12451To Benjamin Franklin from Anne-Louise Boivin d’Hardancourt Brillon de Jouy, 13 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Comment estes vous mon bon papa? Jamais il ne m’en a tant coutté de m’éloigner de vous, chaques soirs il me semble que vous seriés bien aise de me voir, et chaques soirs je pense a vous; lundi 21 j’irai vous retrouver, j’espere qu’alors vous serés bien Sur vos jambes et que le thé du mercredi samedi, et celui du dimanche matin reprendront tout leur lustre....
12452From Benjamin Franklin to Robert R. Livingston, 14 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS and transcript: National Archives I have but just received Information of this Opportunity, and have only time allow’d to write a few Lines. In my last of the 26th. past I mentioned that the Negociation for Peace had been obstructed by the Want of due Form in the English Commissions appointing their Plenipotentiaries. In that for treating with us, the Mentioning our States by their public...
12453From Benjamin Franklin to Robert Morris: Extract, 14 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Extract: National Archives The three millions you mention previous to 1778 were two of them given & the third was an Advance on a Contract with the Farmers general of tobacco. Excerpted from a now-missing letter probably written in response to Morris’ letter of July 1 ( XXXVII , 568–72). An extract of BF ’s earlier response is above, Sept. 26. In Arthur Lee’s hand. During 1777 the...
12454To Benjamin Franklin from the Abbés Chalut and Arnoux, 14 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Les abbés de Chalut et Arnoux assurent de leur amitié leur respectable ami. Ils lui envoyent quatre lettres de recommandation pour M. le Chevalier Neuvenham. Ils sont à ses ordres dans toutes les choses qui dependront deux. Mille amitiés au cher petit fils. In the hand of Guillaume Arnoux. The first names of Arnoux and Jean Chalut have been supplied to us by...
12455To Benjamin Franklin from William Hodgson, 14 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I have recd your two favors of the 25th & 30th Ultimo, it rejoices me much to hear you are getting the better of your late Complaints, the World cannot afford to part with you yet— You must not sing the Nunc Dimittis, untill you have compleated that great & glorious work which is to teach future Kings & Ministers that the Liberties & propertys of Mankind...
12456From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 15 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Massachusetts Historical Society A long and painful Illness has prevented my corresponding with your Excellency regularly, but I paid the Bill you drew upon me and advised me of in your last Letter. Mr Jay has I believe acquainted you with the Obstructions our Peace Negociations have met with, and that they are at length removed. By the next Courier expected from London, we may be able...
12457To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard Brantsen, 15 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : University of Pennsylvania Library Mr. de Brantsen, Ministre Plenipotentiaire de LL. HH. pp. les Etats Generaúx des Provinces Unies des Pays bas a l’honneúr d’assurér Mr. Franklin de ses tres humbles civilités et de lui envoÿer ci jointe úne lettre dú Professeúr Ingen-Hoúz, qu’il a reçue hier dans son paqúet de Vienne. Il lui offre en même temps ses services poúr faire parvenir en sureté...
12458To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Preble, 16 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Haveing the Misfortune to be Capturd by the Intriped of Sixty four Guns in the Ship Called the Retaliation Merchantmen my father in Law the Principle Owner Liveing at Newbury Port his Name is Stephen Cross Esqr Hond Sir I am on my Parole of Honour and Should beg the favour of your Kind assistance in Supplying me with ten or twelve Pounds Sir I will Give my...
12459To Benjamin Franklin from Girardot, Haller & Cie., 18 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : American Philosophical Society Nous avons Lhonneur de vous presenter mr Housberg chef d’une manufacture de fonte de fer a qui nous donnâmes il y a Trois ans une Lettre d’introduction auprès de vous Monsieur. Nous Serons charmés si Les propositions quil a vous faire peuvent vous Etre agreables c’est dans cette vue que nous nous sommes prêtes à L’instance de mr housberg. Nous avons Lhonneur...
12460To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Hopkinson, 18 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Yale University Library It is very long since I have had the Satisfaction of a Line from you. This I attribute to the great Uncertainty of Opportunities. The last Letter I received from you mentioned an Electrical Battery, which you said was in the Hands of Mr. Coombe. I have at last got the Battery you mention, & found five of the Bottles broke. The Rest are in good Order. All your...
