54001To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 2 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; copies: Library of Congress, Bibliothèque Municipale, Nantes Washington here announces that his former aide David Humphreys has been elected by Congress to serve as the secretary of the new commission to negotiate commercial treaties. His election crushed Franklin’s hopes for a diplomatic career for his grandson William Temple Franklin. On August 15 Temple...
54002To Benjamin Franklin from Lafayette, [3 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Having determined to Go By the Next packet that Sails from L’orient on the 22d inst, I shall Be Happy to Be Honoured With Your Commands— I don’t leave Paris Before the 17th and Will in a few days Wait Upon Your Excellency— Be So kind as to let me know if You Have Heard Any thing from America— The only News I Had are, 1st that the Cincinnati Affair...
54003To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Laurens: Two Letters, 4 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
(I) ALS : American Philosophical Society; (II) Copy: University of South Carolina Library Permit me to introduce at Passy, Mr. Parker a young Gentleman of an exceeding good character Son of John Parker Esquire a respectable & valuable Citizen of the State of South Carolina. Mr. Parker who is studying the Law, means to improve the next vacation by a Visit to Paris & is, as all the World are,...
54004From Benjamin Franklin to the Conde de Campomanes, 5 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society I have received much Instruction and Pleasure in reading your excellent Writings; I wish it were in my Power to make you a suitable Return of the same kind. I embrace the Opportunity my much esteemed Friend Mr Carmichael affords me, of sending you a late Collection of some of my occasional Pieces, of which, if I should live to get home I hope to...
54005To Benjamin Franklin from Antoinette-Thérèse Melin Dutartre, 6 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous envoye, mon papa, une Sollicitation que le principal du college des irlandois me fait, Si vous pouvez y avoir egard, vous m’obligerez infiniment. Jespere que vous ne m’avez pas totalement oublié? Les maladies cruelles nous ont Separés. Je nai été qu’une Seule fois voir nôtre charmante amie, et il ne me fut pas possible d’aller vous embrasser: ne me...
54006To Benjamin Franklin from Forster frères, 8 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed letter We receiv’d under cover from our R: F by Ship from Dublin with directions to forward it to your Excellency, & to request an answer through our hands which We shall take care to send by the same conveyance— We shou’d esteem ourselves happy to have it in our power to render your Excellency any service in this place: as We buy annually of...
54007To Benjamin Franklin from Elizabeth Grattan, 8 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society L’opinion que le Monde entretien si justement des vos talens comme Consellier d’Etat, & de votre Sapience comme un Ecolier, et si generalement connu qu’il ne’st point necessaire que je le repete. Les gens de ce pais vous regarde avec un admiration et un estime que rein ne peut egaler, mais personne plus que Sir Edward Newenham, le vrai Patriote et Soutein...
54008To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Oswald, 8 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The inclosed Letter was sent to me yesterday by Lord Howe to be forwarded to you. And their Lordships of that Board having ordered a Copy of Capt Cooks Books of his last Voyage to be transmitted to you, they will be Sent in a Box by the Paris Diligence directed to the care of Monsr Pissot. Libraire, Quai des Augustines, to be delivered without expence. Mr...
54009From Benjamin Franklin to the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 9 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Vicomte Foy, Paris (1957) J’ai reçu, ma chere Amie, votre Lettre infiniment obligeante, et depuis ce temps Je n’ai fait que songer au charmant Projet d’aller à Sanois, passer quelques Jours avec vous. Je souhaiterois de tout mon coeur être en état de l’exécuter; mais plus J’y pense, et plus il me paoit impraticable: car Je me sens moins en état de marcher que la derniere fois que J’eus le...
54010To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Rosalie Filleul, [9 June 1784?] (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mde Filleul a l’honneur d’envoyë a Monsieur francklin, Ces trois derniers Volumes des mémoires du baron de tott. Elle prie de vouloir bien luy envoyë le journal d’aujourdhui 9. Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Le docteur Francklin / en son hotel / a Passy The earliest possible date. Mme Filleul enclosed volumes that were first published in 1784; the only...
