53351To Benjamin Franklin from Antonio Francesco Salucci & fils, 6 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Nous prenons la liberté de presenter a Votre Excellence nos tres humbles respects, et de Luy rendre compte que depuis le comencement du mois passé, nous avons fait partir directement pour Philadelphie notre propre Vaisseau du port de 150 Tx [tonneaux] portant Pavillon Toscan et chargé de Vin, huille, Chapeaux, Bas, Drogues, Soyeries, et autres produits et...
53352To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Harford, [before 7 June 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Being as your Excellency must know, very deeply interested in the welfare of America, permit me to congratulace the Congress in General and the state of Maryland in particular, thro your Excellency on the approaching acknowledgement of that independance that has been so Gloriously Struggled for, which cannot fail giving to the United States the wished for...
53353From Benjamin Franklin to [the Conde de Sousa Coutinho], 7 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: Library of Congress I have perused carefully the Plan of a Treaty which your Excellency did me the honour to leave with me on Wednesday. I shall transmit it to my Sovereign as it is, to avoid delay; but in the meantime would make a few Remarks for your Consideration. 1. I apprehend the Words at the End of the first Article [ que celles dèja établies avec les Puissances les...
53354Portuguese Counterproposal for a Treaty of Amity and Commerce, [c. 7 June 1783] (Franklin Papers)
Copy and transcript: National Archives The initial negotiations for a commercial treaty between the United States and Portugal, conducted between Franklin and the conde de Sousa Coutinho, took place without the knowledge of the other American commissioners and have left no written trace. Whether Sousa Coutinho had pressed for secrecy is not known; neither do we know when discussions began in...
53355To Benjamin Franklin from Nathaniel Falconer, 7 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I inclose a Book that Came out yesterday hear and is Like to make Some Noise hear I Recd Letters yesterday from philadla via Newyork as Late as the 24 of April one Ship had arrivd from Irland and omitted to Land there Goods an order to the Collecter to Enter all vessells from Grait Britton I wrote you Sir on my First arrivall hear but as I have not heard...
53356To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Gauthier, 7 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous donner avis, qu’il vous manque encore, pour completter votre Exemplaire du Dictionnaire des Sciences Morale, Politique, &c. les Tomes 26 & 27. Les derniers que Votre Excellence a reçus étoient les Tomes 24 & 25. Je suis avec respect Monsieur De Votre Excellence Le très humble & trés obéissant serviteur Notation: Gauthier 7 Juin 1783...
53357To Benjamin Franklin from William James, 7 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Since I had the honor of waiting upon you I have gained no Intelligence of Mr Sayre, for which Reason I have thoughts of Returning Immediately to England. But before I quitted Paris I was desirous of Informing you, that I am the person, that for near twenty years, wrote in the English Newspapers upon public Improvements, many of which in Consequence have...
53358To Benjamin Franklin from Philippe-Denis Pierres, 7 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous adresser un Exemplaire Complet de tout ce qui est imprimé des Constitutions de l’amerique. Vous voudrez bien avoir la bonté de me faire part de votre détermination derniere. Je vous prie aussi de me faire savoir si vous avez écrit à Mr Le Garde des sceaux, & de m’envoyer la note des Exemplaires brochés ou reliés que vous desirerez. Je...
53359To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Salvador, 7 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the Honour to acquaint your Excellency from London of my Intention of proceeding to America by the first Opportunity I have so far carried my design into Execution as to be on the point of Settling my Passage with Captain Cunningham who is going to Philadelphia and hope to Sail in less than a Fortnight your Excellencys Commands will be a favour to me...
53360To Benjamin Franklin from William James, [after 7 June 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I meant soon after I had the Honor of dining with you at passy, to have Returned to England, but meeting with an English Phyzician, he has made Paris so agreable to me, that I think of Staying Until the Middle of September, without I Can gain An Establishment in France Or America.— Having taken, in my leisure Hours, An Active part in the Improvements in...