12461To Benjamin Franklin from the Comtesse d’Houdetot, 18 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Mde. la Cesse D’houdetot qui a L’honneur D’offrir Mille tendres Complimens a Monsieur franklin Le prie De Vouloir Bien faire passer surement Ce paquet En Amerique. Il apartient a Mr. St. Jean de Crevecœur a qui il a deja Bien Voulû Rendre Ce Service a Sa Consideration. Ce Mr. De St. Jean Est aussy En peine De Scavoir Sy Mr. franklin a Recu Et agreés un Livre...
12462To Benjamin Franklin from George Washington, 18 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society; LS (draft): Library of Congress I have been honored with two favors of Your Excellency—one presented by the Count de Segur, of the 2d. of April—the other delivered by the Prince de Broglie of the 8th.—both which were rendered doubly agreeable, by the pleasure I had in receiving them from the hands of two such amiable & accomplished Young Gentlemen.—...
12463To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 18 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I came hither on the Business of our House having 5 rich Jamaica prizes to our address, with upwards of 2000 hhd Sugar & 400 hhds Rum. The Alliance is just arrived with 4 more, & she has sent 5 into America, two have got into Nantes so we know of 16 taken; I have another privateer which I hourly expect will bring in 2 or 3 more.— I have advice from my...
12464To Benjamin Franklin from James Mathews, 19 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Sir I have taken this oppertunity of wrighting These few lines to let you know the sewerahson [situation?] that i am in i belong to a meracahn ship belonging To the congres my ship left me behind i had the Misfortune of looseing my Cloathes the ship Left me at haver de grass and i went down to belone for to get a shipe and the comeserey Wou’ld not let...
12465To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Penet, 20 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Si jai tardé dinformer Son Exélance du malheur qui m’est Survenu dans le momen ou je devais my attendre le moins c’est que javois espoire de pouvoir remédier a une événement occationné par la mechansté et chalousie cruel de gens qui depuis que je Suis dans les affaires de L’amerique ont chergé a me nuire. Je representerés Seulement a votre Exelance que le...
12466From Benjamin Franklin to William Lee, 21 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copies: University of Virginia Library, Virginia Historical Society (two) I receiv’d the Letter you did me the Honor of writing to me the 7th. instt., inclosing a copy of an order of Congress with a copy of a Letter to you from Mr. Secretary Livingston, & informing me, that you had in consequence drawn on me for £46196..19 [ i.e. , 46,196 l.t. 19 s ] payle. to your order the 12th. April next....
12467To Benjamin Franklin from Deacon M. Auer, with Franklin’s Note for a Reply, 21 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Rien n’est plus genereux, que l’Action, que Vous venez de faire, Monseigneur! La pauvre Veuve Hoeklin se croit heureuse. Elle a reçu un Billet que Son Excellence, Votre Beaufils aye accepté 200 Pound de Mons. Schneider a Germantown. Mons. Richard Bache a ecrit lui meme. Mais a cette heure nous sommes en peine. Permettez donc, je Vous supplie, de Vous...
12468To Benjamin Franklin from [Christophe-Claire] Danyel de Kervégan et al., 21 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Le Régisseur des Octrois de cette Ville veut contraindre les Négocians de L’amérique Septentrionale établis à Nantes, à lui payer, sur les Tabacs qui leur sont adressés vingt sols par quintal comme droguerie , au lieu de trois sols par fardeau de 150 livres pesant comme marchandise prohibée; Il s’est élevé un procès à ce sujet, parcequ’il se trouve une...
12469To Benjamin Franklin from Soulavie, 21 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library J’ai Lu avec un plaisir extreme vos raisonnemens très profonds qui caracterisent le Beau genie de leur auteur et à moins que je ne reçoive des ordres contraires, je me ferai un grand honneur de les inserer dans mon tome 5 qui S’imprime, avec les Memoires que Vous M’avez promis de me renvoyer, & qui ont besoin d’etre corrigés. Alors Mon Volume aura un...
