To what is said in that Letter I need add but little. The Bill to Messrs. Wadsworth and Carter is in Payment of what our Army have eaten during the last two Months and an half, and you will see by the...
52830To Benjamin Franklin from John Sargent, 3 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Moment is come when I may safely assure You of my constant Esteem, affection & Veneration for Your Character, & may congratulate You on the Services You have renderd Mankind—! I dared not write You before,—some Officious Sycophants had represented me to the late Ministry as an Active Instrument of America,—&, if I had written You but a single Line, by...
52831To Benjamin Franklin from Antoinette-Thérèse Melin Dutartre, 4 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library Mon papa, voila encore mon abbé, pour qui vous avez eu des bontés; voulez vous en avoir encore? Et à ma consideration, écouter ses demandes? Voulez vous aussi recevoir l’assurance de mon amitié? Et voulez vous bien aussi ne me pas oublier en 83, comme vous avez fait en 82? Car ce pauvre arbaletre ne vous a pas vû! Je ne Suis pas en bonne santé, j’ai été...
52832To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 4 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I beg leave to reccommend to your kind Notice Mr Purviance son to a Respectable Merchant in Maryland. This young Gentleman proposes to make a Tour to Ireland with a View of reestablishing his Health & visiting some Relations. I shall be much obliged by your giving him the necessary passport, and whatever Civilities you may think proper to show him you...
52833To Benjamin Franklin from Ferdinand Grand, 5 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania La lettre dont vous m’avez honoré me demande mon Opinion sur celle qu’elle renfermoit de Mrs. Lecouteulx &c qui desirent scavoir si vous pouvez vous engager de leur fournir jusqu’à Deux Millions & demi pour les Achats de Piastres quils ont à faire pour M. Morris. Je ne puis ni ne dois avoir d’Opinion à ce sujet, mais pour fixer la vôtre, Monsieur, je...
52834To Benjamin Franklin from Michael Hillegas, 6 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer hereof Mr. William Wood of a reputable Family connected with your old Friend my Uncle Mr. Thomas Boude and the Newbolds in the Jerseys whom you have frequently heard of if not personally known to you— having an inclination to see the World as well as to do something with reputation to himself by endeavouring in the Commercial Way to increase his...
52835To Benjamin Franklin from Robert R. Livingston, 6 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: University of Pennsylvania Library; AL (draft): New-York Historical Society; transcript: National Archives I have before me your Letters of the 25th. & 29th. of June, 12th. August 3d. and 26th. September and 14th. October last — several matters contained in them have already been answered—and some others I am unable to reply to till Congress have decided on such propositions as I...
52836From Benjamin Franklin to Benjamin Franklin Bache, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Chapin Library, Williams College; press copy of ALS : American Philosophical Society I received some time since, and sent to your Father, the Samples you had sent to me of your Drawing, particularly the Copy of the Print of your Grand Father, which appear’d to be well done. I have also just now receiv’d your Letter written to wish me a happy New Year; but you should nevertheless have put...
52837From Benjamin Franklin to Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Press copy of ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received your kind good Wishes of a Number of happy Years for me. I have already enjoy’d and consum’d nearly the whole of those allotted me, being now within a few Days of my 78th.— You have a great many before you; and their being happy or otherwise will depend much on your own Conduct. If by diligent Study now, you improve your Mind,...
52838To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library Yesterday which was your birthday —and which I allways keep in the most festive Manner in my power—Willy & Eliza invited their Friends to a little dance, and made about sixty young folks, as happy as twas possible for People to be in this World. My children quite in an extacy, even little Deby had her share in the beginning of the evening— I have not the least...
52839To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Barney, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I recd. your Dispatches last night Accompanied with the Money, which is all onbd & Shall Sail in the Morning if the Wind is fair, as it is at present— I am Sorry I could not carry the News of Peace as expected, But console Myself with its being effected very soon. I cannot help observing as you mention the Curosity of my pasport, the Name of the Ship and...