54011To Benjamin Franklin from Lord Rosehill, 9 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I reced. Your Obligeing Information Concerning Your Son, I am again to bege the favour of You to be so Good as to Informe me by the Return of the Post if there are Any Gentlemen of Note, belonging to the State of Virginia, at this time in Paris, & if there is, then Names, and Addresse.— Haveing a Very Conciderable Interest in New Jersey, I will do my self...
54012To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 10 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society At the request of Mr Champion I forward the Accompanying Book to your Excellency. Our Mutual & Worthy friend Mr Laurens leaves Bath this day for Falmouth to go with his Son for New York. May Heaven protect them and spare your Excellency’s long and useful life is the prayer of Dr Sir Yr: Excellency’s obliged & Faithful Notation: Edward Bridgen. June 10....
54013To Benjamin Franklin from William Livingston, 10 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society I take the liberty of recommending to you Colonel Clarkson who is appointed by the Directors of the University of New York to solicit donations in some parts of Europe, for that Institution. In this capacity I do not recommend him to your notice; because my feelings as an American are really hurt by our turning mendicants in Europe, where I think our...
54014Map of the United States of America, Following the Peace Treaty of 1783, Dedicated and Presented to Benjamin Franklin … (Franklin Papers)
Printed in Affiches, annonces, et avis divers, ou Journal general de France, June 10, 1784. Carte des Etats-Unis de l’Amerique Suivant le Traité de Paix de 1783, issued by Jean Lattré in 1784, was neither the first French map of the United States published after the signing of the peace, nor an entirely accurate depiction of the boundaries of the new nation, as its title implies. It was,...
54015To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Childs, 12 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Pardon the Assurance I possess, in supposing, that while I take the Liberty of troubling you with a few Lines, your generosity will admit it.— I have wrote you not long since, but, Doubtful whether they have come safe to hand, I feel constrained here to make a repetition;—to express in terms the most grateful, the Singular & consequential services you have...
54016To Benjamin Franklin from Johann von Gott Nekrep, 12 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Allow me to send you my most gratefull Thanks, for all the favours and politeness you show’d me at Passy. But how shall I find language to express the emotions of my Heart? When ever I call to Mind the agreeable hours, I have had the Honour to pass with you, my Heart leaps with inexpressible pleasure. Oh! may heaven restore you Sir, to perfect Health, that...
54017To Benjamin Franklin from the Regents of the University of the State of New York, 12 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Lieutenant Colonel Clarkson will have the honor of delivering your Excellency this Letter. His business in Europe is to solicit donations for the University of the State of New York. We have instructed him to consult with your Excellency on the most proper mode of effecting the Objects of his Mission And we flatter ourselves that notwithstanding the...
54018From Benjamin Franklin to Charles Thomson, 14 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress I received yours of April 19 with the Information you obtained from our old Neighbour Reuben Haines respecting Marggrander, for which I thank you. I am much pester’d with Applications to make such Enquiries, and often obliged to promise that I will transmit them: but I would not wish you to take more Trouble than to ask Questions of the Members of Congress or others...
54019To Benjamin Franklin from Dufriche de Valazé, 15 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Le Porteur de cette lettre Est M. Dufriche desgenettes mon neveu qui part pour londres, où il va voir Comme on traite la Médecine qu’il Ètudie depuis __ quatre ans à Paris. C’Est un jeune homme sage Et de Bonne Éspérance, à qui je m’interesse Comme à mon fils. Permettez moi, Monsieur, de vous demander pour lui quelques Recommandations pour votre ancienne...
54020To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Le Carpentier, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 15 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress Jai lhonneur de vous envoyer mon Specifique contre la gravelle. Jose vous le repeter, d’apres les guerisons quil a operé, vous ne courés aucun risque d’en faire usage. Vous voudrés bien, Monsieur, pendant le tems que vous le prendrés, ne point manger de Salade Surtout le Soir Si vous Soupes, vous interdire le Laitage, non pas deux cuillerées de Lait dans votre Thé,...