12470To Benjamin Franklin from Williams, Moore & Co., 21 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : University of Pennsylvania Library Nous avons l’honneur de vous remettre cy joint les procédures des mis en Regle par L’amirauté de Vannes, ausy que La Reconnoissance de Monr Le Commandant de nôtre port des prisonniers que nous lui avons Livrés. Nous Sommes avec Respect Monsieur Vos trés humbles & trés obeissants Serviteurs Endorsed: Williams & Moore 21. Octr. 1782. Signed by James Moore....
12471To Benjamin Franklin from Jacques-François Crespin, 22 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
L : American Philosophical Society Votre reponse du douze aoust 1781 dont vous avez honoré M Epidorge faisoit beaucoup ésperer aux pauvres infortunés du corsaire La revange commandé par le capitaine coningham d’une prompte recette de leurs dû, mais dépuis n’en ayant recu aucune nouvelle cela leur fait perdre toute esperance. Il est bien douloureux pour des pauvres gens qui ne possedent au...
12472To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 23 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania I was much obliged by the honour of your Excellency’s favour of the 25th: of last Month which did not arrive until the 9th. Currant. I feel myself much indebted to you My Dr: Sir for the kind interest you have taken in my affairs in No: Carolina: I fancy nothing will now be done until a Peace is made, which is not far off. On this Account I now beg...
12473To Benjamin Franklin from Thomas Townshend, 23 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Two copies and draft: Public Record Office; copies: Library of Congress, William L. Clements Library As Mr. Strachey is going from hence to Paris with some particulars for Mr Oswald, which were not to be easily explained in Writing, I take the liberty of introducing him to your acquaintance, though I am not sure, that he is not already a little known to you. The confidential Situation in which...
12474To Benjamin Franklin from Gérard de Rayneval, [before 24 October 1782] (Franklin Papers)
Partial AL : Library of Congress … [sous] les yeux de M. le Cte. de Vergennes. Je desirerois fort, Monsieur, davoir un entretien avec vous et M. Jay, et vous m’obligeriez si vous vouliez me recevoir et me donner à diner avec lui jeudy prochain. J’attendrai votre réponse. J’ai l’honneur dêtre avec un On Oct. 24, a Thursday, Jay dined with BF at Passy and was surprised to find Rayneval there....
12475To Benjamin Franklin from Jean de Neufville & fils, 24 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Not being honour’d with any of yr. Excellency’s Letters since the 1st. of July when we dated our last respects to you, the Subject of the present will be only on 4 small Continental bills remitted us here by our friend Wm. Foster Esqr. of Boston and Wch our Banker Sir John Lambert return’d us for want of their being endorss’d by R R Livingston Esqr. to...
12476To Benjamin Franklin from Edward Bridgen, 25 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Two days ago I troubled your Excellency with my proposals abt. the Copper thro: the hands of Mr Hamilton requesting that they might be forwarded by the first good opportunity since which I have consulted with a friend who advises that they lay by in your hands before they are sent as being premature and if taken may lead the proposers into difficulties....
12477To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 26 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The other day Sally and myself had the pleasure of writing you per packet— I have only to add that we continue in good Health, and in the enjoyment of many Blessings—you have our best Love & Affections, & constant Wishes & Prayers for your health & Happiness— I am ever Dear Sir Your dutiful & Affectionate Son Addressed: His Excellency / Dr. Benjamin...
12478To Benjamin Franklin from John Davies and David Gavin, 26 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library It is with much concern that we find ourselves reduced to the necessity of beging leave to lay before your Excellency the real state of our situation; which is that of being private Citizens and subjects of Great Britain, taken prisoners at Sea on Board the Snow Industery John Brown master, on our passage from the Island of Antigua to Britain, by the...
12479To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Johnson, 26 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Sometime since by request of Capt: William Gray late of the Amazon, a prisoner of mine, I wrote Mr: Barclay to Know whether Capt: Gray could have his parole to go to England. Mr: Barclay Returned me for answer that it lay with your Excellency, but he did not doubt that it would be effected by writing to you. If your Excellency would be Kind as to permit...