52840To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Grammont, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous prie instament de maccorder un quart d’heure daudiance particuliere au jour et a l’heure quil vous plaira mindiquer vous obligerez infiniment celui qui a lhonneur detre avec une respectueuse Consideration Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Serviteur Notation: Marquis de Grammont Paris 7 Janvier 1783 This Grammont may be the président of...
52841To Benjamin Franklin from James and Charles Hill, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society When we were at Paris we took the Freedom to Call on your Excellency at Passe to request your Kind Assistance in giving us a letter of Recommendation to some Friends of yours in Philadelphia or Boston; and your Excellency was Kind Enough to Promise us; Provided you receiv’d a Letter from Doctor Percival of Manchester Certifying that we were the Men we...
52842To Benjamin Franklin from Antoine-François Prost de Royer, 7 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je n’ai point oublié le bonheur que J’ai eu de vous voir à Paris et l’accueil que vous m’avez fait. J’ai lu avec transport les premieres loix que vous avez donné à La Pensilvanie, et c’est à ce double titre que j’ai l’honneur de vous faire hommage des deux premiers volumes du Dictionnaire de Jurisprudence et des arrets . Je ne vous propose point, Monsieur,...
52843From Benjamin Franklin to David Barclay, 8 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Reprinted from William Temple Franklin, ed., The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin … (3d ed., 2 vols., London, 1818), I , 123–4. I received yesterday your favor of the 27th past, which I immediately answer, as you desire to know soon my opinion respecting the publication of a certain paper. I see no objection, and leave it entirely to your discretion. I have had several letters from...
52844From Benjamin Franklin to Mary Hewson, 8 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I sent you sometime since 11 Pamphlets of the same kind with the enclos’d, supposing, as I had heard them well spoken of, that you who are so laudably attentive to the Education of your Children, might possibly find in them some Hints worth your Notice. I find the Work is to go on, and I will send you what comes out for the present Year, if you desire it. I...
52845To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 8 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I did myself the pleasure of writing you some time ago per a friend in which I informed you how much I was hurt to find that Congress had refused to comply with the agreement made here for the Exchange of Prisoners, I have not since then been favored with any of yours. This day I have been at the Secretarys Office again relative to the Exchange of...
52846To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Coffyn, 9 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous ecrire la presente laquelle vous Sera remise par le Sieur Thomas Connoly Americain Lequel a eu le malheur d’Etre pris dans le navire Le Blear Mc Clanaghan a Son Passage de L’orient a Philadelphie par un corsaire de Guernsey auquel endroit il a été conduit prisonnier. Il a trouvé le moyen de S’echaper & de Se rendre ici, & Comme il...
52847To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 9 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copy: Yale University Library Please to read the inclosed Letters to Lord shelburne & Mr Vaughan then please to deliver them to Mr Vaughan if with you or forward them to him if not.— The subject appears to me worth a national Claim if you think so please to add a Line to my Letter to Lord shelburne, if you think an official Claim not consistent & you in...
52848From Benjamin Franklin to Filangieri, 11 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Museo Civico Gaetano Filangieri The Letter you did me the Honour of writing to me in August last, came to my Hands when I lay ill of two painful Disorders, which confin’d me near three Months, and with the Multiplicity of Business that follow’d oblig’d me to postpone much of my Correspondence. I have yesterday receiv’d a second Letter from you, and I now without farther Delay sit down to...
52849To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 11 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Don Galva of and from Salem arrivd at this Port Yesterday he saild from Salem the 1 December Mons De Vaudrieul with the Fleet remaind at Boston and from the report of the Captain would not sail before the later end of the month the french Troops were arrivd at Boston to embark on board the Fleet. The Indians have committed some fresh Crueltys on the...
52850To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 11 January 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society, Library of Congress; copy: Library of Congress On the ninth Instant, from an Investigation of Mr. Grands Accounts, then lately received, I found that after making due Allowance for Loan Office Bills &ca. which might still come upon him, my Drafts (and those which I have directed) would exceed, by Something more than six Millions (exclusive of the Interest...