54021To Benjamin Franklin from Vicq d’Azyr, 15 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer le Rapport de Mrs. Andry & Thouret Sur les Aimans de M. L’abbé Le Noble, conformément a la Demande que vous avez bienvoulu m’en faire le 24 du mois dernier.— La Société R. de Médecine, à laquelle j’ai présentéce Billet que Vous m’avez adressé à ce Sujet, a été on-ne-peut-pas-plus flattée du Désir que Vous témoignez avoir de...
54022To Benjamin Franklin from John Witherspoon, 15 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The Bearer Mr William Brown has been a Teacher here & is strongly recommended to me as an excellent Classic Scholar he goes to Paris to finish his Knowledge & Pronounciation of the french Language & is desirous of being introduced to you & if you Should know of any Opportunity of directing him where he might teach either the english or learned Languages so...
54023To Benjamin Franklin from Vicq d’Azyr, [after 15] June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Je m’empresse de réparer l’oubli que l’on a commis involontairement, & Je joins ici quelques Exemplaires du Rapport que Je vous avais annoncé par ma précédente Lettre. J’aurai l’honneur de Vous faire parvenir sous peu de temps le troisième Volume du Recueuil de la Société Royale de Médecine: c’est le Seul qui aît paru depuis ceux qui Vous ont été remis....
54024From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Mifflin, 16 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives My Letter by Mr Jay acquainted your Excellency that the Ratifications of the Definitive Treaty were exchanged. A Copy of the British Part was also sent by him. Mr Hartley remained here expecting Instructions to treat with us on the Subject of Commerce. The Bustle attending a new Election & Meeting of Parliament he imagined might...
54025To Benjamin Franklin from Bailly, 16 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society M Bailly presente ses hommages a Monsieur franklin et le prie de lui renvoier le registre original de la commission qu’il a eu l’honneur de lui envoier la semaine derniere, parcequ’on a indispensablement besoin demain dès le matin, qu’on doit commencer a le copier. Si Mr franklin ne l’avoit pas encore lu, il peut le garder encore jusqu’a ce soir, pourvû...
54026From Benjamin Franklin to Jane Mecom, 17 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is long since I have had the Pleasure of hearing from you, but am glad to hear by Cousin Williams that you were well the Beginning of this Year, and about to settle in the House at Boston, which you may consider as your own, and I hope you will be happy in it.— I continue, Thanks to God, in very good Health, being at present only troubled with the Stone,...
54027To Benjamin Franklin from Bailly, 17 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Mr Bailly presente ses respects a Monsieur Franklin. Il est chargé de le remercier au nom de Mrs les commissaires, qui se rendront chez lui samedi avant midi, et auront l’honneur de profiter de son invitation. Les commissaires sont au nombre de huit, Mrs Majault, sallin Guillotin, d’arcet medecins; Mrs lavoisier, le Roy, de Bory et Bailly academiciens. La...
54028Noël Le Mire to William Temple Franklin, 17 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Permettés moi de vous presenter un Portrait de, Monsieur, Le Marquis De Lafayette, Et vous Suplie de vouloir bien faire a Gréer a, Monsieur, votre Pere. L’autre, Jaurois déssiré pouvoir men a quitter moi même J’ai l’honneur dêtre avec Respect Monsieur Votre trés humble Et trés obéissant Serviteur Endorsement: Le Mire 17 Juin 1784 This engraver (1724–1801)...
54029Charles Thomson to the American Commissioners, 18 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania I have the honor of forwarding three comm[issions] which were not prepared in time to go by Mr Jefferson, [and] a duplicate of the instructions he carried with him. I [also] enclose a copy of the Journal of the last session of Congress as far as printed and a news paper containing the Ordinance for putting the treasury into commission and an act...