53361To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 8 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Vous M’avés promis Mon Cher Et Venerable Docteur une petite Visitte pour Sanois. Voicy Le Moment De Vous En Rapeller Le Souvenir; nôtre Vallée Et Mon jardin sont Dans toutte Leur Bauté Et touttes nos fleurs vous apellent s’il Vous Convenait De Venir; Vendredy, Samedy, Dimanche ou tel autre jour De La Semaine. Souvenés Vous que Vous M’avés promis D’Estre tout...
53362To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 9 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Your kind favour of the 22nd past reached my hands the 4th. Currant and I thank you for it, because it ordered the payment of arrears to the Society of Antiquaries, of which you were one of the first who has paid his arrears, after a general call ordered for the Secretary to make; but I undertook that office to you as some had doubted your honour. There are...
53363Henry Laurens to the Other American Peace Commissioners, 10 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress This Moment landed— As a Boat is going over to Calais, the inclosed Proclamation may possibly arrive new to you. To me it wears the Aspect of one Part of a commercial Treaty. I shall not wonder, should I see our Friend, D. H. in London this Week. I purpose Lodging there to night. There & every where, I shall be as I am, Your...
53364To Benjamin Franklin from John Vaughan, 10 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I am Somewhat Surprised to find your letters are of So early a date; I have recd a letter from Mr Jay to Same purport;—all I can say upon the Subject is that the Genl. letters given me, were those intended to go by Mr Jefferson two months before; Mr Morris gave me Some letters the morning I came away, directed If I recollect right, to Mess. Grand, Le...
53365From Benjamin Franklin to Pierres, 11 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society I received the Exemplaire of the Constitutions. I intended to have waited on M. le Garde des Sceaux yesterday at Versailles, but was prevented.—I shall write to him today.— The Ratification of the Swedish Treaty is arrived, so that there is no farther Obstruction to the Publication. I desire to have 50 of the 8vos [octavos] bound in Calf, & Letter’d,...
53366From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 12 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and transcript: National Archives I write to you fully by a Vessel from Nantes, which I hope will reach you before this. If not, this may inform you, That the Ratification of the Treaty with Sweden is come, & ready to be exchang’d when I shall receive that from Congress; That the Treaty with Denmark is going on, and will probably be ready before the Commission for signing it arrives from...
53367To Benjamin Franklin from Alleyne Fitzherbert, [12 June 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress Mr Fitz-Herbert presents his best Compliments to Dr Franklin; — he purposes leaving Paris this afternoon and will be exceedingly happy to take charge of any commissions that he or Mr Franklin may have for Brussels or England. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / &c— &c— &c— / a Passy Endorsed: June 12. 83 Fitzherbert, whose temporary mission to the French court...
53368To Benjamin Franklin from Peter Green and Timothy Parmele, 12 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society You will Excuse my Boldnes but it is In A Case of distress to Let yo now the Circumstance That we two are in with many others. We have taken all opertunitys to meet with Mr Williams the American Agent but we Cannot finde Him we go day after day to his Clerks they Always tell us He is Coming home when we Show our pass and Lets Them now how we ware prisoners...
53369To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Price, 12 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Dr Price presents his best respects to Dr Franklin and desires his acceptance of one of these Pamphlets. The other he desires Dr Franklin would be so good as to present to Mr Laurens if at Paris. If not, he wishes it may be presented to Mr Adams. Addressed: To / Dr Franklin Price may have been sending more copies of The State of the Public Debts and Finances...
53370To Benjamin Franklin from John Wheelock, 12 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I should long before this time have done myself the honor to write—but the situation of my affair has been such, that a letter might have been impertinent, as it could have communicated nothing with precision. Their Serene & Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Orange have manifested great approbation of the design, and have munificently favored...