12480To Benjamin Franklin from James Jay, 27 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania The restriction I was subjected to by my parole,—not go to France—, determined me not even to write to any person in that kingdom, till I should be exchanged. The officiousness however of some persons in London, in converting me into a Messenger of peace from Congress, inclined me, for very obvious reasons, to break through the restraint I had imposed...
12481To Benjamin Franklin from Robert Morris, 27 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Yale University Library, American Philosophical Society; copy: Library of Congress I do myself the Honor to enclose the Copy of a Paper transmitted to me by the Governor of Virginia. The Cloathing there mentioned is a Part of those Supplies for the State of Virginia which the Court of France have charged to the United States. You will recollect the...
12482To Benjamin Franklin from Ezekiel Edwards, 28 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Sometime to morrow Morning I expect to set off for Nantes, and will have the pleasure to wait on your Excellency for any dispatches you may wish to Have forwarded— There is a Schooner at that place ready for Sea with the first wind, bound to Virginia— I am most respectfully Your Excellency’s Obedt. Hhble. Servt. A Philadelphia merchant who was a...
12483To Benjamin Franklin from David Hartley, 29 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I am very sorry to hear of your illness, but I hope that one of your Complaints the Gout will after you have paid off the Score give you a renewed lease of health and strength. As to the Gravel I presume you know very well that the Sope boiler’s ley (wch must be nearly the same in all Countries) is a specific. It is so likewise for the Stone but that is a very...
12484To Benjamin Franklin from James Pearce, 29 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I call’d on Mrs Stevenson and Mrs. Hewson at Kensington this Day— Mrs. Stevenson is in so poor a way that they dont think she will live long. Mrs. Hewson informed me that you had been so kind as to enquire after me in the last letter that she received from you— I am very sorry to send you the melancholy news of my Dear Wife’s Death. She died 22 Oct 1781 and...
12485To Benjamin Franklin from John Barry, 31 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania; copy: Library of Congress Having nothing to Communicate to your Excellency of any consequence but my Arrival here, and that Mr. Barclay promised me he would anounce— I therefore thought it would be only Troubling your Excellency to write, as I was at that time in Expectation of being to Sea before an Answer Could Come from Paris— some Necessaries being...
12486To Benjamin Franklin from Maxwell Garthshore, 31 October 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania Having formerly the honour to be a little known to you, I presume to address you in the Cause of Humanity.— The eldest Son & Heir of the late Mr. Pollhill Member for Southwark, who had the honour to be known to you, is with His Lady now in this Hotel, on His way to Nice, for the recovery of His Health, which the Climate of Paris seems very unfavourable...
12487To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 1 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): Massachusetts Historical Society John Adams arrived in Paris on the evening of Saturday, October 26, after a ten-day journey from The Hague. The first person he sought out the following morning was Matthew Ridley. Ridley gave him general information on the state of the negotiations, and filled him in on Franklin’s health: the Doctor was still weak and had ceased his custom of...
12488To Benjamin Franklin from Cuming & Macarty, 1 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society We are honour’d with your Letter of 26th. October Covering Mr. Hodgsons Letter and Captn. Houstons Bill on us for Ten Guineas.— We shall procure the information Mr. Hodgson desires, for the next post.— We return you Captn. Houstons Bill accepted by us payable at Mr. Vincens Banquer in Paris.— Captns. Cain and Josiah are out of Town but shall deliver your...
12489To Benjamin Franklin from Jonathan Williams, Jr., 1 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : University of Pennsylvania Library I arrived here last evening, with Mrs Williams, she is not well enough to be left immediately or I should have paid my Duty to you in Person. I beg Billy will let me know by a Line how you are, & I hope in a few days to be able to see you, in the mean time I remain as ever Your dutifull & affectionate Kinsman Addressed: A monsieur / Monsieur Franklin /...
12490Philip Mazzei to the American Peace Commissioners, 2 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Historical Society of Pennsylvania What I am going to mention to your Excellencies will, I hope, apologize for the liberty I take of addressing myself to you. In January 79. I was appointed by the Government of Virginia to go to Europe to transact there some business of importance for the State. I was taken prisoner in coming, & did not recover my liberty ’till Novr. the same year. I...