54030To Benjamin Franklin from Charles Thomson, 18 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania On the third of this month Congress adjourned to meet at Trenton on the 30 of Octr. next, having first appointed a comee. [committee] of the states to sit in the recess, agreeable to the Articles of Confederation. Previous to the adjournment I had the honor to receive your letter dated, if I recollect right, on the 8 March, which I immediately laid...
54031To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, [before 19 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society This will be handed to you by Major Du Pontier, Aid of your Friend Baron Stuben’s, who I shall thank you for your attention to, we have found him a very amiable young Gentleman, he will tell you how the Children all look, and what a delightful retreat I have brought them to, till a few days ago I flattered myself you would have been with us on Schuilkill...
54032To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Jefferson, 19 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Supposing that Congress would communicate to you directly the powers committed to yourself, mr. Adams & myself, I have delayed from day to day the honour of writing to you, in hopes that every day would open to me a certainty of the time & place at which I might sail: a French packet will leave N. York early in the next month. By her I mean to take my...
54033To Benjamin Franklin from Charles (C.-J.) Le Roux, 19 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Depuis quelques années que je n’ai eû l’honneur ni de vous voir ni de vous écrire, peut-être m’avez vous perdu de vue. Mr. De Gebelin que la Société et les Lettres ont perdu trop tôt m’honoroit de son estimé et de son amitié. Il connoissoit mes ouvrages et particulierement Mon Journal d’Education que j’ai fait autrefois par ordre du Gouvernement pour...
54034To Benjamin Franklin from Morellet, [19 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library The “fragment” that Morellet enclosed with the present letter was probably an early version of what became a fifty-nine-page manuscript titled “Apologie des papiers de credit etablis par les etats unis.” The first half recounted the introduction, circulation, and depreciation of paper money in the colonies. The second half defended Congress’ resort to...
54035To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, [on or before 20 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society By Major Depontiere I wrote you a short Letter the other day, it was at the very instant of my moveing, I had neither pen or wafer, I hope you will excuse the appearance it made, I thought you would be happy to hear I was well even if it were wrote in Greek Characters. My little Richard is most amaizingly recovered since we came out here and the whole...
54036To Benjamin Franklin from Sarah Bache, 20[–21] June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In full expectation of Dr Bancrofts calling on me before he embarks I write again tho I have just finished one for you, I did expect he would dine with us tomorrow and am disapointed to hear he cannot, for I love every one you love, and the Dr is so agreable and sensible, that every one must think favorably of him and like his Company, for his own sake, so...
54037To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Castries, 20 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Library of Congress J’ai l’honneur, Monsieur, de vous envoyer un Projet de repartition des Prises faites par l’Escadre aux ordres du Commodore Paul Jones dont les liquidations ont été arrettées à la somme de 386,682 l.t. -8–2 d. sauf la déduction de quelques depenses générales de peu de conséquence, et dont mr. le Rey de Chaumont doit justifier. Le Roi a decidé que la répartition de la...
54038To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache: Three Letters, 21 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
(I), (II), and (III) ALS : American Philosophical Society Tho’ it is long since we heard from you, we have now and then the pleasure of hearing of you— Mr. Charles Thompson told me the other day, that he had received a Letter from you dated in March, and that you then were well; this is the last account we have of you— I confess I have been pleasing myself with the expectation of seeing you at...
54039To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Brand Hollis, 21 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The loss of a young person of fine dispositions and excellent principles, & in whose education I greatly interested my self, as intending him to be my son & heir, has prevented me attending to matters which at another time would have engaged my thoughts; was it not for this, I should justly incur the imputation of negligence, as it is some time since I...
54040To Benjamin Franklin from Joseph Rati, 21 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The subscriber a Subject of the Thirteen United American States Inhabitant of Salem in New-England, having sailed from thence since the 20th: of July 1782 & been trading in the W-Indies & on the Spanish Main, upon a report that the Moors of barbary did not choose to prey upon any American Flagg having attempted to Come from Martinicca to this Port with...