53371To Benjamin Franklin from Gijsbert Karel van Hogendorp, 13 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Les lettres dont Votre Excellence a eu la bonté de me charger pour Messieurs Washington Levingston et Morris, m’assurent une reception dans votre patrie, telle que je la désirois ardemment, afin de m’instruire à fond de tout ce qui regarde un paÿs aussi intéressant que la nouvelle République des treize Provinces uniës de l’Amérique. Recevez en Monsieur mes...
53372To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Hülsen, 13 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je suis au despoir de ne Vous avoir pas trouvé ayant quelque chose d’important à Vous dire. J’ay cherché des Connoissances avec M. le Marquis de Condorcet, & M. Le Cte de Milly. J’ay appris que le premier n’etoit pas (?)çon, et qu’il ne Cultivoit pas les Connoissances dont j’avois besoin. Quant au 2d. il promet de me guerir dans quelques Semaines me...
53373To Benjamin Franklin from Jean Rousseau, 13 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and copy: American Philosophical Society Depuis la Suisse oû je demeurois, j’eus l’honneur d’envoier à Vôtre Excellence, la copie d’un manuscrit sur l’indépendance du Nord de l’Amerique: au commencement de cette mémorable levée de boucliers, j’en avois déja envoié des Copies à la Cour de France & notamment à feu Mr: Le Comte de Maurepas, Mr: Le Comte de Vergennes Mr: Necker &c. On avoit eu...
53374To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Saint-Martin, 13 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Il y a Bien des jours que j’ai Eu L’honneur de vous Ecrire vous priant davoir la bonté de minstruire de quelle fasson Les officiers françois qui ont Esté Employé au servisse des Etats unis de lamerique seront treté, il faut sans doute que ma lettre ne vous soit pas parvenue; agrées que je vous suplie De macorder Cette faveur, veu que si les Etat ne veulle...
53375To Benjamin Franklin from Erik Magnus Staël von Holstein, 13 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS , copy, and transcript: National Archives Je viens de reçevoir la ratification de Sa Majesté du Traité de Commerce conclu avec les Etats Unis, la quelle j’aurai l’honneur de vous remettre aussitot qu’elle pourra être echangée contre celle du Congré. Permettez Monsieur que je vous repette à cette ocassion la demande que Monsieur l’Ambassadeur vous a faite au sujet de Monsieur franklin votre...
53376To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bancroft, [before 14 June 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have done myself the honor to call to inform you of my intention of setting out on the Journey which has been explained to you, on Sunday Evening— I had intended to have Left this sooner, but as I could not possibly be ready to day , it would be to no purpose— If you should think of any thing in which I can be useful to you, I shall be happy to be...
53377To Benjamin Franklin from the Duc de Deux-Ponts, 14 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L or AL : American Philosophical Society Memoire M. Le Prince des Deuxponts S’est déja adressé a monsieur Franklin pour Savoir Si LElectorat Palatin et Le Duché de Baviére pourroient entrer en Liaisons de Commerce avec Les treize Etats unis de Lamérique. Mais n’en ayant obtenu qu’une Réponse trop vague pour etre transmise a Ses Commettans, il Le prie tres instamment de vouloir bien Lui...
53378From Benjamin Franklin to [the Duc de Deux-Ponts], [on or after 14 June 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society Reponse Without Information what are the Productions & Manufactures of the Palatinate & of Bavaria and their Prices, of which Mr Franklin is totally ignorant, it is impossible for him to say what of them will be proper for a Commerce with the United States of America. He can only answer in general, that America purchases from Europe all kinds of...
53379From Benjamin Franklin to [Gaspard-Bonaventure-Timothée Ferry], 14 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I received some time since the Letter you honour’d me with, containing your Hypothesis for explaining the Shock given by the electric Bottle, on which you seem to desire my Opinion. It is many Years since I was engag’d in those pleasing Studies, and my Mind is at present too much occupied with other and more important Affairs to permit my returning to...
53380David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners, 14 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress, William L. Clements Library, Massachusetts Historical Society; two incomplete copies and incomplete transcript: National Archives The American peace commissioners grew increasingly suspicious as they waited for Fox to respond to the article that Hartley had presented to them without prior approval on May 21. Hartley drafted another memorial for them on June 1, but...