12491To Benjamin Franklin from Francis Dana, 22 October [i.e., 2 November] 1782 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Massachusetts Historical Society As it may be proper you shou’d be acquainted with the contents of the enclosed letter to Mr: Morris, I take the liberty to send it to you open, and to request you, after you have read it, to close it and to forward it by the earliest opportunity. I am, Sir, with much respect and esteem, your most obedient humble Servant A letterbook copy in Dana’s hand....
12492Preliminary Articles of Peace: Second Draft Treaty, [4–7 November 1782] (Franklin Papers)
D and copy: Massachusetts Historical Society; two D and copy: Public Record Office; transcript: National Archives As new American and British negotiators were converging on Paris, Franklin’s isolation in Passy posed certain inconveniences. John Adams arrived on October 26 but, as he initially refused to call on Franklin, the latter was evidently unaware of his arrival until Matthew Ridley...
12493From Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Townshend, 4 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Public Record Office; copies: Library of Congress (three), Public Record Office (three), William L. Clements Library, Massachusetts Historical Society I received the Letter you did me the honour of writing to me by Mr Strachey, and am much pleas’d with the Opportunity it has given me of renewing and encreasing my Acquaintance with a Gentleman of so amiable and deserving a Character. I...
12494Richard Oswald to the American Peace Commissioners, 4 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and five copies: Public Record Office; LS : Massachusetts Historical Society; copies: William L. Clements Library (two), Library of Congress, National Archives (two), North Carolina State Division of Archives and History; press copy of copy: Library of Congress; transcript: National Archives You may remember that from the very beginning of our Negotiation for Settling a Peace between Great...
12495Henry Strachey to the American Peace Commissioners, 5 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft) and three copies: Public Record Office; copies: William L. Clements Library, Library of Congress (two), Massachusetts Historical Society (two) Knowing the Expectation of the King’s Ministers, that a full Indemnity shall be provided for the whole Body of Refugees, either by a Restitution of their Property, or by some stipulated Compensation for their Losses, and being confident, as...
12496To Benjamin Franklin from the Marquis de Ségur, 5 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress M de Ségur a L’honneur de faire à Monsieur franklin ses Remerciments du soin quil a bien voulu prendre de Lui faire adresser Les depeches de L’amerique septle. qui lui sont parvenues pour Lui; il le prie en même tems dagréer ses sinceres Compliments./. These had been brought by Capt. Joshua Barney of the packet General Washington; he arrived in Paris on Nov. 5: Barney...
12497To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Vaughan, [5 November 1782 or later?] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Library of Congress I find that I can go off with convenience very early on Thursday morning; and therefore if agreeable, should wish you to give me your letter for Mr: T: T: tomorrow evening , as it may furnish with me with a probable occasion of speaking to that gentleman about certain affairs. Mr: H:’s letter may come under cover to me by a courier.— The very moment a certain event...
12498The American Peace Commissioners to Henry Strachey, 6 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS and three copies: Public Record Office; copies: National Archives (three), Library of Congress (three), Massachusetts Historical Society, William L. Clements Library; transcript: National Archives We have been honoured with your Favor of the 5th. Instant, and as our Answer to a Letter We recieved from Mr. Oswald on the same subject contains our unanimous Sentiments respecting it, We take...
12499From Benjamin Franklin to Vergennes, 6 November 1782 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; AL (draft): Library of Congress I wonder much that your Excellency has received no Letters by our Packet Boat. There were some for M. De Castries & M. de Segur. I enclose what News I have which is not in the News papers. Those will have informed you of the Unhappy Loss of the Eagle, and saving of the Money &ca. I am with great Respect Sir,...
12500To Benjamin Franklin from Joshua Barney, October [i.e., 6 November] 1782 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Capn. Barney has the honor of assuring his Excelly. Doctr. Franklin of his most respectfull Comps. & wth. pleasure accepts his polite invitation to dinner on Saturday next Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Le Doctr. Franklin / ministre Plenipotentiare / des Etats Units de / L’Amerique en / son hotel / a Passy The day after Barney arrived in Paris with...