54041To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 22 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Our Mutual Friend Mr Hollis has just left this with me to send to your Excellency which I inclose in a packett to Monsr: Genet and dare say that you will receive it safe. I did myself the honour to send you through the hands of Mr Hartley Mr Champions observations on Lord Sheffields book, which I hope you received safe & in a few days I shall convey by the...
54042To Benjamin Franklin from Ezra Stiles, 22 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Colo. Humphrys needs not as some others Letters of Recommendation, being himself his own Epistle to every one who would take Knowledge of real Worth & singular Merit. He was educated in this College, of which he was formerly elected a Tutor or Professor. He has distinguished himself in our Army through the War, and Gen. Washington has taken him into his...
54043To Benjamin Franklin from Wadsworth & Church, 24 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Messrs Wadsworth & Church present their respectfull Compliments to Doctr Franklin—they much regret that it is not in their power to wait on the Doctr as they leave Paris early tomorrow Morning. If the Doctr has any commands for London they will be happy to obey them Addressed: To / His Excellency Doctr Franklin / Passy Notation: Wathworth & Church 24 June...
54044Loose Thoughts on a Universal Fluid, [25 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
AD (draft): Library of Congress; copies: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, American Philosophical Society (two); copies of French translation: Library of Congress (two), Bibliothèque de l’Institut de France In this series of speculations, Franklin tried to combine into one theory his long-held beliefs about light, heat, and fire. The concept he used to link these phenomena—the subtle...
54045Franklin’s Journal, [26 June 1784–27 July 1784] (Franklin Papers)
Incomplete AD supplemented by WTF ’s edited transcript: Library of Congress. Mr. Waltersdorff called on me, and acquainted me with a Duel that had been fought yesterday Morg between a French Officer, and a Swedish Gentleman of that Kings Suite, in which the latter was killed on the Spot, and the other dangerously wounded:— That the King does not resent it, as he thinks his Subject was in the...
54046From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 27 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society Inclosed I have the Honour of sending to your Excellency Copies of Papers contain’d in a Dispatch just receiv’d from Congress. The Affair of the Free Ports recommended to us, has been sometime settled: They are Dunkirk, L’Orient, Bayonne & Marseilles.— I wonder much that we hear nothing from Congress of their foreign Arrangements. This short Line from the...
54047To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 27 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr Barclay desired me to deposit in the Consuls Office my last public Accounts as settled with you. I shall be much obliged if you will please to transmit the Originals to him where they may be always open to public Inspection. I am most dutifully & Affectionately Yours. I return you Doctor Priestlys Paper which I have read with much pleasure. Addressed:...
54048To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Chase, 28 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I beg leave to introduce to Your Notice, Civility and friendship Mr. Moss, Son of the Bishop of Bath & Wells. This Gentleman is very desirous of being honoured with your Acquaintance. I am still detained here but shall certainly sail before the middle of next Month. I shall be happy to render You any Services in America. Mr Champion, requests his...
54049To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquise de Lafayette, 28 June 1784 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr De La fayette, monsieur, m’ecrit de Lorient ou Les vents Le retenoient mardy dernier, et ou il [sera?] encore retenu selon toute apparence. Il me mande qu’il a trouvé a Lorient, des arrivans damerique qui Lui ont annoncé des paquets de Lettres, qui devoient etre arrivés a paris, par la poste Dimanche 20. Je n’ai point entendu parler de ces Lettres je ne...
54050To Benjamin Franklin from Le Maire de Gimel, [28 June 1784] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je sens combien je Vous fatigue par mes demandes réitérées, mais comme dans tous les tems Vous avez eu des bontés pour moi, j’espere que Vous Voudrez bien encore m’apostiller ce memoire, l’etourderie du copiste m’ayant rendu inutile celui que Vous eutes la bonté de m’apostiller le 30 Maÿ dernier. Le ministre nattend plus qu’après cela pour prononcer sur ce...