53381David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners: Revised Article, [14–18] June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), William L. Clements Library, Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives; press copy of copy: National Archives It is agreed, that the Citizens of the United States of America shall be permitted to import into and to export from any Port or Place of the Territories belonging to the Crown of Great Britain in American Ships, any Goods, Wares &...
53382To Benjamin Franklin from Girardot, Haller & Cie., 14 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons l’honneur de Vous presenter Monsieur Volmers, associé de la maison la plus solide & la plus riche de Breme sous la raison de Pundsack & Volmers. Les Etats unis ne pourraient etre en de meilleures mains pour tout ce qui peut les Interesser dans cette Ville, & nous rendons ce temoignage plus encore comme un homage a la Verité qu’a l’amitié. Nous...
53383To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Vaughan, 14 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Well knowing Your engagements, I have hitherto declined encroaching upon Your important time, but as I shortly embark with my family for Philadelphia, I could not refrain returning You my very sincere and affectionate thanks, for your repeated friendly & affectionate attention to each of my sons when on the continent, and which (if possible) has added to...
53384To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Dessin, 15 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society M. Benjin. Vaughan par sa lettre de Londres du 6 de ce mois m’annonçoit qu’il venoit de me faire adresser 4 Boëtes à l’adresse de votre Excellence. Ces boëtes sont effectivement arrivées ce matin par le Paquebot du Capne. Bagster, mais l’une d’elles, la plus forte, paroissant être beaucoup endommagée, on l’a retira du Vaisseau, et elle fut portée à la Douane...
53385From Benjamin Franklin to Staël von Holstein, 16 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society J’ai reçu la Lettre que votre Excellence m’a fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 13 de ce Mois, pour me faire Part que vous avez reçu de votre Cour la Ratification du Traité conclu entre nos deux Nations: J’attens de Jour en Jour la Ratification du Congrès, & dès que je l’aurai reçue je m’empresserai de vous en faire Part, afin que nous puissions faire les Echanges...
53386Elias Boudinot to the American Peace Commissioners, 16 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society, National Archives This letter from Elias Boudinot, president of Congress, not only announces the resignation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Robert R. Livingston, it also encloses a resolution of great importance to the peace commissioners. On February 5 John Adams had written to Congress that there no longer was a reason to...
53387Lafayette to Franklin and John Jay, 16 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Columbia University Library Mquis. de Lafayette’s Compliments waït upon Mr. Franklin and Mr. Jay, and Has the Honour to Acquaint them He Had letters from America down to the first of May— On Many points He is Referred to the letters those Gentlemen Must Have Received— The Mquis. de Lafayette Intends paying them His Respects to Morrow at Breakfast time, and will Communicate what...
53388To Benjamin Franklin from Barthélemy Faujas de Saint-Fond, 16 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Sachant Combien les arts vous sont agreables, j’ai l’honneur de vous faire part q’un de mes Compatriotes, homme de Condition de ma province, vient de finir un ouvrage en mécanique que je regarde Comme tres etonnant. Ce sont deux têtes dorées qui prononcent les paroles suivantes le roi donne la paix a leurope . La 2de tête repond. la paix Couronne le roi de...
53389To Benjamin Franklin from Armand-Thomas Hue de Miromesnil, 16 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères M. Le Garde des Sceaux a communiqué à M. de Neville, Maître des Requêtes, Directeur Général de la Librairie, la Lettre que Monsieur Franklin a pris la peine de lui adresser le 11 de ce mois: il lui envoie copie de la reponse de ce Magistrat. Monsieur Franklin verra que rien ne S’oppose à la permission telle qu’elle a été accordée dès le 11 du...
53390To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan: Two Letters, 16 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
(I) and (II) ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg permission to introduce to your warm civilities, Lord Daer, son of the Earl of Selkirk. He was introduced to me lately as a very valuable & philosophical acquaintance, & my short intercourse with him has confirmed every report I had heard of him. His political principles are well known, & very friendly to us. He means to stay some time at...
53391Henry Laurens to the Other American Peace Commissioners, 17 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: Library of Congress, South Carolina Historical Society I had the honor of addressing you the 10th. immediately after my landing at Dover— As early as possible after my arrival here I obtained an Interview with Mr. Secretary Fox, who was pleased to read to me part of his latest Dispatches to Mr. Hartley which he supposed would reach Paris...
53392To Benjamin Franklin from the Comte de Ségur, [after 17 June 1783] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Le Cte de ségur est venu pour avoir l’honneur de Voir Monsieur franklin, et pour lui remettre deux lettres, l’une de Madame Green, Et l’autre du Docteur Cooper. Il les lui rapportera un autre jour, ces lettres ne Sont que dès Reponses aux lettres de Recommandation que Mr. franklin avoit eu la bonté de donner au Cte de ségur à Son depart pour l’Amerique. Il...
53393From Benjamin Franklin to Nathaniel Falconer, 18 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Transcript: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I received your kind Letters of May 15. and June 7. and was glad to hear of your Welfare and safe Arrival in England.— I wish you much Success in entring again upon your old Occupation, and should be happy if I could be ready to return in a Ship under your Care. But I have not yet receiv’d the Permission I requested from Congress, nor do I know...
53394To Benjamin Franklin from Elias Boudinot, 18 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress (two), National Archives; AL (draft): Library of Congress I have the honor of enclosing you an official Letter, directed to our Ministers Plenipotentiary at Paris. The Resignation of the late Secretary for foreign affairs, (occasioned by his Preference of the Chancellorship of the State of New-York, which he could not hold longer, &...
53395To Benjamin Franklin from Daniele Andrea Dolfin, 18 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society L’Ambassadeur de Venise Prie Monsieur Francklin de lui faire L’honneur De Diner Chez lui Mercredi Le 25. de Ce mois. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Francklin
53396To Benjamin Franklin from Faujas de Saint-Fond, 18 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society J’eu l’honneur de vous écrire pour vous engager a venir voir deux morceaux de mècanique tres intéressants et de faire l’honneur à la personne qui les à inventés et de venir dinner ches elle, que vous y trouveriés des académiciens de votre Connoissance. J’envoyai un exprés pour vous porter ma lettre, et Comme vous etiés allé à la Campagne, elle fut remise à...
53397To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Grand, [18 June? 1783] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I was thinking you might perhaps be desirous to see la Procession du Bon Dieu, a most magnificent Shew, with an excellent Band of Martial Musik & as they are to make a full Stop at St. Joseph our house is the very best place to enjoy that Sight. Not Knowing precisely what time they’ll begin their March between 11 & 1 o.Clock, I think the first is the hour...
53398David Hartley to the American Peace Commissioners: Propositions for the Definitive Treaty, [19 June 1783] (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society (two), William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress, National Archives (two); transcript: National Archives When the American peace commissioners saw David Hartley at Versailles on Tuesday, June 17, they told him that Congress had issued an order on April 24 opening American ports to British vessels—or so they understood from credible private...
53399To Benjamin Franklin from Patience Wright, 19 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Mascall is on his Way to Settel in Philadelphia—he was amongst the first men who wrote against the American War, and one of the first in the London association &ce—his Stedy behavour against the Wicked Medlars of the Ministry—and he faithful in the Cause of The Rights OF THE People —Brott on a Suffering and percecution—from Lords Mansfield and other Men...
53400Henry Laurens to the Other American Peace Commissioners, 20 June 1783 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: Massachusetts Historical Society, Library of Congress, South Carolina Historical Society Permit me to refer to what I had the honor of writing to you the 17th. You will recollect my Suggestions, as soon as we perceived the falling off, from those warm Assurances which had been pressed in March and April, they were not ill founded; I dalayed a Week in hopes of Intelligence & left you...